SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

In the travel and tourism industry, we spend a lot of time encouraging visitors to explore Kansas. Our job is to invite them to take the scenic route, discover something new, and see our state from a different perspective.

It’s also pretty good advice for those of us who work in tourism.

There is always something new to learn in this industry. Traveler expectations change. Technology evolves. Marketing strategies shift. New attractions and experiences emerge, and we constantly face new challenges and opportunities.

That is why educational opportunities and conferences are so valuable. They give us a chance to step away from our day-to-day responsibilities and look at our work through a different lens.

And the value of a conference goes far beyond the educational sessions. Sometimes the best idea you bring home isn't something you heard from the podium. It might come from a conversation with another tourism professional—a new approach, a fresh marketing idea, a resource you didn't know existed, or simply the reassurance that someone else is facing the same challenges you are.

I hope you'll consider joining us for the Kansas Tourism Conference, Oct. 20–21 in Wichita. I know being away from the office comes with a cost, both in time and money. But I also believe that investing in our industry means investing in the people who make it work every day.

Maybe you'll leave with a great new idea. Maybe you'll make a connection that leads to a new partnership. Or maybe you'll simply return to the office with a little renewed energy and a fresh perspective. All are good reasons to attend the KTC this year. 

We ask our visitors to never stop exploring Kansas. As tourism professionals, we should never stop exploring either—new ideas, new opportunities, new partnerships and new ways to make Kansas an even better place to visit.

I hope to see you all in Wichita next month!

To The Stars,

The 2027 Kansas Travel Guide has gone to the printer! If you would like to be one of the first to get it in your hands, make sure you are on our drop shipment list. You will need to order at least two boxes and let Jordan know by Wednesday, September 16th. Otherwise you will have to wait until after the first of the year to place your orders thru the Extranet. We will open listings for the 2028 Kansas Travel Guide in January. Get ahead of the gameIf you have new businesses in your area that you'd like to add be sure to get them added to TravelKS.com first by filling out this form.

Kansas Tourism will be attending several Travel & Adventure Shows in 2027. We have worked with the show coordinators to offer you a co-op opportunity to be near our booth in Dallas (March 6-7) & Denver (March 13-14).  

Pricing for a 10’ x 10’ booth will be $4,345 for one show/one booth or $7,990 for one booth/two shows. Travel Expenses and booth decor are not included. It is suggested to have 1-2 people at your booth. Aisle flags will be provided by Kansas Tourism to provide a more cohesive look. Click here for more information and contact Kelli if interested by September 30th. 

Have you seen our mobile visitor center out & about this past year? We try to keep everyone updated where its been on the Kansas Tourism Industry Facebook page as well as the MVC Calendar. We are now taking requests for the Mobile Visitor Center to attend an event in your community the next 12 months. Please review the guidelines before filling out the form here. For questions please reach out to Kevin Crockett.

Applications for the Attraction Development Grant are now open and due Friday, October 16th. This grant is designed to provide assistance in the development of new tourism attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions within the state. You can view the guidelines and information here. 

For a list of all grants available from the Kansas Department of Commerce click here. 

We invite you to be a part of the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year. Registration is now open! Join us October 20-21 in Wichita to enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information, and fun networking opportunities. 

Read below to learn more about Andrew McCrea, who is the opening keynote session - The Power of Place: Telling Your Community Story.

Andrew McCrea is a farmer, a rancher and a nationally syndicated radio broadcaster. Since 1996 Andrew has traveled the nation, producing the “American Countryside” features that are heard each day on over 100 radio stations. He’s conducted interviews in all 50 states and on six continents talking to people from all walks of life - Emmy and Grammy winners, All-star athletes and even the world’s rooster crowing champion! He’s been body slammed by professional wrestlers, traveled to the launch pads at Cape Canaveral, and chronicled the struggle of impoverished farmers in Africa. But often, it’s an interview with someone you’ve never heard of with a story you won’t forget.

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 PM. On this huddle we will have a presentation by the Kansas Association of Counties and Kansas Arts Commission. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87571770187?pwd=8b15TrUDqs4dfKyCy5ZZ5RZaCqEvNy.1

Meeting ID: 875 7177 0187

Passcode: i1dXEW

One tap mobile

+17193594580,,87571770187#,,,,*005523# US

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Check out the Industry Page to view previous huddles.

’Tis (almost) the season! The Statehouse Ornament Project invites all 105 counties across Kansas to create an ornament inspired by the places, people, traditions, and stories that make their community unique. The top three selected ornaments from each county will help decorate the State Holiday Tree at the Kansas State Capitol.

Submissions are due October 1.This project is a partnership between Kansas Arts Commission and Kansas Association of Counties. Winners will be announced during the KAC annual conference in December! Learn more here or join in on the Huddle on September 9th.

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. 

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

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 click here.

New & Renewing in August 2026