PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By Julie Roller Weeks

Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau

Can you believe the summer is nearing an end? It seems like it only started, although I’m not loving the triple-digit temperatures. If you’re like me, you probably feel like you’re drinking from a firehose right now. Thankfully, there are so many good things happening, but there are also so many good things happening that need our attention!

My dad says, "a broke horse gets ridden." I think this is his version of “if you want something done, ask a busy person.” And tourism professionals sure are busy. We wear so many different hats, and during this never-ending “workforce shortage” it doesn’t get any easier. When is the last time you took time for yourself? “Self care” frequently pops up on my TikTok page, but how many of us really take time off from taking care of others?

Maybe before the summer is completely over, how about we sneak away for a day or two? Take time to unplug and go somewhere new? I’ll hold you accountable if you hold me accountable too.

To the Stars!

#KTC22 IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS!

After the past few years, we know our industry continues to need some TLC. Get ready to take care of travel and tourism at the 2022 Kansas Tourism Conference, October 17-19, in Wichita.

We invite you to be a part of 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. Click here for a full agenda and more information on our keynote speakers.

Tuesday General Session Keynote: Larry Hatteberg, "Building Your Community Story."

Wednesday General Session Keynote: Dr. Nels Lindsborg, "Building Better Teams."

Become a #KTC22 Sponsor

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

Support a Student

Now is the time to contribute to the Student Scholarship Fund so we can continue offering a scholarship to a student in a Kansas hospitality/tourism program of study. This is a great opportunity for the next generation of tourism professionals to learn about Kansas, network in the industry, and build upon their coursework and learning.

However, we cannot award a scholarship without the help of our members. Did you know it takes $600 to bring a student to the Kansas Tourism Conference each year? Between meals, lodging and conference registration, that’s a lot for a college kid to shell out. You can help make it possible by donating as little as $10!

Wacky Wichita!

If you’re heading to Wichita in October for the annual tourism conference, make plans to check out the offbeat and wacky things to see and do.

Seen through the eyes and exploration of travel writer Megan Bannister of Olio in Iowa, she loves to find offbeat attractions, and had no trouble finding unusual and wacky fun in Wichita.

Learn more about what she discovered in her article, “Offbeat and Unusual Things to do in Wichita.”

RFP for 2024 KTC Host City

Proposals are still being sought for the 2024 Kansas Tourism Conference. Proposals are to be submitted through coordinated community efforts of the local DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) such as the Chamber, CVB, City in cooperation with lodging, meeting and attractions facilities to be considered. CVB’s and DMO’s that are TIAK members will be given preference. Click here for the RFP.

Board Member Spotlight: Holly Lofton & Kristi Lee

Our July board member spotlights feature folks from Leavenworth and Lindsborg! Read more and be sure to say hello at a future TIAK event. Check back monthly as we shine the spotlight on other members of the board throughout the year.

KRPA Marketing Workshop

TIAK members are invited to attend a marketing workshop hosted by the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association on August 26 in Hutchinson.

This year's event will focus on knowing your target audience and how to streamline your marketing strategies for the audience that you wish to reach. The cost to attend is $75 and includes lunch and qualifies for 0.3 CEU credits. Learn more and register here.

Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Call for Nominations

Kansas honored its role in the creation of the cowboy in 2002 by establishing the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Each year since honorees have been named to the following categories: Working Cowboy, Rancher/Cattleman, Cowboy Artist/Entertainer, Rodeo Cowboy, Cowboy Historian.

Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees are selected for their significant contributions to the western heritage lifestyle, past or present, and to the preservation of the cowboy culture in Kansas. Any organization or individual may nominate a qualified person, living or deceased, for consideration. The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee from all over the state, meets annually to evaluate and determine inductees.

Nomination forms may be requested through Boot Hill Museum, Inc., Front Street, Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Forms must be received by August 22, for induction consideration for 2022. A 20^th year celebration and induction ceremony will take place at the Mariah Gallery, Boot Hill Museum, Inc., in Dodge City, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.

For more information or to obtain an application, please visit www.boothill.org, or contact Boot Hill Museum.Email info@boothill.org or call 620-227-8188.

U.S. Travel Association's Business Travel Findings

Several weeks ago, the U.S. Travel Association released the new Quarterly Business Travel Tracker, which they launched this past April in a collaboration with J.D. Power and Tourism Economics.

Findings revealed that more than two-thirds of executives expect their company will spend less on business travel over the next six months compared to the same period in 2019. Half of companies still have policies in place restricting business travel. However, companies that restrict or reduce business travel risk negative impacts to their bottom lines. 

U.S. Travel has created an all-new social guide with ready-made graphics and captions for your organization’s use to reinforce this message.

JuneLodging 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 77% hotel room participation in June.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

**NO AUGUST HUDDLE**

TIAK Board Meetings

August 11, October 17, December 8

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

September 8, November 10

Kansas Tourism Conference

October 17-19, Wichita