2010 Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop offers education, networking opportunities

LINCOLN, NEB. (Dec. 4, 2009)-The 2010 Governor's Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop will offer the Nebraska tourism industry a fun way to network, learn and cross-promote business. This year's workshop will take place Feb. 3 and 4 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney. It is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's Travel and Tourism Division along with co-sponsors the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Keynote speaker Ted Eubanks will talk about "The Spaces in Between." Going green and exploring agritourism are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to modern travel for Eubanks, and he will delve into the undiscovered and underappreciated realm of experiential travel opportunities. 

Presenter Dave Buchholz, who will speak about marketing agritourism businesses, is offering a free one-page marketing material critique to the first ten businesses that register for the conference and attend his session. Registration and marketing materials for this special offer must be received before Jan. 1. Buchholz will personally contact the winners of the contest.

Bruce Switzer and Sarah Sortum, owners of Calamus Outfitters and the Switzer Ranch, will give a special presentation about the story of their business and how it led them to travel to to Namibia.

Other sessions during the two-day conference include business start-up basics, social networking, a meet the media panel, nature and wildlife viewing and group tour basics. 

On Wednesday evening, "A Taste of Nebraska Agri-Tourism," a social event featuring samples of Nebraska wines, beers and an array of homegrown and homemade foods is planned.

If you would like to have an exhibit booth at either the conference or just Wednesday night's special event, where you can showcase your food or beverages, please contact Karen Kollars at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on the 2010 Governor's Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop, please visit www.VisitNebraska.gov/industry. There you can download the program, view speaker bios and register online. For more information on Nebraska Tourism, visit www.VisitNebraska.gov.                         

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