AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Hundreds of members of Maine's tourism industry are gathering in Rockport for the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism.

Award-winning travel writer Doug Lanksy is the keynote speaker, and Gov. Paul LePage will talk about the importance of tourism to Maine's economy.

The conference provides a forum where people can learn about tourism trends, take part in educational sessions and network with fellow industry members. The theme of this year's conference is "Innovate and Differentiate: A Strategy for Success."

About 400 people are attending the event, held at the Samoset Resort.