February 18 - 19, 2025
·
Minneapolis Convention Center
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, on February 18-19, 2025.
Explore Minnesota's Tourism Conference is an annual learning opportunity designed specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry. This 1-1/2 day event brings together all sectors of the Minnesota tourism industry for learning and networking, and introduces new concepts and opportunities for marketing communities and businesses.
The 2025 Tourism Conference will be a hybrid event. In-person conference attendance is $250 per person. A virtual broadcast of select keynote presentations will be available free, but attendees must register to receive the link to the live virtual broadcast.
Agenda
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pick-up your conference name badge and lanyard and water bottle at the conference check-in table.
11:45 AM - 12:40 PM
11:45 AM - 12:40 PM
Enjoy a networking lunch with your industry colleagues as we kick off the start of the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
12:50 PM - 1:15 PM
12:50 PM - 1:15 PM
Explore Minnesota’s Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty will review the agency’s work, campaign and highlights from 2024.
1:15 PM - 2:10 PM
1:15 PM - 2:10 PM
Destination marketing organizations are increasingly having their work and relevancy challenged. How do we successfully convey our worth and the essential link to destination vitality we create?
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Selected vendors will showcase the latest innovative technologies, products, and services emerging in the travel and tourism industry.
Learn from Minnesota Sports Alliance panelists how they have built successful programs to attract more sports meetings, events and tournaments to their communities and facilities.
Print is not dead, but yours might be. Learn from Josiah Brown's experience of talking to thousands of travelers per year on what they are looking for in travel guides and why it’s an essential part of your local advocacy efforts as well.
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Enjoy a networking and refreshment break, and a chance to meet with conference sponsors and vendors.
3:50 PM - 5:00 PM
3:50 PM - 5:00 PM
Adam Sacks will share Tourism Economics’ latest views on the economy, the mindset of travelers, and expectations for the evolution of travel in 2025 and beyond.
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pick-up your conference name badge, lanyard and water bottle at the conference check-in table.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Enjoy breakfast while networking with industry peers and sponsors in the Travel Marketplace.
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM
Hear from Meet Minneapolis President & CEO Melvin Tennant as he welcomes conference attendees.
8:40 AM - 9:40 AM
8:40 AM - 9:40 AM
Cut through the AI hype with Janette Roush, Brand USA's SVP, Innovation and Chief AI Officer, as she delivers a straightforward look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping tourism.
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Arik Hanson will provide his pragmatic predictions for what’s next in the social media marketing world. It’s a big question on many travel industry marketers’ minds as we start the New Year.
This session will share new, highly localized climate projections for Minnesota and explore how tourism marketing efforts can adapt to the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate.
Dr. Maree Forbes Gaughan will discuss Asset Based Economic Development, an approach that begins with existing tourism assets and builds upon the distinct culture to create tourism offerings that are unique to the area, that can’t be duplicated.
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Enjoy a networking and refreshment break, and a chance to meet with conference sponsors and vendors.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Ready to move beyond the AI buzzwords and start actually using these tools? Janette Roush will present an interactive workshop with practical applications of AI for tourism professionals.
The Explore Minnesota marketing team seized on the opportunity, quickly launching a series of social media posts, a web takeover, and other communications and campaign efforts to seize the attention of fans, media and the internet at large.
Join Dr. Maree Forbes Gaughan and the Explore Minnesota Market Development Team to learn what today's group travelers are looking for in a trip and the differences in their search and booking patterns.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Enjoy networking over a plated lunch with your colleagues in the main general session room.
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Storytelling is an art form. By weaving together stories of Minnesota’s unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences, we encourage visitors to experience our state’s welcoming spirit.
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
This case study will explore how the city’s strategic investments in outdoor spaces and recreational activities have not only attracted visitors and new residents but also enhanced the quality of life for its current population.
Moving beyond basic tools to tackle the strategic challenges of AI adoption? Join Janette Roush in this facilitated discussion where tourism leaders share approaches to thorny issues like organizational guidelines, change management, and executive buy-in.
Learn about the new Explore Minnesota Film office, the tourism and economic development opportunities of film production, and how to create a Film Friendly Community Program to attract new productions to your community.
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Enjoy the final conference networking and refreshment break, and a chance to meet with conference sponsors and vendors
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that help make Minnesota a premier travel destination at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Following the awards, Lauren Bennett McGinty will preview Explore Minnesota’s plans for 2025.
Meet Minneapolis Welcome Reception
Meet Minneapolis welcomes conference attendees to a “Winterapolis” host city reception at the Seasons Lounge. Join fellow attendees on the second level of the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, February 18th, from 5-6:30 p.m. for food and drinks.
No records found.
Sponsors
Premier Keynote
Conference Networking Break
Breakout Sessions
Lanyard
Water Bottle
Travel Marketplace
SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
View Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships are an excellent way to elevate the visibility of your business by reaching tourism professionals and decision makers from around the state.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.