#KTC26

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Conference Highlights: See What's in Store

Pre-Conference Event Monday, October 19 at 5:00pm

Welcome to Wichita: Riverfront Walk, Eats & Views

Start your Wichita experience with a relaxed evening of connection, local flavor and iconic views. Early arrivals are invited to gather at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview for a guided walk to Wichita Brewing Company – Delano before heading to the Keeper of the Plains for the nightly firepot lighting ceremony along the riverfront. Food and beverages at Wichita Brewing Company will be available for purchase individually. Guests may return to the hotel at their leisure. Transportation not provided. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

Opening Keynote

The Power of Place: Telling Your Community Story

Andrew McCrea 

Andrew McCrea is a farmer, a rancher and a nationally syndicated radio broadcaster. Since 1996 Andrew has traveled the nation, producing the “American Countryside” features that are heard each day on over 100 radio stations. He’s conducted interviews in all 50 states and on six continents talking to people from all walks of life - Emmy and Grammy winners, All-star athletes and even the world’s rooster crowing champion! He’s been body slammed by professional wrestlers, traveled to the launch pads at Cape Canaveral, and chronicled the struggle of impoverished farmers in Africa. But often, it’s an interview with someone you’ve never heard of with a story you won’t forget.

Kansas Community Empowerment Rebrands as Empower Kansas

Kansas Community Empowerment has rebranded as Empower Kansas, creating a simplified statewide identity designed to strengthen connections, collaboration and leadership among Kansas communities. The program builds on the legacy of Kansas PRIDE and KCE by helping communities share strategies, pursue local improvement projects and enhance quality of place, while allowing each community to retain its own local identity if desired. Read more HERE.

Kansas Offers $1.5M to Transform Vacant Downtown Buildings

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced $1.5 million in HEAL grants to help revitalize vacant and underutilized downtown buildings for uses such as businesses, housing, childcare, arts and entrepreneurial activities. Projects must demonstrate economic potential, have committed occupancy, and provide a 1:1 match from the building owner; applications are open through November 20, 2026, with awards announced in January. Read more HERE.

TIAK PAC Contribution Requests!

During the 2024 election cycle, TIAK PAC contributed to 64 candidates with a 90% success rate. TIAK PAC's support of candidates is important as we work to build and develop TIAK's relationships with legislators impact the legislative process.

The TIAK PAC is seeking donations from individuals, not from CVB funds. Please scan Venmo QR code or click HERE for your contribution. If you would like to send a check, please send it to the TIAK PAC at 825 S Kansas Ave, Suite 502, Topeka, KS 66612.

Join TIAK and Kansas Tourism for a virtual Kansas tourism industry huddle the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1 PM CT. View past huddles here.

European tourists flock to US for Route 66 centennial

International tourists, particularly from Europe, are flocking to the US to celebrate the Route 66 centennial, boosting local businesses along the historic highway. Tour operators such as Wolfgang Werz have seen a surge in demand, with tourists spending significant amounts on memorabilia and local attractions. International visitors are drawn to the nostalgic appeal of Route 66, seeking to experience what they perceive as the "real America". Read more HERE.

American Music Tourism Act awaits presidential signature

The American Music Tourism Act, a bipartisan bill first introduced in 2024, has now passed both houses of Congress and is awaiting the president's signature to become law. The act has been praised by industry groups like the National Independent Venue Association for its potential to drive both domestic and international visitors to music-related sites across the US. The legislation is seen as a significant step toward recognizing live music and related attractions as important economic assets and aims to create the country's first national strategy for music tourism. Read more HERE.

Labor Market Report

Please find the link below to the July Labor Market report. The September 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on October 16, 2026.

August 2026 Labor Market Report: Click Here!

Scroll down to Labor Report Documents for the News Release and Labor Force Data for the “Interactive Labor Force Dashboard” and “Printable County Unemployment Rate Map”.

August Lodging Report

TIAK has an agreement with Smith Travel Research (STR) to provide members with statewide reports on hotel occupancy each month. The following data is provided directly from STR:

Monthly and YTD Comparisons

Kansas had 63% property participation and 79% hotel room participation in August.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

October 14

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

November 12

TIAK Board Meetings

October 20

December 10