UC Tourism Launches ‘Coffee with the Director’ Conversation Series

Published on May 26, 2026

Ulster County Tourism Launches ‘Coffee with the Director’ Community Conversation Series on May 27

New Initiative Invites Residents, Elected Officials, and Tourism Stakeholders to Shape the Future of Ulster County’s Visitor Economy

KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Tourism today announced the launch of Coffee with the Director, a new series of informal, in‑person gatherings bringing Tourism Director Lisa Berger to communities across the County. The initiative kicks off on Wednesday, May 27, and is designed to foster open dialogue with residents, business owners, local officials, and tourism stakeholders about the future of Ulster County’s visitor economy.

Each session will be held in a different municipality, giving residents and business owners the opportunity to discuss what is working well, what challenges they are facing, and what support they need to thrive. Whether you operate a bed-and-breakfast, work in hospitality, serve on a town board, farm the land, make things by hand, or simply care about the direction of your community, these conversations offer a direct opportunity to share ideas and experiences. The format is intentionally informal — a conversation over coffee, not a presentation or public hearing — ensuring that everyone at the table has an equal voice.

"Our tourism economy belongs to everyone — the business owners who show up every day, the residents who share their home with visitors, and the elected leaders who help shape how our communities grow,” said Director Lisa Berger. “I want to hear from all of them — not through a survey, not through a report, but in person, over coffee, in their own communities. That's what this series is about.”
“Tourism is one of Ulster County’s strongest economic engines, and it works best when the people that live and work here have the opportunity to shape our tourism strategy in meaningful ways,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I encourage residents, business owners, and local leaders to meet with Tourism Director Lisa Berger for coffee and share what you’re seeing on the ground and how we can make sure tourism delivers the kinds of benefits you want to see in your communities.”

Below is a list of the first five scheduled meetings:

• Wednesday, May 27: 8 AM – 9:30 AM, Underground Café, 74 Vineyard Ave., Highland
• Tuesday, June 2: 8 AM – 9:30 AM, The Big Cheese, 404 Main St., Rosendale
• Thursday, June 11: 8 AM – 9:30 AM, Brooklyn Sour, 2 Mohonk Rd., High Falls
• Friday, June 26: 8 AM – 9:30 AM, Fermata Café, 1313 Rt. 9W, Marlboro
• Wednesday, July 1: 8 AM – 9:30 AM, Bread Alone, 3962 Rt. 28, Boiceville

Ulster County’s tourism industry is shaped by the distinct character of each of its communities, from Kingston’s waterfront and dining scene to Woodstock’s vibrant arts, Marlboro’s orchards and vineyards, and beyond. County-level decision-making should reflect the perspectives of the people who live, work, and operate businesses in these places. Coffee with the Director is designed to help ensure that local insight informs Countywide strategy. Topics will be driven by participants and may include:

• Business conditions and challenges facing hospitality and tourism operators
• Gaps in county services, marketing support, or infrastructure
• Ideas for collaboration, programming, or resource-sharing
• Needs of small businesses and municipalities to stay competitive and grow
• How tourism growth can benefit — and be guided by — the broader community
• Longer-term priorities for sustainable tourism development

The gatherings are free, open to the public, and approximately 90 minutes in length. Elected officials, municipal staff, civic organizations, and community members are all encouraged to attend. Notes from each session will be compiled, and a Countywide summary of themes will be shared publicly at the conclusion of the series.

Additional dates, times, and locations for each gathering will be announced on VisitUlsterCountyNY.com. For more information, contact Kristin Shufeldt at (845) 340‑3566.