
NEW Destination Statehouse Opportunity

Thanks to everyone for participating in the 30 ideas in 30 minutes session at the Kansas Tourism Conference! A lot of great ideas were shared, and a couple even won a prize! We’ve compiled them all, plus a few from the idea box.
Registration is open for the 2022 Kansas Tourism Conference (KTC) and organizers are pleased to announce Dr. Nels Lindberg as one of the keynote speakers at this year’s conference!
Dr. Nels Lindberg is a KSU alumni known for his expertise in consulting for the beef and cattle industries, while leading the veterinary practice, Animal Medical Center, in Great Bend, KS. He is also a managing partner in Production Animal Consultation, an international based protein consulting firm that consults over 25% of all the cattle on feed in the United States. In addition to building his reputation as a leader in the veterinary industry, Dr Nels is a sought after public speaker on life, leadership and business. He recently launched his first book, “The Ultimate Real World Guide to Hiring and Firing.”
Dr. Nels will help tourism professionals at the KTC “Build & Lead Better Teams” and explain his leadership passion through hard work, and tactical and strategic partnerships in combination with the challenges of the real world. Dr. Nels is a proud Kansan who has learned through challenges, and is determined to build a wonderful life experience for his family, church and community. You won’t want to miss learning about how the small and big pieces in your team can make a huge impact!
Be sure to register for the Kansas Tourism Conference which works to support tourism professionals in developing opportunities for their communities throughout the state. Register at https://tiak.org/events/kansas-tourism-conference/.
As the Kansas Tourism Conference approaches, some of you may be thinking about Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS) designation or renewal.
NEW KDS SEEKERS–Here are details you need to know to receive KDS:
1. The deadline for submissions this year is September 16, 2022.
2. Check https://tiak.org/resources/kds/ for the list of how many points you have so you know what you need for completion. If your name is highlighted in red—you are almost there. Just need those book reports. If your name is in green—you are close to having 25 points. Knowing where you are in the process will help you decide if you can make it happen by the deadline.
KDS RENEWALS–Here are details you need to know about renewal:
1. Renewals are required on even numbered years.
If you have a question you do not see covered, email Sally Fuller at tourism@cityofliberal.org or call 620-626-0170. We hope to see you on stage receiving your designation in Wichita!
–Sally Fuller
KDS Chairwoman
The KTC (Kansas Tourism Conference) Committee is gearing up for an amazing conference in Wichita this October, and the keynote speakers are ones you won’t want to miss, especially central Kansas native, Jackie Stiles! Kansas knows Jackie from her historical roots in Claflin, KS where she led the county in women’s basketball scoring, then rewrote the NCAA women’s basketball record at Southwest Missouri State, and onto her professional career in the WNBA! Jackie is not only an inspiration to sports lovers, but to anyone who sees value in teamwork, leadership, hard work and passion. She believes in big dreams, enthusiastic effort, and overcoming life’s trials and tribulations with dedication and hope.
Jackie has impacted millions through her love of basketball and coaching, but now she inspires others through camps and professional speaking adventures! You won’t want to miss this women’s basketball Hall of Fame member as she connects with people of all kinds, ages, and all walks of life during Tuesday’s keynote session at the KTC.
Register today for the KTC and learn how Jackie’s legendary work connects to the dedication we have in our own communities and Kansas overall!
If you’re heading to Wichita in October for the annual tourism conference, make plans to check out the offbeat and wacky things to see and do! Seen through the eyes and exploration of travel writer Megan Bannister of Olio in Iowa, she loves to find offbeat attractions, and had no trouble finding unusual and wacky fun in Wichita. Learn more about what she discovered in her article, “Offbeat and Unusual Things to do in Wichita.”
Speaking of the tourism conference…
Our July board member spotlights feature folks from Leavenworth and Lindsborg! Read more below and be sure to say hello at a future TIAK event.
Be sure to check back monthly as we shine the spotlight on other members of the board throughout the year.
What do you love most about working in the tourism industry?
You get to meet people from all over the state and travel to their cities to explore and meet. We all share a common interest of promoting our state to others and it brings a lot of comradery to our industry and a willingness to work together for the common good.
Tell us a little fun fact about yourself?
I enjoy going to auction sales and finding something that you really “need”, bidding on it and winning it! LOL
Best tip for a new member of TIAK?
Don’t be afraid to talk to other members and ask questions.
Favorite book, movie, music, food or vacation?
I love to read so my current favorite writer is James Rollins. Mystery and History all rolled into one.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I enjoy doing remodeling projects around my house and watching HGTV.
