Tourism & Hospitality Council: Inclusive Hospitality in Action: Celebrating Service, Awareness, and Community

Description

Join the Tourism and Hospitality Council on February 19, 2026, for a celebration of Hospitality Appreciation Month and a conversation in preparation for Autism Awareness Month this April. This panel features leaders from autism-certified businesses sharing how inclusive practices enhance guest experience, strengthen teams, and elevate the hospitality industry. 

Dave Chatterton, General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours and Attractions of St. Augustine

Dave Chatterton is the General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours and Attractions of St. Augustine. He began his hospitality career in St. Augustine in the early 1990's. In 2003 he joined Historic Tours of America, Old Town Trolley’s parent company, as Savannah's Operations Manager.

Dave considers St. Augustine, his hometown. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, he moved to St. Augustine at a young age. After his time in Savannah, he returned in 2007 to St. Augustine as Operations Manager for Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine, the Authentic Old Jail, the St. Augustine History Museum, the Oldest Store Museum Experience, and Potter’s Wax Museum.

Some of Dave’s civic involvement includes: Serving as a former Treasurer of the Executive Board of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the current Chairperson for the Tourism & Hospitality Council for the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the current Chairperson on the Hospitality and Advisory Board of Flagler College, Member of the Year 2013-2014 of the Chamber of Commerce, served as Treasurer and member of the Executive Board of the Visitor’s Convention Bureau and he was the former Director of the St. Augustine Easter Parade for the past 10 years.

Working with Old Town Trolley, there are many partnerships and initiatives that Dave is very proud of. Too many to name. Supporting an overarching mission of Historic Tours of America to support causes that support children and education, Dave is the co-founder of the Jailbreak 5k. In its first 6 years, the 5k has quickly become the fastest-growing 5k race in Northeast Florida. All proceeds from the race are donated to INK! Investing in Kids which provides innovative programs to promote academic success for St Johns County Public School System.

Additionally, Dave is the co-founder of the official St. Augustine Light Up the Night Display Contest. This contest provides the winners of the light display a monetary prize that includes a generous media package. The contest was put in place to encourage businesses to keep their lights up for the month of January to allow our residents and guests to enjoy the lights of St Augustine, helping to make our city one of the top 5 places to view holiday lights in the country, including the famous Nights of Lights Trolley tour.

Dave resides in St. Augustine, with his wife and two children and outside of business, enjoys time with his family most.

Meredith Tekin, President of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the certification provider for the Autism Certification Initiative.

Meredith Tekin is the president of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). After years working in healthcare, marketing, professional development and nonprofit spaces, she joined IBCCES to help further its mission of improving the lives of individuals with autism and cognitive differences. She has shared the impact of IBCCES’ work at many international and domestic industry conferences and is a key liaison for IBCCES partners. By providing training and certification to professionals in healthcare, education, hospitality/travel, recreation, public safety, and corporate spaces, the individuals and communities those professionals serve can thrive.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Gold Sponsor - $250

• Recognition as sponsor of 1 session
• Complimentary seat (1) at session
• Opportunity to offer promotional items/information to attendees
• Opportunity to address attendees and promote company (3 minutes)
• Post-event, receive a list of attendees with email addresses
• Name/logo recognition in promotional emails
• Logo and link on chamber website

Small Business Sponsorships – Business Builder, and Entrepreneur 

Silver Sponsor - $100

• Recognition as sponsor of 1 session
• Complimentary seats (2) at session
• Opportunity to address attendees and promote company (3 minutes)
• Name/logo recognition in promotional emails
• Logo and link on chamber website

The Tourism & Hospitality Council of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is committed to strengthening the local tourism and hospitality sector by enhancing the ability of businesses to provide exceptional service to visitors. The council serves as a resource for industry-specific training, professional development and educational opportunities, helping members stay informed on the latest trends and best practices through collaboration and shared expertise.