October 9, 2024 - October 11, 2024
Mark your calendars for October 9-11 and gather with us in Sioux City for the CenStates Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association’s Annual Conference. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Loess Hills along the Missouri River, this conference is a gateway to exploring the latest developments and insights shaping travel’s future.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- In-depth Discussions: Engage in conversations that challenge and provoke thought.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and researchers.
- Latest Research: Gain insights from cutting-edge research to drive your business or destination forward.
- Focus Areas: From sustainable tourism to leveraging technology, there’s something for every focus area.
REGISTER FOR THE CENSTATES CONFERENCE
Registration Includes:
Join us at the 2024 CenStates TTRA Annual Conference in Sioux City, Iowa, from October 9-11. This event is an excellent opportunity for travel and tourism professionals to learn, network, and share insights. Secure your spot today and be part of this impactful event.
- Access to all sessions
- Networking events
- Conference materials
Registration Rates:
- TTRA Member: $399
- Non-Member: $449
- Student TTRA Member: $99
- Student Non-Member: $149
- Full-Time Professor with Student: $324
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 9
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Board of Directors Meeting
CenStates TTRA
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration/Dine Around signup
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sponsor Exhibit Set Up
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Meet & Greet Happy Hour
with Academic Papers & Exhibitors
8:00 PM
Dinner on your own
Thursday, October 10
7:15 AM – 8:15 AM
Breakfast
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sponsor Exhibits
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Welcome
Speakers: Sarah Ferguson (SMARInsights), TTRA CenStates Chapter President
Kelsey Waite (Longwoods International), TTRA CenStates Chapter Vice President
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session I: Unlocking the Power of Free Data: Strategies for the Tourism Industry
Speakers: Matthew Kodis (Iowa Economic Development Authority)
Tim Crouson (Destination Ann Arbor)
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
General Session II: American Traveler Sentiment: What’s Impacting Travel Now and Beyond
Speaker: Kelsey Waite (Longwoods International)
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
General Session III: The Total Accommodations Landscape: US and Regional Lodging Trends and Outlooks
Speakers: Bram Gallagher (AirDNA)
Chris Klauda (STR)
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
General Session IV: Refining Workforce Development Initiatives through Research
Speakers: Warren Wilkinson (Visit Overland Park CVB) Gina Speckman (Chicago’s North Shore CVB)
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
General Session V: Local Empowerment through Collaborative Air Service Development
Speaker: Jonathon Gorney (OAG)
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CenStates TTRA
Speaker: Sarah Ferguson (SMARInsights), TTRA CenStates Chapter President
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Vendor Speed Dating
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
General Session VI: Unlocking the Potential: Meeting & Convention Business in the Central States
Speaker: Carleigh Dworetzky (2Synergize)
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
General Session VII: City-Wide Leisure and Sport Events: Creating Lasting Legacies and Building Stronger Communities
Speakers: Amelia Klatt (Greater Des Moines Partnership)
Derik Detter (Visit KC)
Christine Zetzl (Visit Indy)
Moderator: Becky Liu-Lastres (Indiana University Indianapolis)
5:15 PM
Board the Buses
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
Local Marketing/Research Showcase: “Walk-the-Talk Tour”
Speaker: Nick Palmiotti
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Reception
Location: Orpheum Theater
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Dine Around
Location: Offsite
8:30 PM
Board the Buses for return to the hotel
Friday, October 11
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Continental Breakfast
7:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sponsor Exhibits
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session VIII: State of the International Traveler
Speaker: David Bratton (Future Partners)
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
General Session IX: Unlocking Global Potential: 101 Guide to Attracting International Visitation and Collaboration with Brand USA
Speaker: Skylar Clark (Brand USA)
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
General Session X: Placemaking Assessments & Action Plans: How DMOs Become Leaders in Placemaking
Speakers: Jay Burress (Hunden Group)
Brenda Myers (Hamilton County CVB)
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
General Session XI: Co-Ops: How Partnerships can Increase Access to Data
Speaker: Bob Navarro (Heritage Corridor Destinations), Gina Speckman (Chicago’s North Shore CVB)
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Wrap-Up & Award for Best Academic Paper
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors!
Register for the CenStates Conference
Join us at the 2024 CenStates TTRA Annual Conference in Sioux City, Iowa, from October 9 to 11. This event is an excellent opportunity for travel and tourism professionals to learn, network, and share insights. Secure your spot today and be part of this impactful event.
Registration Includes:
- Access to all sessions
- Networking events
- Conference materials
Registration Rates:
- TTRA Member: $399
- Non-Member: $449
- Student TTRA Member: $99
- Student Non-Member: $149
- Full-Time Professor with Student: $324
Book Accommodations
Hotel Reservations
The room block closes Friday, September 20th (or earlier if the room block gets sold out).
We will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux City Riverfront in Sioux City, Iowa. To make a room reservation call 712-255-4200 and ask for the $129 CenStates TTRA conference rate.
Questions? Contact Michael Palmer at [email protected].
We can’t wait to see you there!