JANUARY NEWSLETTER

Welcome to 2026!

I love the start of a new year.  For me, it offers a natural pause - a time to reflect, to realign, and be thoughtful about how I move forward, both personally and professionally. Many of you know that this is also when I choose my Word of the Year. Instead of resolutions or long lists of goals, I like to choose a single word- one that captures a concept or value that I want to focus on for the next 12 months. 

In 2025, my Word of the Year was Calibrate. After a year of extraordinary growth, Calibrate became a necessary and grounding focus. It reminded me daily that progress isn’t just about expansion - it’s about alignment. It was about fine-tuning systems and making sure my pace and direction remain sustainable and effective. For Kansas Tourism, Calibrate meant being deliberate and thoughtful as we continue to evolve. Personally, it was a reminder of the importance of maintenance - taking care of the details so everything can continue to run smoothly.

As I looked ahead to 2026, I found myself drawn to a word that builds naturally on that foundation: Poise.

To me, Poise is a word for calm courage. It reflects grace under pressure - not fearlessness, but steadiness. Poise means being grounded and stable, even as things change. It’s about approaching each day with intention and carrying myself with a consistent confidence. In the tourism industry, which is always evolving and often unpredictable, Poise is a commitment to staying centered, thoughtful, and composed - no matter what the day brings.

In 2025, Calibrate was about alignment. In 2026, Poise is about presence. It’s how I want to show up—in leadership, in decision-making, and in everyday interactions - with purpose and steady resolve.

So, here’s to a new year and the opportunities it will bring. I’m excited to see what 2026 holds… and will do my best to meet it with Poise.

To The Stars,

It's that time again! Would you like the ability to reach thousands of people about your destination or business for a mere $80? Be sure to purchase a listing in the 2027 Kansas Travel Guide. You can find details about how to purchase your listing here or contact Jordan Roemerman.

GUIDE LISTING DEADLINES

EARLY BIRD – January 1 – February 28

GENERAL – March 1 – March 31

PAYMENT DUE – June 1

LISTING PRICES

EARLY BIRD - $80 Standard & $120 Highlighted

GENERAL - $100 Standard & $140 Highlighted

Don't forget if you are a DMO you get a free listing, but it still needs to be entered as a Visitor Resource.

Contact Kelli if you would like for her to come to your office for training on the Extranet.

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, January 14th at 1:00 PM. On this huddle TIAK will give an update on Destination Statehouse and the upcoming legislative session. We will also have an update on the World Cup.

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

+12532050468,,87571770187#,,,,*005523# US

Check out the Industry Page to view previous huddles.

Deadline is Next Week - Applications for the Attraction Development Grant are being accepted thru Friday, January 9th. You can view a recorded webinar, find guidelines and apply here. We are looking forward to your submissions!

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.  Watch this video to see why you should join your local tourism region organization.

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 December 2025