Thank you #KTC25

The TIAK Board of Directors, Conference Committee, and staff extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered, sponsored, or attended the 2025 Kansas Tourism Conference in Manhattan. Your support and participation made this event another great success!



A special thank-you to Visit Manhattan for hosting us and for your generous hospitality!

If you have not already, please take a few minutes to complete the 2025 Kansas Tourism Conference survey. We value feedback in making the Kansas Tourism Conference the best it can be.

A Letter from Our Scholarship Recipient

Attending the Kansas Tourism Conference as a scholarship recipient was an incredible opportunity that broadened my understanding and love for the tourism and hospitality industry. As a student studying tourism and hospitality at Fort Hays State University, this experience was both educational and inspiring. Receiving the scholarship to attend the conference was an honor and a privilege. This scholarship represented an investment in my future and validated my commitment to pursuing a career in tourism. Walking into the conference as a student among seasoned professionals was initially intimidating, but I quickly realized that everyone was eager to share knowledge and encourage the next generation of industry leaders.

One of the most impactful presentations was the keynote by Devon Henderson on Community Resilience. His message emphasized the importance of adaptability and optimism in the face of uncertainty, qualities that are essential for tourism professionals navigating economic shifts, natural disasters, or global events. This session reminded me that tourism is not just about destinations; it is about people and communities working together to create meaningful experiences. I also found that Devon was so inspiring and a joy to listen to.

Another session that stood out was Kari Hoffman’s presentation on Kansas visitation trends. Learning about data-driven strategies for attracting visitors gave me a clearer picture of how analytics shape marketing decisions. I also had the opportunity to join Kari and her Datafy team at dinner. I think understanding these trends is crucial for developing campaigns that resonate with travelers and support local economies.

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with industry professionals. I spoke with representatives from convention and visitor bureaus, hotel managers, and attraction coordinators who shared candid insights about their work. These conversations helped me understand the diverse career paths within tourism and the skills needed to succeed. Many professionals offered advice on internships and encouraged me to stay involved in industry events, which I plan to do.

Attending the Kansas Tourism Conference was more than an academic experience, it was a turning point in my professional journey. I left the event with a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of tourism and the role it plays in building vibrant communities. The sessions and networking opportunities reinforced my decision to pursue a career in this field and inspired me to think creatively about how technology and data can enhance visitor experiences.

I am beyond grateful to the Travel Industry Association of Kansas and the scholarship donors for making this experience possible. Moving forward, I plan to apply what I learned about resilience, data-driven strategies, and technological innovation to my studies and future career. This experience has strengthened my commitment to promoting Kansas as a destination and contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.

Delanee Bedore

In Case You Missed It:

Please see link to the recorded webinar from October 9th with TIAK and SportsKS memebers that contains information on the Sports Tourism Legislation proposal.