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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.

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 6^th, 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…

The Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) held its annual legislative day in Topeka on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, affectionately known as “Destination Statehouse.” Members of the Kansas travel and tourism industry hosted three events throughout the day, giving members several opportunities to meet with legislators directly and advocate for Kansas tourism. Each attendee was easily identifiable by the TIAK-blue “Tourism Matters” button worn proudly which highlighted that in 2016, tourism generated $282 million in state sales tax.

The day began with nearly 80 TIAK members filling the Statehouse Visitor’s Center with a welcome from Linda Craghead, Assistant Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, as well as an educational session provided by Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer and Foundation Executive Director at Destination International, who offered members an overview of the weaponization of tourism and the impact of travel boycotts on changing policy.

Attendees were joined at the historic Dillon House by almost 60 Kansas legislators in an open house setting where they networked over a buffalo lunch sponsored by the Kansas Buffalo Association, in conjunction with TIAK and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. A casual dining atmosphere allowed for relaxed conversations and new friendships to be formed.

Throughout the day, the Statehouse was busy with Kansas tourism professionals conducting individual office visits with legislators, observing House and Senate Legislative Sessions, attending committee meetings, enjoying a Statehouse tour and even getting to hear recently appointed Governor Coyler give his state of the state address in the afternoon.

One of the highlights of the annual conference is the popcorn campaign emphasizing to legislators “What’s Popping in Tourism.” In addition to serving freshly-popped popcorn to all Statehouse visitors and personnel, TIAK provided boxes of popcorn that members delivered to their legislators, thanks to Kevin Fern and his popcorn connections! An impression was surely made as each legislator was contacted at some point during the day.

Rounding out the day was the much-anticipated TIAK Legislative Reception where 60 legislators stopped by to “Celebrate Sports Tourism” with more than 100 TIAK members. Attendees enjoyed a showcase of each region of the state and what each has to offer, accompanied by several mascots from around the state. This event is one that legislators really look forward to for its fun and inviting atmosphere. The day ended with an entertaining reception hosted by Visit Topeka at Norseman Brewing Company in the NOTO Arts District.

Thanks in large part to event coordinator Jim Zaleski, as well as a great number of sponsors, a successful day was had by all with TIAK members personally visiting with more than 100 legislators throughout the day’s events. By demonstrating such a tremendous impact for the tourism industry in Kansas, we hope Destination Statehouse is your destination for all things legislative next February 6^th!

Thank you for helping us celebrate diversity through tourism in Garden City, Kan. We look forward to celebrating again next year in Junction City!

Click the survey link to help us understand how to better serve your needs:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TIAKeducation.

Thank you for joining us on a Trails Adventure in Olathe! Be sure to check out a video of the fun on the Events page under Tourism Conference.

Congratulations to all of our talented winners! Thank you for sharing the best of Kansas with your submissions.

We hope you enjoyed the educational seminar on tourism and economic development roles. Look for more educational opportunities soon!