Open event for everyone interested in discussing collaboration between culture and tourism (mostly in icelandic)
Let’s expand the conversation and strengthen cooperation!

The Museum Studies Program at the University of Iceland, the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre (RMF), the Icelandic Museum Association (FÍSOS), the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður, and the Icelandic Travel Industry Association (SAF) are organizing the event Culture and Tourism in North Iceland – Open Workshop in Akureyri, which will take place on Thursday, May 7, from 10:00–15:00 at Lions Hall, Skipagata 14.

The event is open to all stakeholders in culture and tourism!

The goal is for the event to be both enjoyable and useful, with a focus on supporting and strengthening cooperation and dialogue between cultural and tourism stakeholders in North Iceland while promoting sustainable tourism development. We want to bring all relevant parties together in one place and start the conversation, as increased collaboration is especially important given that museum visits are the third most popular activity among tourists in Iceland, after geothermal pools and spas.

PROGRAM

9:30 – Doors open
10:00 – Opening remarks
One of the organizers, Guðrún Dröfn Whitehead, presents survey results

10:15–11:15 – Panel Discussion 1: Opportunities for Regional Collaboration
Each participant gives a 5-minute presentation, followed by discussion and audience questions.
Moderator: Jóhannes Þór Skúlason, Managing Director of the Icelandic Travel Industry Association

Participants:
Haraldur Þór, Director of the Akureyri Museum
Helga Nína Helgadóttir, Marketing Manager at SBA Norðurleið
Elías Bj. Gíslason, Development and Services Specialist at the Icelandic Tourist Board

11:15–12:15 – Panel Discussion 2: Challenges and Solutions
Each participant gives a 5-minute presentation, followed by discussion and audience questions.
Moderator: Steinunn María Sveinsdóttir, Director of the Icelandic Aviation Museum

Participants:
Aníta Elefsen, Director of the Herring Era Museum
Elín Aradóttir, Marketing and Destination Development at Visit North Iceland
Kristín Sóley Björnsdóttir, Event Manager at Menningarfélag Akureyrar
Þórgnýr Dýrfjörð, Director of Employment, Culture, and Marketing Affairs at Akureyri Municipality

12:15–13:00 – Lunch Break

13:00–14:00 – Cultural Institutions and Marketing
Practical lecture/workshop by Datera

14:00–15:00 – How Do We Strengthen the Conversation?
“Speed-dating” networking event led by Dagrún Ósk Jónsdóttir, folklorist, University of Iceland

The event is free of charge, but registration is requested here:
https://forms.gle/9qMpTxi6fhxNwSFm8