September Newsletter

I love the month of September. And it is not just because it is my birthday month – yes, I am turning 29 once again!  It is more that September always brings me a desire for reflection and a sense of new beginnings.  My grandkids are starting a new school year, the days are getting shorter, and the air just feels different.   I will inevitably spend some time reflecting on what I HAVE accomplished and what I have NOT accomplished in the past year and will then set new goals and dream up new ways to carry out our mission of marketing Kansas to travelers. 

One of the things I have learned from working in the tourism industry is the importance of setting goals and trying new things.  And the value of setting the bar high – so high, that sometimes it is not feasible to achieve. A wise person once told me that if I had not failed at something in the past month, I was probably not trying my best.  That was a novel thought to me.  I had thought doing my best always equated to success.  But what I have learned is what success often means is to intentionally keep getting better….to keep moving strategically in the right direction.  Success means expanding, growing, learning, and yes, sometimes failing.  But then taking that failure and again expanding, growing, and learning.  I think I may have just summed up our state motto and the inspiration behind our marketing campaign….To The Stars. 

So, I encourage you to take some time this month to stop and reflect on all your recent projects. Celebrate those successes – shout them out loudly.  And learn from those projects that did not go as well as planned.  Keep moving….keep getting better.  Always remember, we are cheering you on from the Kansas Tourism office.

Have a wonderful September.  I cannot wait to see you all at the Kansas Tourism Conference in Wichita.  And don’t forget the pre-conference Rural Summit that is being held on Monday morning before the conference begins.  These are separate registrations, and both well worth your time. 

To The Stars, my friends.  To The Stars.    

Register Now! We invite you to be a part of the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year, October 17-19, 2022, in Wichita, KS. Enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information, and fun networking opportunities. 

New this year! Join us for a pre-conference workshop on Monday, October 17th from 10:00am – 2:30pm to learn more about the Office of Rural Prosperity. For an additional fee of $25, you’ll hear more about USDA Placemaking Initiatives, Revitalizing your Rural Community, Understand what’s next for Power Ups and be introduced to some Rural Champions.

Kansas Travel Guide Shipments

The last edits to the 2023 Official Kansas Travel Guide are taking place and it will soon be off to the printer! We do have a new vendor to take care of fulfillment and if you order more than two boxes each year, please let Andrea know. She will add you to the drop shipment list and you will be one of the first to receive the guide! 

Marketing & Website Update

Fall events are upon us and our event pages are one of the most frequently visited pages on our website. Make your event more visible to visitors by adding it to our calendar of events thru the Extranet. Click here to find out how.

We will soon be updating our Motorsports page on TravelKS.com.  Please make sure all locations in your area have a website listing with photos and it is updated. If you need help with this please contact Hunter.

Tourism Industry Huddle

The September Huddle we will have a presentation from STR about Kansas hotel data and trends.  

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83665543490?pwd=bUNNbklQNmZuVXlHTE9uTlVFMGVJQT09

New! Industry Event Calendar

Stay up to date on events, conventions, meetings, and marketing opportunities important to the Kansas tourism industry. You can make submissions to the calendar as well. Check the website for more details.

City & County Reports

Deadline is nearing! Want to know how to base your budget and policy making decisions on data about tourism’s economic impact to your area? Through the Kansas Tourism Division’s partnership with Tourism Economics, you can purchase a city or county level tourism economic impact study that includes comprehensive analysis of sales, production, employment, growth, visitor spending, and taxes. Contact Taylor to if you are interested.

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

Webinars

• Sept 7 - Event Design Summit - 10am
• Sept 13 - Amen to Amenities: a Deep Dive Into Best Practices - 12pm
• Sept 13 - Q3 Virtual Insights Summit - 12pm 

Articles & Research

• 4 Ways to Frame Your Destination With Digital Stock Photos
• Boost Word of Mouth With Remarkable Mementos
• Diversity Is an Important Part of Event Planners’ Destination Choices
• Hospitality in 2025 Will Be Automated, Intelligent… and More Personal
• The 7 Unintended Consequences of Becoming Accessible!
• Tips To Get Ahead of Crisis: Evaluating Your Tourism Crisis Response

September

• Monday, Sept 5 - State Offices Closed
• Sept 9-18 - Kansas State Fair
• Wednesday, Sept 14 - Virtual Huddle

October

• Wednesday, Oct 12 - Virtual Huddle
• Oct 17-19 - Kansas Tourism Conference

November

• Wednesday, Nov 9 - Virtual Huddle

We are continuously getting new and renewing Kansas Agritourism businesses that we'd love for you to explore and highlight in your own communities! For more information on the Kansas Agritourism Program, please contact Kelsey Tully.

New & Renewing in August 2022