Paula Apro
2024 Hall of Fame Award:
Don Kleiner, Maine Outdoors
Don Kleiner is a Master Maine Guide who has been creating delightful outdoor memories for clients for over 38 years. Maine Outdoors has been incorporated in Union since 1987. Offering guided fishing and canoe trips in the area for primarily families and beginners. He formerly guided upland bird hunters out of Libby Camps in T8R9 (about 35 miles north of Baxter Park in the North Maine Woods) for twenty years.
Don is also the former executive director of the Maine Professional Guides Association performing a variety of duties for the organization including representing them in front of the Maine Legislature and state agencies. Having the opportunity to influence state policy in arenas important to the outdoor recreation industry was a great pleasure and responsibility.
Don served as the Director of Information and Education at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for four years. While there he was presented the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Ernest Thompson Seton Award as the individual deemed most responsible for its program that best promoted a public awareness of the need to support the science and practice of fish and wildlife management. Don twice received an Outstanding Service Award from the Maine Professional Guides Association.
Don has been part of many conservation and education organizations including the Maine Conservation School and the Ruffed Grouse Society. He recently completed his second term on the Land For Maine's Future Board.
Don currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maine Tourism Association and in the past has been the board vice chair, chair and treasurer.
Don is also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain who has a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science and has spent a lifetime learning outdoors.
Meet our Guest Speakers:
Morning Workshop (10:15AM - 11:15AM): Build Your Internship
The right internship can create a lasting connection between businesses and their future employees. Through a hands-on and guided experience, interns learn what you as an employer are really looking for from your workforce. At this year’s MTA Annual Meeting, take part in our first Build Your Internship Workshop, where members of the workforce development team will help you outline and integrate your own internships for high schoolers, college students, and beyond.
Breakout #1 (1:15PM - 2:30PM): AI: Your New Travel Companion
Discover how ChatGPT can help you develop marketing strategies that increase revenue while decreasing in-house effort with Elizabeth’s insights on enhancing customer engagement through AI. Then, dive into its daily practical applications with Jessica and learn how to increase your productivity and your internal capacity by crafting engaging content, managing ongoing outreach, and providing personalized service.
Breakout #2 (2:30PM - 3:45PM): Adapting to Change: Building Resilience in the Face of Maine's Shifting Climate
Join us as we hear from industry leaders across the state as they discuss Maine’s shifting climate. Each panelist will provide valuable insight on their initiatives focused on climate change and address emerging challenges and opportunities the industry faces. This panel will offer valuable resources for both beginners as well as seasoned experts to navigate Maine's changing climate with confidence.
Want to stay in Portland the night before?
Book your stay with the Clarion Hotel before April 29th and get a room for only $99!
Call (207) 774-5611 and mention the Maine Tourism Association's Annual Meeting
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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