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 (until August 31):
- TTRA Member: $374
- Non-Member: $424
- 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
Speaker: Chris Klauda (STR)
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
General Session IV: Co-Ops: What They Are and How to Make/Join One
Speakers: TBD
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 Events
Speakers: TBD
5:15 PM
Board the Buses
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
Local Marketing/Research Showcase: “Walk-the-Talk Tour”
Location: Orpheum Theater
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Reception
Location: Offsite
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: Workforce Development
Speaker: Gina Speckman (Chicago Northshore)
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Wrap-Up & Award for Best Academic Paper
CALL FOR ACADEMIC PAPERS:
The conference invites academic papers on the theme “Bridging Horizons in Tourism and Travel.” Participants from all over the world, including destination marketing organizations, academia, government agencies, and industry professionals, are encouraged to submit papers.
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstract Length: Up to 500 words
- Submission Deadline: August 31, 2024
- Notification of Acceptance: September 13, 2024
- Submission Email: [email protected]
- Formatting Requirements:
- Main body up to 500 words
- 12-point Times New Roman font, single-spaced
- 1-inch margins
- Include figures/tables in the manuscript
- Two documents: Title page (author names & affiliation), Main document (without author names)
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors!
Become a Sponsor
Support the 2024 CenStates TTRA Annual Conference and gain valuable exposure to industry professionals. Sponsorship opportunities, listed in the PDF below, are available at various levels, offering benefits such as prominent logo placement, speaking opportunities, and exclusive networking sessions. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll enhance your brand visibility and connect with key stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Logo on all conference materials
- Speaking Opportunities
- Exclusive networking sessions
- Marketing exposure
Sponsorship Levels:
- Platinum Sponsor: $3,500
- Gold Sponsor: $2,500
- Silver Sponsor: $1,000
- Bronze Sponsor: $500
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 (until August 31):
- TTRA Member: $374
- Non-Member: $424
- 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!