U.S. Civil Rights Trail Connectivity Conference
In Partnership with Memphis Tourism
Join Us for the 3rd Annual USCRT Connectivity Conference, October 26-28, 2026, Memphis, Tennessee
The inaugural USCRT Connectivity Conference in October 2024 brought together 100+ tourism professionals from eight states to experience the powerful civil rights heritage of Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. Through immersive storytelling, living history, historic churches, and expert-led tours, participants engaged with best-in-class experiences that inspired new ideas for enhancing Civil Rights tourism across the United States.
On October 26-28, 2026, we invite tourism development professionals, legislators, and civil rights site administrators to continue the journey in Memphis, Tennessee. This year’s conference will focus on strengthening connections, expanding the impact of the Civil Rights Trail, and shaping the future of our shared mission. Together, we will explore ways to:
- Foster increased collaboration among civil rights sites, states, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs).
- Highlight and promote the economic impact of Civil Rights Trail visitation.
- Drive greater awareness and engagement with civil rights destinations.
- Develop strategies to measure and increase visitation.
- Share resources and tools to support cross-promotion among sites.
- Expand organizational capacity and strengthen partnerships.
- Connect sites with resources such as toolkits, guides, and storytellers.
We look forward to your participation as we work to elevate civil rights tourism and ensure its enduring impact.
COSTS:
$695 per person plus travel expenses
Early-bird registration ends September 28th
BENEFITS:
Educational meeting, networking, and workshops
Discounted hotel rate at the Hyatt Centric – $199 plus tax
2 breakfast/1 lunch/2 dinners + coffee breaks
Connectivity Tours & Keynote Speakers
Transportation from the host hotel to the venues
REGISTRATION: If you have not received your registration link, please email Angelica De Stefano, [email protected].
HOTEL:
Hyatt Centric
Click here to make your reservation
33 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
$199, plus tax
The deadline to make hotel reservations at the Hyatt Centric Hotel is 5 p.m. EST on September 28, 2026.
In Partnership with
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors:
Connectivity Conference Schedule
October 26, 2026
Early Arrivals
Memphis, Tennessee
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Registration
Hyatt Centric Hotel
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Board of Directors Meeting
Hyatt Centric
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Dinner, featuring STAX Entertainment
Hyatt Centric Hotel
Open to All Delegates
October 27, 2026
8:00am
Transportation Departs
Hyatt Centric
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Continuing the Journey Connectivity Workshop
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
State of the Trail
Mark Ezell, Chairman, USCRT Marketing Alliance
Russ Wigginton, President & CEO, National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorrainee
8:45 am – 9:10 am
The Foundation is Real. What’s Next?
Michael Boulware Moore, Senior Advisor, U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance
9:15 am – 9:30 am
Mapping the Trail Experience
Esra Calvert, Esra Calvert Consulting, Senior Advisor, U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance
9:30 am – 10:15 am
Building Competitive Advantage in a Brutal Market
Moderator: Anasa Troutman – Clayborn Temple
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Break
10:45 am – 11:40 pm
From History to Journey: Storytelling, Stewardship, and the New Civil Rights Travel Experience
Panelists:
Tanner Latham, Producer, Ingredient
Brian Jewell, Editor, The Group Travel Leader
11:40 am – 12:10 pm
Growing the Trail Together
Taylor Rhodes, Luckie and Company
12:20 pm – 1:15 pm
The Road Ahead – Introduction of Civil Rights Connectivity Working Lunch: From Conversation to Action
Rita McClenney, President & CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation & U.S. Trail Marketing Alliance Executive Board
1:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Voices That Changed the World Tour
• STAX
• CLAYBORN TEMPLE & I AM A MAN PLAZA
• WITHERS COLLECTION
• BEALE STREET
• MASON TEMPLE
• DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. REFLECTION PARK
• R.S. LEWIS FUNERAL HOME
• Ending at the NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM AT THE LORRAINE MOTEL™
4:00 PM – 6:10 PM
National Civil Rights Museum Tour
National Civil Rights Museum
At 4:00 pm, we will arrive at the National Civil Rights Museum, delegates are welcome to experience the museum at their own pace – it is an easy walk back to the hotel at anytime, and we will hold one bus
6:15 pm – 6:45 pm
Reception
Legacy Experience Courtyard
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closing Dinner
National Civil Rights Museum – Banquet Hall in the Lorraine Building
October 28, 2026
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Connectivity Breakfast
11:00 AM
