The Kansas Tourism Conference is an annual highlight that brings together industry professionals from across the state for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and connection. Attendees enjoy engaging sessions led by dynamic speakers, while networking with peers from hotels, attractions, CVBs, dining, and retail establishments. The conference also offers excellent visibility and relationship-building opportunities for sponsors. Whether you’re looking to share ideas, discover new trends, or promote your brand, the Kansas Tourism Conference is the ideal gathering for those passionate about strengthening and showcasing the Sunflower State’s tourism industry.
Manhattan Conference Center
410 South 3rd Street,
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
785-532-9116
Hilton Garden Inn
410 South 3rd Street,
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
The room rate is $126 per night and the parking fee is waived.
Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Olathe
10574 S Ridgeview Road
Olathe, Kansas 66061
(913) 438-6666
Room rate: $160-$165/night plus tax
Last day to book: September 29, 2025
Conference registration includes access to all sessions, networking events, and meals. Early bird rates are available, so register soon to secure the best price.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration/Information Desk Open |
| 8:00 AM | Exhibitor Setup/Silent Auction Setup |
| 10:00 AM | Welcome Conference Kick-Of |
| 10:15 AM | Keynote: Devon Henderson - Community Resilience |
| 11:15 AM | Break |
| 11:30 AM |
What 2025 Has Told Us About Kansas Visitation - And What’s Next Data-backed takeaways on who came, where they went, and how they engaged with communities across the state. Presented by: Kari Hoffman, Senior Director of Strategy and Insights, Datafy |
| 12:00 PM | Luncheon |
| 1:00 PM | General Session: MMGY - Road Trip Traveler |
| 2:00 PM | Break |
| 2:15 PM |
Breakouts: 1. AI Bootcamp Stoni Beauchamp, AI-Dapt 2. Inspiring Employee Trust Cory Sheer |
| 3:45 PM | Break |
| 4:00 PM | Kansas Trivia? Can you Best the Best? |
| 4:30 PM |
Exhibitor Welcome Reception and Networking Local Treats |
| 5:30 PM |
Evening Community Event Museum of Art & Light Group Photo |
| 7:00 PM | Dine Around in Manhattan |
| 8:00 PM | Sports KS Mixer |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration/Information Desk Open |
| 7:45 AM |
Breakfast Coalition meetings TIAK Board meeting |
| 9:00 - 10:15 AM |
General Session: Bridgette Jobe, Director of Kansas Tourism Kansas Tourism: State of Tourism in Kansas |
| 10:15 - 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30-11:30 AM |
General Session: Shellie Phelps-Whitfield Fostering Community Growth |
| 11:30 AM | Buffet Luncheon/Visit Exhibit Area/TIAK Annual Meeting |
| 12:30 PM | Silent Auction Closes & Marketing People’s Choice Award Closes |
| 12:30 PM | TIAK Legislative Update: Marlee Carpenter and Natalie Bright |
| 1:15 - 2:15 PM | General Session: Planning for the Future and Travel Trends |
| 2:15 -2:30 PM | Last Sponsor Break & Exhibitor Tear Down |
| 2:30 - 3:30 PM |
Breakouts: 1. Planning for the future (Mater Planning for Community) (KSTATE) 2. International Travelers Jenni Wilson Visit KC 3. Arts and Tourism, Making More with Less (KAC) |
| 3:30 - 3:45 PM | Break |
| 3:45-4:30 PM | TIAK Master Planning Session: Alan Carr and TIAK EC |
| 5:00 PM | Reception |
| 6:00 PM | Kansas Tourism Dinner & Marketing Awards Banquet |
Each donation must be valued at $50 or more and will help fund important tourism initiatives across Kansas. To contribute, simply fill out the electronic form below.
Please bring your item with you to the conference.
For questions, contact Roxanne Lansink at [email protected] or Christina Hayes at [email protected].
The Kansas Tourism Conference is the premier event for connecting with tourism professionals from across the state. As a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable exposure and direct access to industry leaders.
Choose to include an exhibit booth with your sponsorship and enjoy multiple opportunities to showcase your business on the evening of Monday, October 21st and throughout Tuesday, October 22nd. It’s the perfect platform to promote your services, build relationships, and support the growth of Kansas tourism.
Your donation—big or small—makes it possible for a hospitality or tourism student from a Kansas program to attend the conference, network with professionals, and enhance their education.
It takes just $600 to fully sponsor one student, covering meals, lodging, and registration. Every contribution counts—donate as little as $10 to make a meaningful impact.
This annual contest honors the most creative and effective tourism marketing efforts across Kansas. Open exclusively to TIAK members, the awards recognize outstanding campaigns that promote destinations, events, and attractions in impactful ways.
Winners will be announced during the Kansas Tourism Conference this October, offering well-deserved recognition and visibility. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your work, gain industry recognition, and inspire fellow marketers.
To access a copy of the Marketing Award Entry Document to be completed – Click Here
NO MATTER WHERE YOU’RE TRAVELING FROM, THERE ARE PLENTY OF SITES TO SEE!
Visit the state website for more ideas!