Volume 15, Issue 2 | February 2020
TIAK TALK NEWSLETTER
TIAK Talk is published monthly for members of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
By Kelly Peetoom

February - sometimes viewed as flyover month - turned out to be one heck of a ride. The Chiefs win the Super Bowl, the Kansas Legislature decides to close during Destination Statehouse, and we end the month with weather in the 60’s. I'm going to blame it all on the leap year.

Thank you to everyone that made Destination Statehouse this year a success. Although both the House and Senate were officially closed for business, many elected officials stayed in town and came to our lunch and evening event. Plus the updates from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Department of Transportation were very informative. *Note to the TIAK membership: your executive committee has researched the Super Bowl dates for 2021, just in case. Thank you Patrick Mahomes.

Now that our lawmakers have us on their radar, it's time for us to set up lunches, coffees, and visits with our elected leaders at home. Remember from last month’s newsletter, I mentioned having a 5-minute elevator speech always handy. Now is the time to execute.
 
Last, please be sure to check out the TIAK website for upcoming events. The April meeting in Salina is shaping up to be an educational seminar you won't want to miss. Hope to see you there.
More than 60 TIAK members braved a winter storm to travel to Topeka for Destination Statehouse 2020 on February 5. Despite some minor changes in plans, the event was a huge success. Over 100 Legislators attended our lunch and learned more about the value of tourism on the Kansas economy; and TIAK members had a day to network with their industry colleagues. Thanks to all who participated and sponsored this fun event!
April Educational Seminar

Join KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. for a presentation on Service Animal Awareness and Legality Topics for Business and Event Venues. This April Educational Seminar will be held on April 9, from 1:30-4pm at the Visit Salina Annex. The cost to attend is only $10. Space is limited so register today .
Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman, Senator Julia Lynn (R-Olathe), hosted a group of international students at the Statehouse on February 20, and TIAK was honored to be their lunch sponsor.
Destination Capitol Hill 2020

If you've never attended the U.S. Travel Association's Destination Capitol Hill (DCH), 2020 is your year. On April 1-2, travel leaders from across the country will travel to Washington, D.C. to educate policymakers about the power of travel.

The program combines a legislative day on Capitol Hill with advocacy training, guest speakers and peer-to-peer networking. DCH provides delegates with an opportunity to learn about upcoming legislation that impacts travel, network with peers and meet with members of Congress to stress the importance of travel as an economic driver.

Watch this video to learn more!
January Lodging Report

TIAK has an agreement with Smith Travel Research (STR) to provide members with the monthly statewide STR report on hotel occupancy. Several TIAK members also receive their local community reports. Click here for monthly and year-to-date comparisons provided directly by STR.

Kansas had 64% property participation and 77% hotel room participation in January.
The U.S. economy maintained steady growth as 2020 began: initial estimates showed that real GDP grew by 2.3% in 2019, and a stellar labor market and steady consumer spending underpinned solid economic growth prospects. However, January also brought new global headwinds to the U.S. economy, including the global coronavirus outbreak. Read more .
Job Opening

Visit Topeka is looking for their next President and Senior Vice President of the Greater Topeka Partnership. Learn more here.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

U.S. Travel Association Destination Capitol Hill
April 1-2, Washington D.C.

Kansas Tourism Conference
October 19-21, 2020 in Liberal
October 18-20, 2021 in Wichita

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings
March 12, by phone
June 10, Olathe
July 9, by phone
September 10, by phone
November 12, Cottonwood Falls Retreat

TIAK Board Meetings
April 9, Salina
June 11, Olathe
August 13, by email
October 19, Liberal
December 10, Abilene


TOURISM WEBINARS
Coupon code: TravelKS

March 5

March 12

March 19

March 26