Nebraska tourism professionals gather in Sandhills for Agri/Eco Tourism Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb. (February 25, 2019) – Nebraska’s 2019 Agri/Eco Tourism Workshop is scheduled for this Tuesday-Thursday, February 26-28, in Ord at the Trotter Event Center. This annual event brings tourism industry professionals together to get behind-the-scenes tours of successful agri/eco tourism businesses, attend engaging educational sessions, learn about the resources available to agri/eco tourism businesses and network with other Nebraskans in the industry.
 
“Valley County, Ord and the surrounding communities have really come together and embraced this year’s workshop. Attendees will get a glimpse of what it’s like to run a successful agri/eco tourism business and will be able to gather insights they can take back home with them to help start or grow their own business,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director.
 
Workshop highlights on Tuesday, February 26, 2019:
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.              Nebraska Tourism Commission Meeting, Bootleg Brewers, Taylor
 
Workshop highlights on Wednesday, February 27, 2019:
7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.     Ranch Tours
Attendees will take a bus tour of successful agri/eco tourism businesses, including Calamus Outfitters, Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch and Comstock Premier Lodge.
 
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.     Taste & Feel of Nebraska, Golden Husk Theater
Attendees will sample a variety of Nebraska-sourced food and beverages, including beers and wines, as well as browse made-in-Nebraska gift products, such as local artwork, handmade pottery, and many more.
 
Workshop highlights on Thursday, February 28, 2019:
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.   Keynote Session: If You Don’t Build It, They Will Come
Keynote speaker, Michael Marlin will focus on the loss of night skies due to light pollution and the economic impact of one of the fastest growing segments of the travel market, astro-tourism.
 
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Keynote Session: Cranes, Plains and a Watershed
Conservation photographer, author and Nebraska native, Michael Forsberg, and ecotourism provider, Sarah Sortum, will share their stories as well as discuss how Sortum’s family has partnered with Forsberg and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, on the Platte Basin Timelapse project. 
 
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.     Pizza Palace Social Event at Scratchtown Brewing Company
Enjoy Pizza from Pizza Palace in Burwell and a new beer Scratchtown will be unveiling that night, Legendary Loup Valley Pale Wheat Ale, made entirely from Nebraska-sourced ingredients.
 
More information on the Agri/Eco Tourism Workshop can be found at: https://visitnebraska.com/media/industry/2019-agri-eco-tourism-workshop\

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 Twitter, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.
 
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission 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.

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