October Newsletter

It’s Kansas Tourism Conference month!  I can’t wait to see you all in Wichita for another great annual conference.  This 2 ½ day event is a partnership between Kansas Tourism and the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK).  I would like to give a great big shout out to TIAK for doing the planning and all the hard work that goes into making this a quality conference.  And I am confident Visit Wichita is going to show us all a good time as our host.      

Occasionally someone will ask me why it is important to attend the annual tourism conference. I get it – it is an investment of your time and budget.  But I believe that in return you will gather significant long-lasting rewards from that investment. 

At each annual conference, you will learn new things and new ways to be better at your job.  And maybe even more importantly, you get to spend time with other tourism professionals from across the state.  Some of the best friendships and collaborations I have made in my career in tourism began at an annual tourism conference. 

Remember to come prepared for the Speed Dating session over the lunch hour on Tuesday on the conference. This is your opportunity to have 3 minutes of conversation with myself and Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.   We want to hear everything from your challenges to your exciting future plans.  We want to hear what you think we are doing right, as well as what you think we could do better.  You only get three minutes, but we take notes and follow up after the conference.  We really want to hear from you, so come prepared to share with us.

See you all soon in Wichita. 

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. 

Also 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.

Register Here

5 First Timer Tips

Conferences are a great way to connect with people in your industry and learn from the best in the field.  The Kansas Tourism Conference (#KTC22) is THE conference to do just that and more!  You’ll love the motivational speakers, the free swag, networking with peers, awesome food and off-site experiences. Check out some tips we’ve gathered to help make your first conference experience enjoyable and successful.

First Timer Tips

Grant Roadtrip

Bridgette Jobe, Taylor Hartshorn, Jordan Roemerman, and Kelsey Tully were on the road this week delivering checks to our Fall Marketing Grant recipients.  Visit our Industry Facebook page to view more recipient photos and click here for the full press release. For more information on grants available thru Kansas Tourism contact Taylor or the visit the grants page on our website.

Fulton Valley Farms
Wahlmeier Farms Vineyard
Lindsborg & Wichita
Museum of Art & Light

Kansas Tourism Regions

Partnership

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

Kansas Tourism has made it a priority to market the state regionally as visitors respond well to this approach. In Kansas there are six tourism regions, and each region has an organization that represents their members. By being a part of your regional organization, you have access to additional marketing and advertising opportunities. Kansas Tourism depends heavily on these regional organizations to help direct our marketing efforts. If you are not sure what region you are in, or how to get in contact with them, reach out to Kelli Orender and she can help you get to the correct person.  
Education Resources

Webinars

Articles & Research

Dates to Remember

October

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

November

  • Wednesday, Nov 9 - Virtual Huddle
  • Nov 24-25 - State Offices Closed

December

  • Wed, Dec 14 - Virtual Huddle
  • Monday Dec 26 - State Offices Closed

For a full list of industry events click here.

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 September 2022

Ag Heritage Park Alta Vista
Bronwick Farms St. Francis
Crown B Bison Holton
Harmony Farms Perry
Joy of Nature Farm Berryton
Level Creek Outfitting White City
Watkins C Ranch Leavenworth
Stay Connected
Kansas - To The Stars