The Vermont visitor economy has a $4.2 billion annual economic impact and employs 9% of the Vermont workforce. You’re invited to join tourism and hospitality industry leaders at the State House to engage with legislators and raise awareness of the collective contributions of these industries to the Vermont economy.

WHY ATTEND

  • Be in the room as key conversations shaping Vermont’s economy take place.
  • Connect with your legislators and share your real world perspective.
  • Support industry leaders delivering testimony and remarks on behalf of Vermont’s tourism economy.
  • Show up for your industry. Your presence reinforces the collective impact.

VOICES YOU’LL HEAR

  • Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers
  • Representative Abbey Duke
  • Commissioner Heather Pelham
  • Ted Lawson, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
  • Molly Mahar, Ski Vermont
  • Brian Maggiotto, Vermont Lodging Association/Inn at Manchester
  • Brett McManus, Après Inn
  • Amy Spear, Vermont Chamber
  • Eric Warnstedt, Hen of the Wood, Doc Ponds, Prohibition Pig, Gallus
  • Steve Wright, Jay Peak
Register Here

WHEN?

Thursday, April 16, 2026

WHERE?

Vermont State House, 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633

WHAT TIME?

8:00 AM – 1:30 PM

  • 8:00am – 9:00am:  Governor Phil Scott’s Coffee Hour (Governor’s Ceremonial Office, open to all)
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: Joint Hearing of Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs and House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (Room 11)
  • 10:00am – 10:45am: Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Presentation, Commissioner Heather Pelham (Room 11)
  • 10:45am – 11:15am: Conversation with Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers (Room11)
  • 11:30am-  12:00pm: Tourism Day Remarks (Cedar Creek Room)
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch in the State House cafeteria or in downtown Montpelier.  on your own and connecting with your legislators. We encourage you to connect with your legislators and let them know you will be at the State House. Click here to find your legislator. 
  • 1:00pm: Acknowledgement of the Tourism Industry’s impact on the VT economy (House Floor)

State House Floor Maps

FAQ

Have a question about participating in Tourism Economy Day at the State House? Before you arrive, check out the answers to this list of frequently asked questions:

Events are taking place throughout the day and you are welcome to attend any, or all, of them. We especially encourage you to attend the hearing and the reception with legislators to ensure the full force of the industry is represented.

Tourism Economy Day at the State House is packed with options for partners to participate.

  • Attend the Joint Hearing – Support industry leaders who will be testifying before the House Commerce and Community Development Committee and Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee.
  • Attend House and/or Senate Floor Sessions – Gallery seating is available in the chamber of the House of Representatives and Senate. 
  • Visit Your Legislators – Partners are encouraged to connect and schedule meetings with your local legislators throughout the day. Please see “How do I schedule time with my legislators?” below for more information.

There is on-street metered parking within the Capitol District. Paid parking is also available throughout downtown Montpelier, just a few blocks away.

Parking spaces near the State House tend to fill up early in the day. Free parking is offered in a nearby lot at the Vermont Department of Labor (5 Green Mountain Drive). Service between Department of Labor Park and Ride and the Capitol District is available via MyRide by GMT (GMT strongly recommends pre booking your ride via the MyRide by GMT app (The MyRide by GMT app is available for download at the Apple Store and Google Play Store) or by calling 802-540-2468). For more information visit Green Mountain Transit.

  1. Find the legislative districts you are located in here, if needed.
  2. Contact your legislators’ offices by email or phone to let them know that you will be attending Tourism Economy Day on April 16, 2026 and would like to meet with them during lunch or the reception.
  3. Having trouble finding their contact information? Contact the Sergeant at Arms’ office at 802-828-2228 or sgtatarms@leg.state.vt.us.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Jeff Wise, Senior Director of Programming.