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TIAK Committees

Driving Tourism Forward

TIAK’s committees are the backbone of our initiatives, uniting volunteers to advance advocacy, education, and marketing for Kansas tourism. From shaping policies to creating educational programs, our committees like Advocacy, Education, and Marketing power TIAK’s mission.

Shaping Tourism Policy

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee serves as TIAK’s legislative arm, championing policies that strengthen Kansas tourism. We liaise with Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, develop legislative agendas, monitor funding, and build statewide alliances to educate lawmakers on tourism’s economic impact.

Committee Chairs

Jim Zaleski (Co-Chair)
Julie Roller Weeks (Co-Chair)
Our major goals of this committee are:
  • Continue to interact with Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office serving as liaison to the industry.
  • Develop legislative agenda.
  • Continue to monitor tourism funding and issues.
  • Build legislative alliances and partnerships statewide with all segments of the tourism industry to support the TIAK legislative agenda.
  • Continue to take the lead role in educating the legislature about the importance and impact of tourism on the state’s economy.
  • Update the membership on legislative activities weekly during the session using email, conference call and podcast technologies as appropriate.
  • Host Destination Statehouse activities as an educational and advocacy opportunity for members.

Empowering Tourism Leaders

Education Committee

The Education Committee enhances tourism expertise through programs like the Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS) certification and educational resources. We develop KDS certifications, maintain a Speaker’s Bureau, and promote internship opportunities to elevate skills and knowledge.

Committee Chairs

Tiffany Benien (Education Co-Chair)
Sean Dixon (Education Co-Chair)
Sally Fuller (KDS Chair)
TIAK Education Committee:
  • Evaluate best practices for educating our members including topics, methods, and best ways to reach our membership.
  • Work with the Conference Committee to determine educational topics and secure speakers for the Annual Conference.
  • Increase awareness of, and define the benefits of, the Kansas Destination Specialist certification program.
  • Increase the number of new KDS designees and assist current designees with renewing certification.
  • Maintain a Speaker’s Bureau list of current and relevant speakers.
  • Compile and make available a list of all Kansas higher education facilities and associations that provide tourism industry educational programming.
  • Offer opportunities for TIAK members to promote their internships through the TIAK website.
  • Work with the Conference Committee to find sponsors to host hospitality students at the Annual Conference. If sponsorships are secured, create an application, promote the opportunity to higher education programs and select the right candidate(s) for attendance at the Annual Conference.

Uniting Tourism Professionals

Annual Conference Committee

The Annual Conference Committee organizes TIAK’s premier Kansas Tourism Conference, delivering inspiring speakers and networking opportunities. We plan educational sessions, secure speakers, and create engaging tracks for all levels to foster collaboration and growth at the annual October event.

Committee Chair

Kelly Peetoom (Chair)

Boosting Tourism Visibility

Marketing Communication Committee

The Marketing Communication Committee amplifies TIAK’s reach through marketing initiatives and awards. We manage TIAK Marketing Awards, create media templates, promote events like National Tourism Week, and maintain the TIAK website.

Committee Chair

Holly Lofton (Chair)

Securing Our Future

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee ensures TIAK’s financial health through diligent budgeting and revenue strategies. We monitor budgets, report financials, grow operational reserves, and pursue non-dues revenue through sponsorships.

Committee Chair

Marcia Rozell

Strengthening Our Framework

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee upholds TIAK’s integrity by refining organizational policies and bylaws. We review and recommend updates to TIAK bylaws to ensure effective and transparent operations.

Committee Chair

Sally Fuller (Chair)

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