Volume 21, Issue 7 | July 2024

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TIAK TALK NEWSLETTER
Published monthly for members of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas.

President's Report


When married to an architect that primarily designs schools, the reality is that his summer construction crunch, coupled with my tourism workload, leaves little time for time away in the summer. Sometimes I feel a bit of trip envy when I see the posts of others that are enjoying their family vacations or dreams trips.

 

This past weekend, as I was loading up equipment for making “snow” in the park for two hours in 100-degree heat, I was reminded of the sweetness of getting to LIVE in a place that many choose as their getaway. Christmas in July, Lindsborg’s fun twist on a holiday you would not typically celebrate in the hottest month of summer, provides a breath of fresh air for many. Yes, there are cool drinks at the coffeeshops and shopping galore, but the highlight has become the “snow” in the park. The Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau provides this part of the event, blowing mountains of bubbles to play in, in the mottled shade of Swensson Park.

 

Trying to do our part to make the most of summer heat by adding a bit of frivolity, our office made our own bubble machine in year one of Christmas in July…with the extensive help of a really good friend. (To be clear, I primarily provided the loud cheering, hand clapping, materials, and a YouTube “how to” video.) Our contraption worked but was not optimal. By year two, we penny pinched to purchase a bubble cannon. Now in year three, this has become an event that people drive for miles to enjoy. Who knew?

 

I leave you with this…imagine gloriously happy children running, jumping, screaming, laughing, and plowing their way through a 6 ft. tall pile of bubbles in swimsuits and goggles. It is truly a highlight of my summer. Sweet success and music for my heart. And, we have already returned the one lost shoe and pair of eyeglasses.

 

To the Stars…and the snow,

 

Holly

 

BTW…I still want to see where you are going. I am living vicariously through you all summer. 😊

Sunflower Snapshots

In Case You Missed the Latest "Sunflower Snapshot" – Your Ultimate Guide to TIAK & Kansas Tourism!

 

Are you new to the tourism industry or exploring Kansas for the first time? Our new video series, "Sunflower Snapshots," is here to answer all your questions and help you navigate the vibrant world of Kansas tourism.

 

Series Overview:

Our 15-part video series covers everything a newcomer needs to know and insider tips for industry professionals. Each video is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge to make the most out of your Kansas Tourism experience.

 

Join us on this exciting adventure and let "Sunflower Snapshots" be your guide to navigating the tourism world with us in the Sunflower State.

View the Snapshots

Kansas Tourism Industry Huddle

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

Kansas Tourism Conference

KTC 2024 is only months away!

Join us in Olathe, October 21-23, 2024

Are you ready to celebrate tourism? Join us in Olathe this October for the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year. Enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information and fun networking opportunities.


Kansas has so many things to celebrate this year and we can't wait for you to be a part of the fun!

Register today

2024 KTC Hotel Block

Reserve your room for the Kansas Tourism Conference in Olathe, October 21-23, 2024. The event will take place at the Olathe Conference Center with the room block at the same location through Embassy Suites. Single or double occupancy rooms are $149/night plus tax.

Reserve your room

Sponsorship Opportunities

Highlight and promote what you have to offer the travel and tourism community: introduce a new product, or remind everyone of a great location, piece of merchandise, or service you are famous for. There are options to fit every budget. Click here for more information on #KTC24 sponsorship opportunities.


A BIG thank you to all our generous sponsors to date!

Membership Incentive

KDOC Grants Calendar

The Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to helping individuals, businesses and communities achieve prosperity in Kansas. One of the ways it accomplishes this mission is by providing financial assistance and partnership support to further identified goals. Most grants call for local matches and other required stipulations that vary by project. Learn more.

In the News

Build Kansas Fund Contributions

Entities seeking state money for infrastructure projects must commit to their own matches or provide a solid reason why they can't, the Build Kansas Advisory Committee said. The committee didn't specify a required amount of support, but the match can be monetary or in-kind. Learn more.

Friday Fly Day

The Kansas Department of Transportation is encouraging aviation education and outreach vital to emerging technology integration. Below are a few relevant events:


  • K-Dot/KU Innovative Technology Summit (Free, registration is open, Lawrence, KS)
  • Summit August 7th, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
  • Reception August 7th, 5:30 PM- 7:00 PM
  • KDOT Innovative Technology Grants page
  • Innovative technology grant applications are due by 11/30/24.
  •  K-Dot/KU Research Needs Day (Free, registration is open, Lawrence, KS)
  • Reception August 7th, 5:30 PM -7:00 PM
  • Meeting August 8th, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
  • The Kansas Transportation Research and New Developments (K-TRAN) Program is a cooperative research program designed in partnership with Kansas State University and The University of Kansas, to address the specific transportation research needs of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
  • ***Transportation research project ideas may be submitted to K-Tran here and are due by 7/26/24.

Creative Projects Funded

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced $1,295,450 has been awarded to 108 recipients in the latest round of Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant funding. Learn more.

TIAK Member News

Job Postings Available

TIAK is committed to keeping our members connected and assisting with promoting job openings and internships. We've added several job postings to the website. Check them out!

Labor Report

Labor Market Report

Please find the link below to the June 2024 Labor Market report. The July 2024 Labor Report will be released on Friday, August 16, 2024.


June 2024 Labor Market Report: https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==  


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

Travel Trends

June 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 61% property participation and 78% hotel room participation in June.

Click on the graphic for the U.S. Travel forecast slide deck.

TIAK Talk


CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

August 14


TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

September 12

November 14


TIAK Board Meetings

August 8

October 21 (KTC)

December 12


Event Dates

Kansas Tourism Conference

October 21-23 - Olathe


Destination Statehouse

February 12 - Topeka

Registration opens later this year