Join Maine’s public universities to learn about career paths in tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation (THOR). This event will help you connect student passions to the educational institutions that will lead to solid careers in Maine’s THOR sectors. We will share updates across the university system and THOR industries, so whether you attended our inaugural conference in 2023, or this will be your first time, we invite you to join us!
The 2025 Vacationland Conference will be held on Wednesday, June 4th from 8:30am to 4pm at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine in Orono.
This opportunity is extended to State of Maine school counselors and other education professionals related to the THOR disciplines. With funding from the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, we are excited to offer this opportunity at no cost to participants.
To register, please complete the Vacationland Conference 2025 School Counselor Registration Form.
The deadline to register is Wednesday, May 7.
Below you’ll find a draft of the day’s itinerary.
| 8:30-9am | Welcome Light breakfast and check-in |
| 9-9:30am | Opening Session Opening remarks from the THOR Institute, joined by Jeff McCabe from the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation |
| 9:30-10:40am | Spotlight on THOR at the University of Maine System Faculty and students from across the University of Maine System will discuss the variety of program opportunities that exist related to tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation – including the new THOR minor |
| 10:40-11am | Coffee Break Refreshments provided |
| 11am-12:30pm | Breakout Sessions Groups will rotate between the THOR ‘College and Career Fair’ and a presentation by Brian Threlkeld with Maine Outdoor Brands highlighting their new ‘Day in the Life’ short video series |
| 12:30-1:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:30-2:30pm | THOR Professional Panel We’ll be joined by various professionals in the THOR industries to learn about the work they do, the pathways that led them there, and what inspires them about their work. Panelists expected to include: Matt Polstein, New England Outdoor Center, LaRae Kinney, Ignite PI, Stephanie Clement, Friends of Acadia, Chiara Moriconi, Maine Office of Tourism, Jennifer Neptune, Registered Maine Guide, Tracy Willette, Bangor Parks and Recreation |
| 2:30-3:30pm | Let’s Get Out There! We’ll get outside to explore some tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation spots around campus. |
| 3:30-4pm | Concluding Session A reflection on the day and the future! |
If you have questions, please reach out to THOR Program Manager Emily Zider at emily.zider@maine.edu