Industry Leaders Prepare Hospitality Professionals for 2027 at Cobb Travel & Tourism’s Hospitality Outlook

Cobb County, Ga. – (August 24, 2026) – Cobb Travel & Tourism (CT&T) hosted its annual Hospitality Industry Outlook on Tuesday, August 18, in the Jim R. Rhoden Community Room at the CT&T office.

Sponsored by Georgia Power, the 2027 Cobb Hospitality Industry Outlook provided a comprehensive look at Cobb County’s hospitality market and the trends industry leaders and economic experts anticipate will influence the year ahead.

“Our goal is to help everyone involved in the hospitality and business industries plan confidently for the future,” said Holly Quinlan, President & CEO of Cobb Travel & Tourism. “This program brings together key hospitality drivers and economic experts to give a comprehensive, multi-perspective look at the opportunities that will shape Cobb County in 2027.”

Speakers at this event included:

• Danielle Appley-Epstein – Associate Market Manager, Expedia Group
• John Oliver – Senior Director of Accounts, Cvent Hospitality Cloud
• Amanda Seals – Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Roger Tutterow – Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University
• Panel discussion featuring experts on business travel trends, insights, and opportunities, including:
  • Rachel Carswell, Director, Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe
  • Luke DeRouen, Chief Communications Officer, Shake Shack
  • Dale Gustafson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Cobb Convention Center Atlanta
  • Allyson Wagner, Associate Director of Meetings + Events, Destination South Meetings + Experiences

Cobb Travel & Tourism was pleased to welcome members of Cobb County’s hospitality community to this annual event, offering valuable insights to help attendees plan for the year ahead while providing an opportunity for leaders to connect, strengthen partnerships, and support the continued growth of tourism in Cobb County.