Nebraska Tourism Conference Set to Showcase Industry Trends This Week in Lincoln

PRESS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jenn Gjerde at 402-525-4455, or [email protected]
Ben Jones at 402-326-9941, or [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb. – (February 10, 2025) – Tourism professionals from across Nebraska and beyond will gather for an event filled with networking, insightful sessions and inspiring speakers at the annual Nebraska Tourism Conference, held February 11-13, 2025, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. The event includes an impressive lineup of speakers covering a wide range of topics, including up-and-coming tourism entities, editorial trends, sports tourism, grant writing and much more.

Conference Highlights on Tuesday, February 11

1:00 p.m. – Nebraska Tourism Commission Meeting

Conference Highlights on Wednesday, February 12

9:00 a.m. – Opening Remarks

9:20 a.m. – Keynote Speaker
Join Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura, as he takes us on an extraordinary journey through Nebraska's historical wonders and the captivating stories that make this state a truly special destination. This keynote presentation will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the wonder of Nebraska, fueling your passion for the state and empowering you to become an ambassador for its unique charm.

11:00 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
Topics include tourism event planning, sports tourism and AI-driven searching.

1:00 p.m. – General Session
Join Juli Burney for “Humor in the Heartland.” Any industry that deals with the diversity and age range of the public needs to understand the importance of a sense of humor, especially when that landscape is ever changing. Everyone has a sense of humor. They just need to learn how to use it.

2:15 p.m. – General Session
“On the Rise: Nebraska’s Up-and-Coming Tourism Destinations” is a panel where we will shine a spotlight on a few of the state’s transforming destinations.

3:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
Topics include navigating Gen Z talent, creative districts and tourism editorial trends for 2025.

6:00 p.m. – Visit Lincoln Reception
Visit Lincoln invites attendees to the Governor’s Mansion for the Abraham Lincoln Birthday Bash for an evening of networking, fun and festivities.

Conference Highlights on Thursday, February 13

9:00 a.m. – Opening Remarks

9:15 a.m. – Keynote Speaker
“Destination Promotion: A Catalyst for Community Vitality” by Andreas Weissenborn of Destinations International will discuss the essential nature of the tourism industry to a thriving community and the importance of tourism promotion.

10:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
Topics include grant opportunities and resources, 6 Regions, One Nebraska and Nebraska Legislature 101.

6:00 p.m. – Nebraska Tourism Awards Reception
Join us for the Nebraska Tourism Awards with Copper Couture: A Top Hat Affair! Celebrate in Lincoln, where the spirit of our 16th president lives. It will be a grand evening honoring the best of tourism in Nebraska! Look forward to the reveal of new Visit Nebraska creative that will be shown at the event.

The awards, created by Brett Boller Woodworks, celebrate the achievements and contributions of the
Nebraska tourism industry. Award finalists can be viewed here. More information on the Nebraska Tourism Conference, including the full schedule, can be found here.

For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on X, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.

The mission of Visit Nebraska is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.