Speaker

Dylan Gamez

Dylan Gamez

Marketing & Public Relations Director, Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora and The Hacienda in New Port Richey; Vice President of New Port Richey Main Street; VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Committee

Orlando, Florida, United States

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Dylan Gamez is the Marketing and Public Relations Director for The Hacienda in New Port Richey and Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora- built in 1927 and 1883 respectively. Dylan started her career in hospitality at Walt Disney World while finishing her degree in Broadcast Journalism at UCF. Dylan splits her time between Mount Dora and New Port Richey, but reside in Fruitland Park with her husband, Barrett and their three dogs and two cats. Dylan is currently on the Marketing Committee for VISITFLORIDA, Vice President of New Port Richey Main Street and deeply involved with Florida’s Sports Coast- Pasco’s Tourism Board, Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations and nonprofits. Dylan was recently named one of the 50 Most Dynamic Women in the Tampa Bay Area by the Laker-Lutz News and won an award from the Secretary of State for a marketing video she produced for New Port Richey Main Street. She most recently was a speaker at the VISIT FLORIDA Conference on Tourism.

Area of Expertise

  • Arts
  • Business & Management
  • Media & Information
  • Travel & Tourism

Topics

  • Social Media
  • Content Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing & Strategy
  • Brand Marketing
  • Growth Marketing
  • Organizational Growth and Transformation
  • Preservation
  • Tourism Marketing
  • Hotel management
  • hotels
  • Historic hotels
  • Branding
  • brand strategy
  • Curated Luxury Boutique
  • Boutique hotels

Turn Ghosts Into Guests: Using Local Lore to Drive Tourism

Today’s travelers are seeking more than places to stay. They want stories worth sharing. This session explores how destinations, historic hotels, Main Street districts, and attractions can turn authentic local lore into powerful tourism drivers.

From legends and notable past guests to quirky history, hidden landmarks, and community folklore, attendees will learn how to transform underused stories into social media campaigns, earned media opportunities, themed events, walking tours, and overnight visitation.

Using real-world Florida examples, this session highlights how storytelling can strengthen destination identity, increase engagement, extend visitor stays, and inspire repeat travel without requiring large marketing budgets.

Perfect for DMOs, lodging partners, downtown organizations, museums, and attractions looking to stand out in a crowded travel market.

Social Media Magic: Turning Florida’s Historic Gems into Digital Gold

In a fast-paced, visual-driven world, social media marketing is crucial for drawing travelers to Florida’s historic treasures. This session will uncover how to make history trend by blending nostalgia with modern storytelling. From viral challenges to Instagrammable moments, learn how to keep your heritage brand relevant and captivating.

Small Brand, Big Buzz: Turning Creative Social Media into Tourism Demand

n today’s crowded digital landscape, small destinations and independent properties often feel outmatched by larger brands with bigger budgets. But what if creativity, not cash, was the true competitive advantage?

This session explores how outside the box social media strategies can transform small brands into powerful drivers of travel demand. Through real world examples, attendees will learn how to create scroll stopping content that captures attention, sparks curiosity, and converts into visitation.

From unexpected storytelling to strategic partnerships with organizations like VISIT FLORIDA, this presentation breaks down how to move beyond traditional marketing and create content that inspires travelers to explore, stay longer, and engage more deeply with a destination.

Main Street Magic: Small Businesses, Big Tourism Impact

Great destinations are not built by a single business. They are built through collaboration.

In this engaging session, Dylan Gamez and Nathan Ward explore how small businesses, Main Street programs, and tourism organizations work together to create a cohesive, compelling destination that drives visitation and economic growth.

Using downtown New Port Richey as a case study, this session highlights how partnerships with New Port Richey Main Street, VISIT FLORIDA, and Florida’s Sports Coast help align messaging, activate events, and elevate the visitor experience across an entire district.

This session highlights how local businesses, Main Street programs, and destination marketing organizations can work in sync to create a seamless visitor journey from inspiration to arrival.

Heritage & Hospitality: Marketing Historic Gems for Modern Tourism

Florida’s rich history and iconic architecture are key assets in the state’s tourism landscape. This session will explore how historic hotels and downtown districts can thrive in a competitive market by blending nostalgia with modern guest experiences.

Dylan Gamez

Marketing & Public Relations Director, Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora and The Hacienda in New Port Richey; Vice President of New Port Richey Main Street; VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Committee

Orlando, Florida, United States

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