Dispatch from the 2025 NETtra Conference: “Connecting Through Tourism” in Meredith, NH
November 10, 2025
In early October, NERCRD Associate Director Stephen Alessi and Communications Specialist Kristen Devlin joined colleagues from across the country in Meredith, New Hampshire, for the 2025 NETtra conference — a first-time collaboration between the National Extension Tourism Network (NET) and the Northeast Travel and Tourism Research Association (NETTRA).
The conference was hosted by University of New Hampshire Extension, with UNH Extension State Specialist Jada Lindblom serving as Conference Chair. It convened more than 100 researchers, educators, and practitioners around the theme, “Connecting Through Tourism.” Between numerous networking meals, four mobile workshops, five panel discussions, 18 presentation sessions, and a poster session, the event provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect — with colleagues, with content, and with the New Hampshire tourism experience.
The conference sessions reflected the diverse backgrounds of attendees. For example, titles included “After-Dark Tourism: An Examination of Attitudes, Trends, and Revenue Potential” and “Building a Regional DMO from the Ground Up in Rural New Hampshire.” At the same time, Extension, agritourism, and outdoor recreation were well-represented, reflecting the prominent role these topics play in tourism-related Extension programming.
Five panel discussions explored issues in tourism at the local and global scales, and provided insights on group tourism, effective collaborations for stronger destinations, and key ingredients for ensuring happy visitors.
As a longtime partner with NET, and a sponsor of this year’s NETtra conference, NERCRD was very pleased with the event and valued the opportunity to connect with stakeholders in person. Congratulations to the conference organizers on a successful, engaging, and well-organized event!