Oct 21-23 conference will explore state’s third largest industry

LINCOLN, NEB. (Aug. 13, 2008)—The 33rd Annual Nebraska Travel Conference invites the state tourism industry to come to Kearney this fall. The conference will take place at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center, 301 S. 2nd Ave. 

The conference includes educational workshops, general sessions and networking opportunities, as well as travel industry exhibitor booths displaying essential new products. Attendees can also participate in the Nebraska Travel Association’s Silent Auction, a fundraiser that will benefit tourism activities throughout Nebraska.

This year’s keynote speaker is Peter Tarlow, founder and president of Tourism & More, the world’s leading tourism security provider. Tarlow will give a two-part presentation titled “When the Market is Tight and the Economy is Slow and Making Tourism Profitable.”

Other notable speakers include Kevin Wright, one of the world’s most recognized religious travel authorities and president of the World Religious Travel Association, who will give a talk titled “Welcome to the New Era of the 18 Billion Dollar Faith Tourism Industry”; and Brian T. Mullis, president and co-founder of Sustainable Travel International, who will speak on “Sustainable and Responsible Green Tourism.” James Mallman, president of Watchable Wildlife, Inc. will speak on “Wildlife/Nature Tourism; Identifying Your Community’s Key Assets.”

Coach Darrell Morris, who for nine seasons has been the leader of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s athletic program, will make remarks during the opening day luncheon on Wednesday, and Nebraska Life photographers Steve and Bobbi Olsen will give a presentation during Thursday’s luncheon.

The travel conference offers Nebraska’s tourism industry a wealth of other information, too. Attendees can sit in on an update of Nebraska travel industry statistics and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division’s statistics on its 2008 media buys, and sessions on a diverse range of topics including event planning and marketing, Nebraska’s tourism grant programs and podcasting.

Kearney will welcome travel conference attendees on Tuesday, Oct. 21 with a Tailgate Party/Ice Breaker event beginning at 7 p.m. at Bourbon Street Blues Bistro & Bar in the Ramada Inn. The social highlight of the weekend takes place Thursday night: The evening starts with a Nebraska wine tasting reception from 6-7 p.m. to be followed directly by the annual awards banquet. 

For more information on sponsorships, to register online for the conference or for more information, visit http://www.visitnebraska.org/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paula Bohaty at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3744, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it