Internet Cafe
Throughout the conference, stop in to check email, catch up on work, and discuss the Web with other conference attendees.
"Show & Tell" Room
Check out the Office of Tourism`s marketing and creative display. Find unique ideas and gain perspective on all of our office`s unified marketing campaigns. This room will be open throughout the conference.
Digital Revolution Information
Get signed up on site for Digital Revolution! Tourism staff will be available to assist you in getting registered, answer questions and walk you through how simple, easy and beneficial this partnership is for your business.
8-9 a.m.
New Attendee Orientation
Grab a cup of coffee and a roll and get oriented! First-time attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, go over the conference schedule and meet the Office of Tourism staff.
9-9:50 a.m.
Brainstorming Sessions
These sessions will offer participants an opportunity to interact with tourism industry peers and discuss successes, challenges and new ideas. There will be two options for participants.
Going Green
What better time than now to start going green! Some may already be practicing green activities and not even know it. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss and share ideas with a panel of industry representatives following through on green initiatives. Ask questions. Get answers. Go green!
Workforce Development
Developing a strong and trusting workforce within a company can be a struggle. Many managers face the same issues and concerns on a daily basis. Get information about the H2B program which brings guest workers from foreign countries into the United States. Discuss the pros and cons of this program and learn about new federal regulations.
10-10:50 a.m.
Regional Presentations
Listen and learn as South Dakota`s four regional tourism associations give a re-cap on their year. Gain a greater understanding of South Dakota`s visitor industry and be better equipped to cross-sell South Dakota`s Great Faces and Great Places.
Motorcycle Tourism Alliance (MTA)
MTA is a marketing alliance developed to implement marketing strategies in order to leverage motorcycle tourism in the Black Hills region, as well as throughout the entire state. Hear about the MTA group and their recent research study. With the research data, organizers will develop an overall strategic marketing plan intended to focus on increasing two-wheeled tourism travel throughout all of South Dakota.
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Visitor Industry Alliance Luncheon
Note: Additional $15 fee for this luncheon. (See the registration form.)
12:30-1:15 p.m.
2010 and Beyond
Melissa Bump, Director of the Office of Tourism, will present the new advertising and marketing efforts for 2010. Melissa will also demonstrate how each team on the Tourism staff connects with each other to keep moving toward reaching the 2010 goal of $1.2 billion in visitor spending.
Matt Roloff, a father and businessman, may be best known for his popular TV series "Little People Big World" on Discovery`s TLC. However, he is also a mentor, advocate and international speaker to a wide variety of audiences and colleagues in his field. Matt was able to translate his knack for entrepreneurship at an early age into a 25-year career as a farmer in the agri-tourism industry.
In his speeches, Matt not only shares his wisdom and visions relevant to tourism, but he also asks YOU to recognize your own potential to be extraordinary. Whatever your challenges in life may be, Matt encourages you to "find your way".
Join Matt Roloff and gain inspiration and a step by step message on how you can personally become enthusiastic, resilient, inspired and motivated to reach your goals. Roloff`s mantra has always been: "Think Big"! Join us as Matt enthusiastically shares his personal experiences, anecdotes, humor and vision of the value that the tourism industry brings into communities both large and small.
3:15-3:45 p.m. Networking Break
3:45-5 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSION
1
Friends or Followers? Find your Place with Social Media
Nielsen Online recently reported social networks and blogs are now the fourth most popular online activity behind search, general interest portals and software manufactures. In fact, the popularity of social networking is growing three times faster than the overall Internet rate. Facebook? Twitter? TripAdvisor? Where do I start? Lawrence and Schiller`s Digital Marketing Director, Robin Temple, will help you get started and showcase ways you can use social media channels in a simple, productive way.
Bryan Dodge will open your mind and heart to help you focus on the most essential aspects of life. Most importantly, he will inspire you to reach your full potential with your family and career. By teaching a stair-step method on how to achieve excellence, he will show you how to have your best year ever, coach you on how to create consistent upward growth in your life and train you on how to harness the power of personal energy and tap its unlimited supply.
speaker video (78-second QuickTime MOV file, 44.8 MB)
Circles of Collaboration: Exploring the Uniqueness of South Dakota
This creative workshop brings participants together to learn about lesser known South Dakota areas, activities, people and events. What`s being missed in tourism promotion that adds to the diversity? What fascinating hidden gems would bring new interest and life to tourism? Workshop leader Cheewa James, of Native American descent, brings participants together to brainstorm visions of tourism promotion in our state.
speaker video (41-second QuickTime MOV file, 54.6 MB)
Celebrating the 2010 Summer of Rallies in Sturgis
The community of Sturgis and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally invite you to join them in celebrating the Summer of Rallies starting with the Cushman Motor Scooter Rally, the 70th Anniversary of the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the Sturgis Mustang Rally. Join in for heavy hor d'oeuvres, music and the experience of a lifetime as everyone celebrates. Sturgis attire, biker-wear is encouraged!
