PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By Julie Roller Weeks

Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s a great day in Kansas!

Are you really in tourism if you aren’t frantically writing a column on your laptop in an airport on the way to a conference? Tourism professionals know how to work in any environment and have more on their plate than time to complete.

I’m writing this on my way to the Midwest Travel Network Conference, where I’m speaking about “How to Make Big Things Happen in a Small Town.” As I look across the state, anyone in the Kansas Tourism Industry could easily share their story. Kansas tourism leaders know how to do this best; we know how to stretch budgets, make a big media splash, develop assets, create positive economic impacts in our communities and have fun! Read more.

#KTC22 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

After the past few years, we know our industry continues to need TLC. Get ready to take care of travel and tourism, in-person, at the 2022 Kansas Tourism Conference, October 17-19, in Wichita.

We invite you to be a part of the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year. Enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information, and fun networking opportunities. Kansas has so many things to celebrate this year and we can't wait for you to be a part of the fun!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Highlight and promote what you have to offer the travel and tourism community: introduce a new product, or remind everyone of a great location, piece of merchandise, or service you are famous for. There are options to fit every budget. Click here for more information on how to become a sponsor of #KTC22.

A BIG thank you to all of our generous sponsors to date!

RFP for 2024 KTC Host City

Proposals are being sought for the 2024 Kansas Tourism Conference. Proposals are anticipated to be submitted through coordinated community efforts of the local DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) such as the Chamber, CVB, City in cooperation with lodging, meeting and attractions facilities to be considered. CVB’s and DMO’s that are TIAK members will be given preference. Click here for the RFP.

Kansas City Named a 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City

It’s official! The Soccer Capital of America will welcome the beautiful game on the world's largest stage.

On June 16, FIFA announced the 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico selected to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Kansas City making the cut.

Now, the world will be introduced to the Heart of America. Here’s what KC has in store as it prepares to take the global soccer stage. Matches will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Read more.

Primary Campaign Season for Kansas House

June 10 was the filing deadline for any candidate wanting to run for the Kansas House of Representatives this year. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 23 incumbent representatives did not file for reelection.
• 55 House seats are uncontested, facing no opposition in either the primary or general.
• Of those 55 candidates that are essentially already elected, 36 are Republicans and 19 are Democrats.
• 70 seats are up for election.
• Of those 70 candidates, 10 of them only have a primary and 39 only have a general.
• 21 house districts have both primary and general elections.

The primary election will be on August 2, and the general election will be on November 8.

Regarding statewide races, conservative Senator Dennis Pyle (R-Hiawatha) changed his party affiliation from Republican to Unaffiliated to run in the Kansas Governor’s race. He chose a treasurer to manage his campaign and a running mate as his Lieutenant Governor. However, he still needs to secure 5,000 petition signatures to add his name to the August ballot. A three-way primary can complicate and impact the outcome of a race. There is concern that Pyle would steal votes from Attorney General Derek Schmidt (R) who is running against incumbent Governor Laura Kelly (D).

Something important to note is that the Value Them Both constitutional amendment question – allowing the Legislature to regulate abortions in Kansas – will be on the primary ballot and will draw large conservative Republican crowds to the voting booths.

This year’s campaign trail is looking quite different from 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing. We're seeing traditional campaigning, without masks, and plenty of door-to-door visits and in-person fundraisers.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Federal Grant

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Safe Streets and Roads for all federal grants is now available. The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provide Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. The program funds initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

Cities, towns, counties, and transit agencies or other special districts that are subdivisions of a State are eligible to apply for these grants. Other eligible entities include Metropolitan Planning Organizations; federally recognized Tribal governments; and eligible multi-jurisdictional groups. Eligible activities include developing or updating a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan); conducting planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan; and carrying out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2022.

Board Member Spotlight: Janet Kuhn

Beyond the boardroom, there’s a lot of work that goes into keeping TIAK a well-respected and impeccably-run association.

While our staff, Natalie, Marlee, and Amy keep things going on a daily basis and surely make the board member roles easier, we want to give a big shout out to our board of directors for the tireless efforts and support they lend to this association, their own communities, and the tourism industry. Read more.

U.S. Travel Association Selects Geoff Freeman as President a CEO

The next chapter of the U.S. Travel Association will be led by Geoff Freeman, a proven association leader who has a track record of building talented teams and delivering game-changing results for varied industries. He re-joins the U.S. Travel Association after nearly a decade of association leadership—first as president and CEO of the American Gaming Association and as the current president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association. He will join U.S. Travel on September 1.

Over the past 20 years, Freeman has built an approach to association leadership that is centered around industry unity and transformational change. In his previous leadership role at U.S. Travel, Freeman’s strategic work led to the industry’s signature bipartisan legislative victory establishing the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 and creating Brand USA. Other accomplishments included leading the industry effort behind the creation of TSA PreCheck and establishing the Meetings Mean Business Coalition. Read more.

May Lodging Report

TIAK has an agreement with Smith Travel Research (STR) to provide members with statewide reports on hotel occupancy each month. The following data is provided directly from STR:

Monthly and YTD Comparisons

Kansas had 63% property participation and 77% hotel room participation in May.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

July 14, September 8, November 10

TIAK Board Meetings

August 11, October 17, December 8

Kansas Tourism Conference

October 17-19, Wichita