October Newsletter

Welcome to October! I hope you already have your pumpkin patch visits scheduled – because it just not October in Kansas without a hayride, a corn maze, or at least one apple cider donut. 

Now, I’ll be honest – my first attempt at writing this month’s note was basically two paragraphs of me just typing AAAAHHHHH!!!! That’s how full the Kansas Tourism teams schedule is right now. Between co-hosting the TBEX Summit, hosting 12 simultaneous TBEX FAM tours, preparing for the annual Tourism Conference, moving our entire agency into the new Docking Building, and – oh yeah – navigating the curveball of a federal shutdown, it has been…a lot. 

But here’s the thing. Even in the middle of all this busyness, I can’t help but feel grateful. Every one of these events is an opportunity to showcase Kansas as a premier visitor destination. It’s also a chance for me to reconnect with friends and colleagues I don’t see nearly enough. 

This week reminded me once again why I love this industry. When the shutdown forced last-minute changes to our TBEX FAMS trips, local community partners did not hesitate – they jumped in with alternate plans, sometimes before we even had a chance to ask. That kind of flexibility and can-do spirit is what makes the Kansas tourism industry so special. 

We are an industry that knows how to pivot, adapt, and keep smiling – because we truly believe in what we’re sharing – the beauty, they culture, the experiences, and the people of Kansas. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside you, and I hope you feel that same pride and joy too. 

I can’t wait to see you all in Manhattan for the Tourism Conference on October 20-21!

To The Stars,

We can't wait to see you at the Kansas Tourism Conference, October 20-21, in Manhattan! Watch the videos here to learn a little more about the conference and below are some tips for #KTC25:

• 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. 

TBEX Summit

Content creators from around the globe are in Wichita this week for the TBEX Summit. Kansas Tourism will be leading 12 Familiarization Tours across the state after the Summit to showcase Kansas as they gather new story ideas and enhance their awareness for Kansas. Some will also be exploring locations on their own so make sure your communities are ready to welcome these creators!

We're Moving!

Next week we will be moving into the new Docking State Office Building. We wanted to keep you informed of some upcoming changes:

• Our new address will be: 915 SW Harrison, Ste 250, Topeka, KS  66612
• Emails and Phone Numbers will remain the same
• Please make sure any checks are made out to Kansas Tourism & updated with our new address

Please bear with us during this transition.  There may be times that we may be unreachable.

Calendar of Events

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.

The Kansas Press Association is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the Best of Kansas Holiday Contest! This is your chance to help spotlight the very best our state has to offer when it comes to celebrating the holiday season — from Halloween thrills to Thanksgiving traditions, Christmas lights, New Year’s festivities, and more. Share your favorite attractions, events, shops, or experiences that make the holidays special in your area by making your nomination here. 

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, October 8th at 1:00 PM. On this huddle we will have an update on the World Cup and TIAK will talk about the upcoming Kansas Tourism Conference in Manhattan. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81007751561?pwd=35ua81Z6GJRwdb37x7EIAZqXpHy7LE.1

Check out the Industry Page to view previous huddles.

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 Conferences & Workshops

• October 20-21 - Kansas Tourism Conference - Manhattan
• November 19-21 - Kansas Museums Conference - Great Bend

Webinars

• October  8 - Virtual Huddle - 1pm
• October 15 - AI in Action - 11:10am

Articles & Research

• 2024 Economic Impact of Motorcoach Group Travel in Kansas
• How to Market to Different Generations
• Interactive Motorcoach Travel Data by State and District
• Social media is now the top source for travel inspiration
• State of Talent in Travel 2025
• The State of Visual Communication - Canva

October

• Wed, Oct 8 - Virtual Huddle
• Oct 20-21 - Kansas Tourism Conference
• Fri, Oct 31 - Attraction Development Grants Open

November

• Fri, Nov 7 - Governor's Council Mtg
• Wed, Nov 12 - Virtual Huddle
• Nov 27-28 -  State Offices Closed

December

• Wed, Dec 10 - Virtual Huddle
• Thurs, 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 2025