October Newsletter

This is my favorite time of the year.  The leaves changing colors and the crisp, fresh air makes me want to put on my coziest sweater and binge-watch Hallmark movies.  But even more of a reason to love the fall season is that this month is the annual Kansas Tourism Conference. 

KTC is one of my favorite activities each fall because I always leave feeling renewed and challenged. I look at this conference as the perfect opportunity to be inspired, to learn something new about the tourism industry, to make new friends, to catch up with old friends, and to recharge myself for the next year. I so look forward to seeing many of you in Olathe, Oct 21-23, at #KTC24. 

To The Stars,

We can't wait to see you at the Kansas Tourism Conference, October 21-23, in Olathe! Watch this video to learn a little more about the conference and below are some tips for #KTC24:

• Chart your course: Before the conference, review the agenda in advance and pick out which sessions interest you the most focusing on areas of your role.  
• Come prepared: Bring a small notebook, pen, business cards and your game face.  
• Be engaged: Get the most out of the conference by minimizing “office work” and keeping non-conference activities to a minimum.  
• Network: Hanging out and making conversations with complete strangers can be scary, however the majority of people at the conference are there to connect with like-minded individuals, too.  
• Visit the vendors: Seek out companies with opportunities that help improve your services.  

If you haven't registered yet, you still can by clicking the button below. 

Website Updates

Just like the big box stores we are preparing for the holidays already! We need your help by adding your Holiday Events and Parades thru the Extranet. If you need assistance please contact Hunter.

2025 Official Kansas Travel Guide

The 2025 Official Kansas Travel Guide has been sent to the printer! If you typically order more than 2 boxes each year then you may want to be added to the drop shipment list. Contact Andrea by noon on Friday, October 11th and you will be one of the first to receive the 2025 Kansas Travel Guides! 

Be on the lookout on how you can participate in the 2026 Official Kansas Travel Guide in January! In the meantime be sure to update your website listings thru the Extranet. If you need assistance contact Kelli.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us on Wednesday, October 9th at 1:00 PM for the next tourism industry huddle. This huddle will feature information about the upcoming Kansas Tourism Conference. 

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

To find out when the next meeting is in your region click here.

Upcoming Events & Conferences

• October 9-10 - Kansas Arts Councils Symposium - Salina
• October 17 - Business on the GO 2024 - Towanda
• October 21-23 - Kansas Tourism Conference - Olathe
• November 1-2 - Western Cattle Trail Association Conference - Dodge City
• November 6-8 - Kansas Museum Conference - Fort Scott

Webinars

• October 9 - Kansas Tourism Huddle - 1pm
• Online - Group Tour 101
• Online - How to Be More Effective on LinkedIn

Articles & Research

• 2024 Travel & Hospitality Technology Innovation Report
• AI Overviews debunked: what DMOs need to know about AI’s impact on search
• How Can DMOs Capitalise on Gastronomy Tourism?
• How Embracing Culinary Experiences Can Attract Hotel Guests
• How to Make Your Hotel and Destination Social Media Content Feel Authentic
• The solo travel surge: how your DMO can (and should) cater to the solo traveler trend
• The ultimate AI guide for marketers in 2024
• Will AI-Created Content Hurt My SEO?

October

• Tues, Oct 1 - Attraction Development Grants Close
• Wed, Oct 9 - Virtual Huddle
• Oct 21-23 - Kansas Tourism Conference

November

• Wed, Nov 13 - Virtual Huddle
• Fri, Nov 15 - Gov Council Mtg
• Nov 28-29 - State Offices Closed 

December

• Wed, Dec 11 - Virtual Huddle
• Wed, Dec 25 - 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 Wendling.

New & Renewing in September 2024