Augusta — Members of Maine's largest industry will gather for the 2010 Governor's Conference on Tourism from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Augusta Civic Center.

"We know that 2009 was a challenging year for the tourism industry," said Pat Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism.

"We have reacted to those challenges with a more aggressive marketing campaign and we are ready to face the new decade as leaders in destination marketing. The Governor's Conference is an opportunity to share current information and trends."

The Office of Tourism will release its spring/summer advertising campaign at the conference and explain the new retail-based marketing strategy that has been implemented.

Conference workshops will cover timely topics including social-media marketing with a workshop presented by Rich Brooks, founder and president of flyte new media; and taking your Web site to the next level, presented by Ross Lasley, founder of The Internet Educator and publisher of "Web Enlightenment."

There will be two panel presentations offered at the conference.

The importance of working with international visitors will be presented by Sue Norrington-Davies of Discover New England, Julie Katz of TourMappers, Tina Hewett-Gordon from the Nonantum Resort, and John Nicolai from LuLu Lobster Boat Tours.

The second panel on enhancing the tourism experience by connecting with your downtown will be presented by Roxanne Eflin of the Maine Downtown Center, Shannon Haines of Waterville Main Street and Greg Paxton of Maine Preservation.

The conference will include a trade show, luncheon and recognition of the 2010 Maine Tourism Award winners.

"This annual conference is not only an opportunity for professional development, but a chance to celebrate the people and places of Maine that lend itself to our visitors' overall experience in our state," said Eltman.

Registration may be completed at mainetourismconference.com. Cost for the conference and lunch is $50 per person. For more information, call 207-623-4177.

The Governor's Conference on Tourism is a project of the Maine Office of Tourism, the Maine Tourism Commission and numerous sponsors.