Print materials serve as a vital part of any marketing effort, and often
provide a first impression. Stop in between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. to meet with the Office of Tourism`s design team. Get a review of your company`s ads and/or collateral materials, free of charge.
8-9 a.m.
Case Study Roundtables
IHS Global Insights
In these tough economic times, research is more relevant than ever before. This session is sure to be an eye opening experience as IHS Global Insights representatives analyze the health of Tourism in South Dakota and uncover the true value that we provide as an industry. You`ll leave this session with a better understanding about Tourism Visitation, Direct and In-Direct Spending, Industry Contribution and Employment.
Social Media and Your Public Relations Plan
An experienced panel of industry members will show you how to incorporate social media to your best advantage. Utilizing social media from a public relations standpoint is different than any form of marketing or advertising. Learn how to integrate social media into your communications plan and how to effectively use these outlets as a resourceful tool when communicating your message.
How Native American Interpretation Can Enhance Your Business
Interest in Native American cultures is a huge draw for many visitors to South Dakota. Learn how your business can work with these neighbors to bring the art and history the visitor is wanting to your business, while at the same time giving the nine tribes a venue to tell their stories. A panel will speak on what they have done, what success they have seen and how you can develop your own authentic Native American interpretation section.
Network in the Agritourism Industry
This session will discuss and share best practices, stories, advice, how to start an agritourism business in this current economy and what the outlook for the future of this niche market. It will be a networking opportunity to share ideas and gain contacts within the industry.
Events Marketing
A panel of industry professionals will discuss the opportunities that come with hosting large and small events in your community. Events marketing continues to grow throughout the state and the country. Learning how to strategically draw in events, tournaments, conferences and tours can benefit you, your community and your business for years to come.
AAA Destination Luncheon Featuring Made in South Dakota Giveaways
Industry partners have once again stepped up to showcase their
businesses. If you`ve chosen to host a table, invite conference attendees to
join you for lunch and share your story.
1-5 p.m.
SBDC/GOED Consultations
Stop in any time to meet with representatives from
the South Dakota Small Business Development Center, free of charge. There will also be finance and sales representatives from the Governor`s Office of Economic Development available to answer questions
and provide assistance.
1:30-2:45 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSION 3
Formula for Tourism: Online Marketing Success
Susan Sweeney is an Internet marketing expert and the best-selling author of eight Internet marketing books, including 101 Ways to Promote Your Tourism Business Web Site and The Formula for Online Success. In this session, you will learn the formula for search engine success, talk about critical elements in Web site design, discuss ways to save time as well as learn what the latest trends are.
Generations in the Workplace and the Marketplace –
Managing the Mix!
Today, for the first time in our history, four distinct generations are working side by side in the workplace and doing business together in the marketplace. Karen McCullough explains "generational insights and nuances." Learn how each generation defines issues such as loyalty, teamwork, sacrifice and time. Gain awareness and appreciation and be inspired to talk about the action steps you can take back to your business.
Small Business Success
Mark LeBlanc has special expertise on the core issues that business owners and professionals face on a daily basis. His flagship presentation and book, Growing Your Business!, are ideal for addressing how to sell more products and services. Walk away feeling more focused, able to attract more prospects, stimulate more referrals and ultimately, craft a plan for generating more business.
Join Governor Rounds, Tourism staff and your colleagues in celebrating the visitor industry`s successes in 2009. The night includes a glamorous evening of fine cuisine and a
presentation of awards.
Refund policy: In case of cancellation, half of your conference registration fee can be refunded with written request to the Office of Tourism by Feb. 1, 2010.
The 2010 Governor’s Conference on Tourism will
be held in a physically accessible facility.
Please notify the
Office of Tourism at (605) 773-3301 within 48 hours of the event if you have special needs.
