Volume 16, Issue 8 | August 2021
TIAK TALK NEWSLETTER
TIAK Talk is published monthly for members of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
By Jim Zaleski
Serving at the Pleasure of the Membership

I don't know about you, but 'm looking at my calendar with some new inspiration these days. I have a special circle around October 18-20, of course, as I can't to see many of you at the Kansas Tourism Conference. But even beyond TIAK, I'm excited about conferences in Nashville, Michigan and Vegas, which are all (still) planned before the end of the year.

This is a renewed feeling to be looking at travel in the not-so-distant future. However, two of the biggest events have both issued a vaccination or negative test mandate, a controversial topic to say the least. Read more.
#KTC21 Two Months Away

TIAK and Kansas Tourism continue to plan for an in-person conference in October. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 status in Kansas and discuss protocols and procedures to keep members safe. The October Tourism Huddle will also focus on conference protocols. 

Refunds will be offered up until the day conference begins for members that do not feel comfortable attending the event. Please feel free to reach out to the TIAK office with any questions or concerns. We can't wait to see you soon in Liberal!
Hotel Reservations

Don't forget to make your hotel reservations. Our room block at the Fairfield Inn and Suites expires on October 8, but we also have rooms blocked at the Hampton Inn and Suites. Both rates are $99+. Book online now!
Support a Student

For as little as $10, you can help expose a student to the hospitality/tourism program of study. The TIAK Student Scholarship Fund helps bring college kids to the Kansas Tourism Conference to learn about Kansas and network with their potential future employers! Donate quickly online.
Silent Auction

We're looking for donations to the silent auction at the Kansas Tourism Conference. Contributions should be made by October 1 to ensure you're recognized in the auction catalog. Thank you for your support! Donate here.
Sponsorship Opportunities

We still have a few spots available! The businesses shown below have generously agreed to support this year's Kansas Tourism Conference. If you're interested in joining them, we've added some new levels of giving. This is your chance to 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 that you are famous for.
September Tourism Huddle

TIAK and Kansas Tourism will host our next virtual huddle on Wednesday, September 8 at 1:00 PM. Details coming soon.

Questions should be submitted in advance to office@tiak.org; and there will be a maximum of 250 participants. Each update will be recorded and made available online to anyone that can't participate live.

Recordings of past updates can be found at: https://www.travelks.com/industry/covid19-resources.
Kansas Destination Specialist Program

Don't forget that points for TIAK's Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS) program are due by September 17. This program is designed to familiarize and further one’s knowledge of the State of Kansas, tourism marketing, and leadership. Make 2021 the year that you go from seeking your KDS to joining the ranks of others who have earned this state-wide designation for tourism professionals. Learn more.
Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program

The U.S. Travel Association hosted on August 11 a webinar with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Destinations International. It included a detailed overview of the EDA’s new six-program initiative called Investing in America’s Communities.

Take advantage of referring to this panel’s knowledgeable insights, especially as they cover the Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Grants. Access the presentation slides here.
July 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:


Kansas had 63% property participation and 78% hotel room participation in July.
Job Opening

The Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Pittsburg is looking for their next Executive Director. This position is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to accomplish the objectives of the CVB, principally increasing the number of overnight visitors in Crawford County. This position works with an Advisory Board under the supervision of the Crawford County Commission. Learn more.

Welcome New Member
Welcome to the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce as TIAK's newest member. We're excited you joined and are now part of the Kansas travel and tourism team!
Membership Directory Now Password Protected
In light of recent email phishing attempts, TIAK is now using a password-protected membership database. To access, please contact the TIAK office for the password.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle
September 8

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings
September 9, November 11

TIAK Board Meetings
October 18, December 9

Kansas Tourism Conference
October 18-20

Destination Statehouse
February 9, 2022