Risk Management – This session is designed to help planners and suppliers explore the different risks each side faces when negotiating business and planning an event. The content will focus on risk identification, risk avoidance, risk reduction, and risk transference. The discussion will also explore innovative applications and resources that help minimize risk. Group interaction is encouraged. Attendees will learn to identify and understand risk from the other side’s perspective; what risk management is reasonable verse overkill; what are “every day risks” compared to “crisis risks”; identify low and high risk activities; will build a list of resources to help with their own risk management issues.

As President & CEO, Evan Smith leads the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau in promoting Newport as a premiere destination for leisure and business travel. In Evan’s 19 years at the NCCVB, he has overseen all marketing initiatives to position Newport as an appealing destination. Looking forward, Evan is enthusiastic about uncovering new possibilities to promote the destination through innovative partnerships and creative packaging. During his 28-year career in travel and tourism, Smith has served in sales and marketing capacities for three hotels and an international tour operator. Additionally, Smith is an active member of numerous travel trade organizations including TIA and SATW. He is the founder of the New England Visitor Center Association.