UPCOMING EVENT
Shaping CT's Future: Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality
Exploring New Possibilities for Travel, Tourism, and Regional Collaboration.
February 20, 2026 | 1:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338
Shaping is bringing New England’s leaders, creators, tourism partners, and the business community together to rethink how we tell our region’s story; not from a boardroom, but from the ground, experiencing it through the eyes of our guests.
Because before we can ask anyone to visit our six states, we have to remember that we’re tourists, too.
We are the ones who can move from ocean cliffs to mountain peaks, from historic towns to global universities, from wilderness to world-class dining — all within a few hours.
Very few regions on Earth pack this much culture, nature, adventure, and character into such an effortless footprint.
And yet, we’ve never told that story together.
This initiative isn’t just about strategy; it’s about mindset. It’s about switching from “How do we drive tourism?” to “How do we live it?” It’s about leaders being explorers and advocates, acting like curious first-timers.
We’re exploring what becomes possible when our states and sectors collaborate with intention: shared regional storytelling, cross-border itineraries, coordinated seasonal strategy, and a stronger, louder, more confident presence on the national and global stage.
New England has always been extraordinary. Now, we have a chance to shape its story, together.
Reserve your spot
Check back soon—new speakers, showcases, and sponsors will be revealed as we build toward February.
Welcome Speakers
Stay tuned for more bold founders, game-changing innovators, and entrepreneurial leaders taking the stage.
We’re not just exploring today’s business landscape—we’re spotlighting the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. Step into the future. Make your mark.
BJ Kito
President of Rebellion Group
Jim Altman
Television Journalist, FOX61
Brian Shactman
Brian & Company, WTIC 1080
Erin Stewart
Mayor, City of New Britain
Speakers
Andy Pforzheimer
Founder & CEO, Bartaco
Michele Goldberg
Vice President of Marketing, Explore Western Mass
Joe Wilson, Jr.
Director, Department of Art, Culture and Tourism City of Providence
Paul Dionne
Vice President of Marketing, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Ben VanCamp
Chief Collaborator & President, The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth
Stephanie Abrams
President & CEO, New England Air Museum
Jim Wharton
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Jimmy Burchfield, Jr.
COO, Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.
Michael Jones
Chief Executive Officer, New HVN LLC
Michael Purcaro
Chief of Government Administration, Foxwoods Resort Casino
Rory McGloin
Founder & President, RPM Communication Consulting
Michele Roux
Chief Operating Officer, Hartford Athletic
Richard Graziano
Vice President & General Manager, Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., WTNH-TV, WCTX-TV
Tim Restall
President, Hartford Yard Goats Baseball
Jeff Roy
Co-Owner, Sound Coffee
Heather Cavanagh
President & CEO, Stamford Chamber of Commerce
Dan Bubniak
Certified EOS Implementer, EOS Worldwide
Sophia Matsas
Vice President Marketing & Communications, Mystic Seaport Museum
Bruce Flax
President, The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Erik Hansen
Vice President of Business Operations, Hartford Wolf Pack
George Stella
Founder & CEO, BIGtoken
Paddi LeShane
Chief Executive Officer, Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, LLC
Sean Nadeau
Vice President, Marketing & Digital Experience, Connecticut Science Center
George Frantzis
Co-Owner, Quassy Amusement Park
Rebecca Todd
Executive Director, Connecticut River Conservancy
John Lyman III
Executive Vice President, Lyman Orchards
David Griggs
President & CEO, MetroHartford Alliance
Steve McLoughlin
Chief Marketing Officer, LUXY Ride
Danielle Scolpino
Associate Director of Operations, Tauck
Vincent Errichetti
Owner, Taste of Massachusetts
Britany Robinson
Editor of Connecticut Woodlands Magazine, Connecticut Forest & Park Association
Garrett Sheehan
President & CEO, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
Sean Hayes
President & CEO, Brownstone Adventure Sports Park & Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort
Kim Knox Beckius
Travel & Branded Content Editor, Yankee Magazine
John O'Shaughnessy
President, The Spa at Norwich Inn
Chris Chiappa
Executive Director of Business Operations & Development, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Yetta Augur
President, Cheshire-Prospect Regional Chamber Of Commerce
James Ward
Chief Explorations Officer, Rewild Safaris
Benjamin Mackey
General Manager, Lake of Isles
Bob Murdock
President / Director of National Accounts, Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau
Paul Mayer
Vice President, Marketing and Communications, DATTCO, INC
Scott Dolch
President & CEO, Connecticut Restaurant Association
Jeffrey Lizotte
Owner, The Foundry
Kimberly Gagliardo
Executive Director of Spas, The Spa at Norwich Inn
Michael Harris
Executive Director, Visit New Haven
Mike Smarz
Mike Smarz Ski Patrol Director, Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
Kay Walten
Founder, Smart Pineapple
Erin Kirk
Cannabis Ombudsman Cannabis Ombudsman, State of Connecticut
Innovation Showcase
Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.
Take a look at our sponsors
Our current sponsors have been instrumental in making our events possible, providing the support needed to bring together influential leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers. Their commitment not only enhances our gatherings but also underscores their dedication to fostering progress and driving Connecticut forward.
Watch to see what is in store for Shaping CT’s Future 2025
Past events
Shaping CT’s Future: Drive to ‘35
November 19, 2025 | 1:00 - 6:00 PMLocation: 375 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902If you were to look 10 years into the future, what does the state of Connecticut look like? Are we leading in clean energy? Scaling biotech breakthroughs? Building AI-driven businesses?...
Shaping CT’s Future: Entrepreneurship & Leadership
August 20, 2025 | 2:00 - 6:00 PMLocation: Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103Entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about forging a path, solving real problems, and leading others through uncertainty. This Shaping CT’s...
Shaping CT’s Future: Sports & Entertainment
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location: Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338From Walter Camp revolutionizing football to the invention of the Wiffle Ball, Connecticut has always been a game-changer in sports. But what’s...