October 7, 2026 - October 9, 2026
SAVE THE DATE!
2026 TTRA CenStates Annual Chapter Conference
Dates: October 7–9, 2026
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Organizer: Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Central States Chapter
Discover What’s Next in Travel and Tourism
Calling all travel industry leaders, researchers, and innovators.
Join us in Bloomington, Indiana from October 7–9, 2026 for the TTRA CenStates Chapter Annual Conference, where research meets real-world application and ideas turn into action.
Together, we will explore the trends, data, and strategies shaping the future of travel and tourism, while connecting with a community that values insight, collaboration, and forward thinking.
Set in the vibrant college town of Bloomington, home to Indiana University, this conference blends meaningful learning with an engaging and welcoming destination experience.
Why Attend
This is more than a conference. It is a space to learn, share, and move the industry forward together.
- Fresh perspectives on sustainability, emerging audiences, and technology
- Actionable insights you can apply immediately to your destination or organization
- Thought-provoking discussions that challenge assumptions and spark new ideas
- Meaningful connections with professionals across academia, DMOs, and the private sector
Who Should Attend
- Destination marketing professionals seeking data-driven strategies
- Researchers and academics looking to share and apply their work
- Industry partners and consultants focused on innovation and growth
- Students and emerging leaders exploring careers in tourism
What to Expect
In-depth discussions
Engage in conversations that push thinking and inspire new approaches.
Networking opportunities
Connect with peers, industry leaders, and researchers in a collaborative setting.
Cutting-edge research
Gain insights that help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.
Relevant focus areas
From sustainable tourism to technology and new traveler segments, sessions are designed to reflect what matters most right now.
Register for the CenStates Conference
Join us for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Registration includes
- Access to all sessions
- Networking events
- Conference materials
Registration rates
- TTRA Member, $425 (Early Bird Member, $399)
- Non Member, $475 (Early Bird Non Member, $449)
- Student Member, $125
- Student Non Member, $175
- Full Time Professor with Student, $349
Early bird pricing available through August 7, 2026.
Registration is now open!
Optional Pre-Conference Tour
At this year’s conference, we are thrilled to be able to offer a private group tour of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (TMBCC) as our pre-conference activity.
Dedicated to the people of Tibet, this Cultural Center, located on 90 acres just south of Bloomington, offers a relaxing and peaceful setting for meditation and reflection. The Tibetan Chortens here (2) are the only ones in the nation. The TMBCC was established by Indiana University Professor Emeritus Thubten J. Norbu in 1979 to acquaint people with the history and culture of Tibet and to support Tibetans everywhere. Throughout the year, it provides a place for workshops, teachings, seminars, initiations, retreats and ceremonies relating to the Tibetan and Mongolian cultures. Highlights include the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple, butter sculptures, a permanent sand mandala and many other works of art.
The tour will take place prior to the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, October 7 from 2:30-4PM, and is availble to the first 30 attendees who sign up during registraiton. Transportation will be coordinated onsite at the event.
If you have any questions, please contact ce*******@**ra.com.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The 2026 TTRA CenStates Annual Chapter Conference is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.
Host Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Position your organization at the center of meaningful industry conversations.
Sponsoring the CenStates Conference gives you direct access to a highly engaged audience of tourism professionals, researchers, and decision-makers across the central United States.
Build visibility, strengthen relationships, and showcase your expertise. Check out our sponsorship opportunities below.
Secure Your Sponsorship Today!
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Explore sponsorship opportunities and see how your organization can connect with a highly engaged audience of tourism professionals, researchers, and decision-makers.
Questions? Contact ce*******@**ra.com.
Conference Accommodations
Hotel Reservations
A room block has been secured at The IU Biddle Hotel in Bloomington, Indiana, for attendees of the 2026 TTRA CenStates Annual Conference.
Room rates start at $119 per night and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Book your hotel room: Reserve Your Room
We encourage attendees to book early, as availability within the room block is limited.
Questions? Contact Sam Jankowski at ce*******@**ra.com.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bloomington this October!
Questions? Contact Sam Jankowski at ce*******@**ra.com.
We can’t wait to see you there!