Author: TIAK

Registration is open for the 2020 Kansas Tourism Conference

Posted on by TIAK

What a year! Get ready to celebrate the travel and tourism industry at the Kansas Tourism Conference in Liberal, October 19-21, 2020. Be a part of the Kansas tourism industry’s “don’t miss” conference of the year. Registration is now open! Enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information and fun networking opportunities. Kansas has so much travel and tourism talent and we can’t wait for you to meet each other!

For more information, and to register, visit the Kansas Tourism Conference event page. Be sure to look around and see what this year’s conference has to offer: a dynamic lineup of speakers, a silent auction, marketing awards, and so much more. When you’re ready to sign up, simply click “Register Now” in the Conference Dates section and get ready to celebrate. Registration is easy and you may select to complete your payment by using either credit card or check. But don’t forget to make your hotel reservation – the link is on the KTC event page.

Think you can dazzle your tourism peers even more? Share your talent in the TIAK Marketing Awards! Join TIAK in highlighting your skills in conjunction with the 2020 Kansas Tourism Conference. Entries must be submitted by August 21st and each submission may only be entered once. One winner from each overall budget category will be presented at the Awards Banquet. For submission requirements and registration, please visit the Marketing Awards page.

We look forward to celebrating travel and tourism at the 2020 Kansas Tourism Conference! Register today.

COVID-19 Resources for Kansas Tourism-updated regularly!

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, in conjunction with TIAK, continue to host weekly virtual meetings for Kansas Tourism and Hospitality Industry members to hear from leaders on relevant COVID-19 related issues. Be sure to contact office@tiak.org for more information on future meetings. You may also learn more about the contents of each call here. The TravelKS page lists other COVID-19 resources, as well, and a few additional resources are listed below as clickable links.

KANSAS RESOURCES
Kansas Governor Executive Orders
Kansas Dept. of Labor Unemployment Benefits
Kansas Hiring Resources
UI Fraud Notice
Kansas COVID-19 Response and Recovery

CARES ACT RESOURCES
Paycheck Protection Program fact sheet
Exchange Stabilization Fund fact sheet
Relief for Airports and Tourism fact sheet
Payroll Tax Relief fact sheet
Unemployment Assistance fact sheet
Economic Injury Disaster Loans fact sheet

U.S. TRAVEL
COVID-19 Resources for Destinations Toolkit

COVID-19 Update for Kansas Tourism

Posted on by TIAK

On April 1, 2020, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, in conjunction with TIAK, hosted a virtual meeting for Kansas Tourism and Hospitality Industry members to hear from leaders on relevant COVID-19 related issues. KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless, along with Director of Tourism Bridgette Jobe, and Treon Glenn from U.S. Travel answered pre-submitted questions regarding the pandemic’s effects on our industry. These calls will continue on a weekly basis. Be sure to contact office@tiak.org for more information on future meetings.

To hear a replay of the April 1st meeting, you may access it here or here. Please note the first few minutes of the welcome were cut off. TIAK will continue to keep you informed.

Kansas Travel Update for COVID-19

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Kansas Tourism is continuing to monitor the rapidly developing and changing Coronavirus effects in Kansas.

On Thursday, Kansas Governor Kelly declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts authorizing the use of state resources to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties. We continue to encourage the traveling public to seek and heed the latest expert guidance, and to make fact-based travel decisions. Travelers should observe safe travel habits as outlined by the CDC.

Checklists for our Kansas Tourism Industry Partners
• We encourage you to relook at every social post, especially those that you have prescheduled, to make sure they are still relevant and appropriate. In light of this rapidly changing situation, something that was current or appropriate last week may not be today.
• We need your assistance in keeping the TravelKS.com event listings current. If an event is being postponed or canceled, please take the time to update the listing on TravelKS.com in addition to your own website. If you need assistance, contact Jaimee.salalac@ks.gov or at 785-296-2009.
• Attempt to reschedule an event whenever possible. The effects of the Coronavirus on the travel industry will be significant, and every attempt to reschedule can help to minimize those adverse effects.
• Many families spring break travels have been disrupted – look for opportunities to encourage families to explore their own community assets. Kansas has ample wide-open spaces that provide exceptional family time. Kansas State Parks continue to remain open.
• It is important for you to keep track of lost business and to share that information with our office. The economic impact calculator available on TravelKS is an easy-to-use tool in assessing the impact of a festival, sporting event, convention or business meeting. This can also be used to quantify lost business. I encourage you to use the calculator and share the results with me at bridgette.jobe@ks.gov.
• We have a page up on TravelKS that refers visitors to the following reliable and factual sources as they make travel decisions.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
U.S. Travel Association

Bridgette Jobe, Director of Tourism
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Office Phone: 785-296-3870
bridgette.jobe@ks.gov

2020 Destination Statehouse

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It’s that time again and this is the favorite season for those of us like Kevin Fern and me, TIAK Advocacy Chair Jim Zaleski. No, I am not talking about the holiday season I am talking about the political season. The legislature goes back to Topeka the 2nd week of January and TIAK won’t be far behind them with our Destination Statehouse event being held February 5, 2020.

The change in our state’s leadership brings new challenges and new opportunities for our industry. But there is also a change in our Destination Statehouse event. Be sure to join us for the morning and lunch portion of our day, both inside the Statehouse again this year, and then come on over to our new venue for the evening affair at the beautiful Cyrus hotel.

