Cross-Atlantic Knowledge Exchange: Strategies for Stronger Community Engagement

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Includes a Live Web Event on 09/29/2026 at 10:00 AM (EDT)

Community engagement is becoming an increasingly important part of destination leadership. Across North America and Europe, destination organizations are finding new ways to build trust, strengthen relationships with residents and partners, and align tourism with community priorities.

Join us for the next Cross-Atlantic Knowledge Exchange as we explore practical approaches to community engagement through the lens of The Destination Professional's Guide to Community Engagement. Hear from destination leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, including Karen Mitchell, CDME with Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. in Ontario, Canada, Tony Snell Rodriguez with Visit Milwaukee and Christine Roche with Fáilte Ireland, as they share real-world initiatives, lessons learned and actionable ideas you can adapt in your own destination.

Designed as an interactive conversation, this session will include opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from peers on both sides of the Atlantic. Whether you're launching new community engagement efforts or building on existing initiatives, you'll leave with practical inspiration and new perspectives from destinations around the world.

Alyssa Poulin

Director of Content Development

Destinations International

As the Director of Content Development at Destinations International, Alyssa Poulin leads the charge in crafting compelling narratives that elevate the role of destination organizations and their impact on communities. With over twelve years of experience in the travel industry, Alyssa shapes content strategy, curates thought leadership, and transforms complex industry insights into accessible, engaging resources for destination professionals worldwide.

Jane Cunningham (Moderator)

Director of European Engagement

Destinations International

Tony Snell Rodriguez

Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion

Visit Milwaukee

Karen Mitchell, CDME

Senior Project Manager

Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. (RTO4)

Karen has worked at Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. for over a decade; a tourism destination development incubator for the region with a focus on growing destinations by creating strong and sustainable destination networks.

Skilled in destination development and tourism product development, Karen works closely with tourism organizations to enhance the tourism destination by executing projects in Elora & Fergus such as the launch of the Craft Gin Trail in 2022, that foster collaboration, build relationships, improve the tourism product, expand the network and market the destination.

Having completed a Graduate Certificate in Tourism Management through Royal Roads University, Karen recently completed her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) certification through Destinations International and looks forward to using her strong organizational, analytical and communication skills to grow tourism in the region.