What do you love most about working in the tourism industry?
Helping people fall in love with Kansas!
Tell us a little fun fact about yourself?
I am a great goat milker, thanks to a stint on the Kansas State Fair Board!
Best tip for a new member of TIAK?
Use TIAK members as a valuable resource! Always reach out for answers to questions! If we don’t know the answer, we most likely know who does!
Favorite book, movie, music, food or vacation?
Out of Africa
Anything else you’d like to share?
We moved to Lindsborg 21 years ago because we loved visiting here. Proof that tourism is also community development!!!
Do you have what it takes to promote your organization? If so, then plan to enter the TIAK Marketing Award contest!
Our goal is to recognize the outstanding marketing efforts of tourism throughout Kansas. This program is limited to TIAK member organizations only. Also, Coalitions may enter but the Coalition must be a member of TIAK. To enter your marketing campaign, join TIAK today!
The Marketing Awards have been updated to accommodate varying community sizes. Also, Coalitions may enter but the Coalition must be a member of TIAK. Each entry will be broken out according to the organization’s annual marketing budget (NOT project budget) with one winner per overall budget category:
The Marketing Awards are focused on overall marketing initiatives and judged on outstanding and innovative efforts. There are no entry fees. Only one submission per organization eligible for entry in each category – no duplicates, please.
Note that all awards are given at the discretion of the judges and judging feedback will be highly encouraged.
Submissions due:
August 5, 2022 at 12 PM
One winner from each marketing budget category will be announced for each award category below at the Kansas Tourism Conference on October 19, 2022.
Marketing Award categories include:
Also this year: Best Overall Award. This award will be chosen by the judges from the winners of all the categories (except People’s Choice).
Please contact the marketing award committee members with questions: Allison Calvin (allison@olathe.org).
Click here for a link to last year’s TIAK Marketing Award Winners.
Thank you to our 2022 Marketing Awards Sponsor: Greensburg Tourism!
Our June board member spotlight features a Hays superstar! Read more below and be sure to say hello at a future TIAK event.
Check back monthly as we shine the spotlight on other members of the board throughout the year.
What do you love most about working in the tourism industry?
The thing I love most about working in the travel industry is the lifelong friendships I’ve gained over the years.
Tell us a little fun fact about yourself?
I cannot finish an entire bag of microwave popcorn by myself.
Best tip for a new member of TIAK?
Attend the Kansas Tourism Conference and get involved.
Favorite book, movie, music, food or vacation?
Tuesdays with Morrie, Dirty Dancing, fajitas, and traveling through Kansas with my children.
Anything else you’d like to share?
One of my favorite sights is seeing a John Deere combine harvesting wheat. I’m a dog lover. And, I’m very proud my hometown is Hays, Kansas!
Our May board member spotlights feature folks from Great Bend and Rooks County! Read more below and be sure to say hello at a future TIAK event.
Be sure to check back monthly as we shine the spotlight on other members of the board throughout the year.
What do you love most about working in the tourism industry?
I love being able to promote the communities that I love and help families create memories in our wonderful state!
Tell us a little fun fact about yourself?
I love gardening and make an average of 98 big jars of salsa each summer!
Best tip for a new member of TIAK?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make suggestions and be willing to help, cause it’s fun!
Favorite book, movie, music, food or vacation?
I love almost all music, all food, and love ANY vacation in the sun!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m a proud mom of an 11 year old boy who loves football, baseball and being a boy mom is the BEST JOB EVER!!!
What do you love most about working in the tourism industry?
The thing I love most about working in the tourism industry is the people. Tourism people are so fun to be around and are always looking to have a good time. I used to teach Geography, so I also really enjoy traveling and seeing new places and historic attractions.
Tell us a little fun fact about yourself?
I have visited over 50 micro breweries and collected coasters from most all of them. Someday I will have a shirt with all of them on it. It will look like a refrigerator at a brewery. I was also Homecoming King at Plainville HS in … a couple years ago.
Best tip for a new member of TIAK?
Get to know as many TIAK members as possible and stay after hours.
Favorite book, movie, music, food or vacation?
I have had some great trips, but my favorite was visiting a classmate in Europe. We traveled to Venice, Rome, Paris and Geneva. But what I enjoy the most is sitting by the stream and having a glass of wine at a rental cabin in Estes Park, CO.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I always look forward to meeting with all my TIAK and Tourism friends and helping promote the great state of Kansas! To The Stars!!!