Check in for the morning session begins at 9:30 AM and be prepared for a Made in Kansas lunch. Then be sure to spend some time at the Statehouse visiting with your legislators and discussing the issues of our industry face-to-face. Of course, popcorn distribution will also take place that afternoon, giving everyone a chance to visit legislative offices and introduce yourself to elected officials and staff, alike.

Then it’s time for one of the most anticipated events of the year by our elected officials. The day wouldn’t be complete without exhibiting with your regional partners. Set-up will begin at the Cyrus at 3 PM. The evening event will begin at 5 PM and our new location will make this year’s celebration even more memorable.

Our theme this year will be built around the idea of tourism being an important part of the economic future of our state. Tourism is Economic Development, so be sure to have those numbers ready for your legislators, such as total visitors to your destination or the amount of economic impact felt locally by one of your events. Games or trivia based on those numbers could also be a fun idea to educate our state officials on how important tourism is to the economic future of Kansas.

Speaking of economics, the costs for this event increased this year so sponsorships are extremely important for both the day and evening events. Please think about how you can assist TIAK in maintaining the great reputation we have during our time in Topeka. To register, or learn more about Destination Statehouse, visit the TIAK website at https://tiak.org/events/destination-statehouse/. Sign up today for the 2020 Destination Statehouse on February 5th in Topeka.

Questions from regions or regarding the evening event can be directed to Jim Zaleski at jzaleski@parsonsks.com or 620.421.7030. See you there…

2019 Kansas Tourism Conference

Posted on by TIAK

Get ready to sparkle and shine like a “Diamond in the Wheat” at the 2019 Kansas Tourism Conference in Mulvane, October 21-23, 2019. Be a part of the Kansas tourism industry’s “don’t miss” conference of the year. Registration is now open! Enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information and fun networking opportunities. Kansas has so many Diamonds in the Wheat and we can’t wait for you to meet each other!

For more information, and to register, visit the Kansas Tourism Conference event page. Be sure to look around and see what this year’s conference has to offer: a dynamic lineup of speakers, a silent auction, marketing awards, a SportsKS golf tournament, and so much more. When you’re ready to start shining, simply click “Register Now” in the Conference Dates section and get ready to sparkle. Registration is easy and you may select to complete your payment by using either credit card or check. But don’t forget to make your hotel reservation – the link is on the KTC event page.

Think you can dazzle your tourism peers even more? Shine and sparkle in the 2019 TIAK Marketing Awards! Join TIAK again in highlighting your talent in conjunction with the 2019 Kansas Tourism Conference. Entries must be submitted by August 15th and each submission may only be entered once. One winner from each overall budget category will be presented at the Awards Banquet for each of the following categories: Visitors Guide (both in-house and outsourced), Online Marketing, Print Marketing, Integrated Campaign, and Destination Awareness. For submission requirements and registration, please visit the Marketing Awards page.

Plan to tee-off KTC with SportsKS in a 4-person, 9-hole scramble! SportsKS is hosting their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament this year prior to the start of the conference. Golf registration available during conference registration. And if golf isn’t your thing, non-golfers have the option to register for a short “Lunch and Learn” at the Clubhouse. Find out more details under the Additional Events section of the KTC event page.

We look forward to finding Diamonds in the Wheat with you at the 2019 Kansas Tourism Conference! Thank you, in advance, for your support, both at the Conference and throughout the year.

Educational Session

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Register to join us in April for TIAK’s educational session on human trafficking. Join a member of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and Deb Kluttz, Director of Homestead Ministries, to hear about ways you can help to end human trafficking. Scroll down to the Upcoming Events section on the home page and register to attend April’s educational session.

2019 Destination Statehouse

Posted on by TIAK

The change in our state’s leadership brings a new view and a new opportunity for the travel industry. No matter what side you might see yourself on, change, to many, is a scary thing but we must grab it as an opportunity for our vision and opinion to be heard by new ears.

Right now a positive and cooperative relationship with local and state elected officials is quite possibly the most important strategic marketing a DMO can do beyond its strategic marketing campaign. Join colleagues from across Kansas in representing the travel industry at the 2019 Destination Statehouse event being held February 6, 2019 in Topeka.

A change this year will bring us all together for the day event in the Statehouse. An educational opportunity is still to be decided on but the morning will begin at the Statehouse with the traditional buffalo lunch co-sponsored by State Tourism also being served in the second floor rotunda.

Afterward, spend the day at the Statehouse visiting with your legislators and discussing face to face, the issues of our industry. Popcorn distribution will also take place that afternoon, giving everyone a chance to visit legislative offices and introduce yourself to elected officials and staff alike.

The day wouldn’t be complete without exhibiting with your regional partners at the much anticipated evening event held at the Topeka Ramada Inn. One of the most attended legislative events of the year will have a Kansas Road trip theme this year.

We go back to the smaller ballroom this year so we can have a more intimate surrounding as we meet informally with dozens of elected officials. Be sure to come out and support your Travel Industry at the 2019 TIAK Destination Statehouse.

Sponsorships for the evening event are currently available and registration for the entire day can be found on the TIAK Website soon, so be sure to visit https://tiak.org and sign up today for the 2019 TIAK Destination Statehouse, February 6th, Topeka.

Questions from regions or on the evening event can be directed to Jim Zaleski, jzaleski@parsonsks.com or 620.820.3556.

See you there…