Industry News
Industry News provides weekly news and tips for the people who market Minnesota and its destinations.
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March 23, 2026 |
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| E's Emporium, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Sarah Ascanio photography |
Register for ORIP Virtual E-Summit on March 25
The Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP) is hosting a virtual E-Summit focused on the South-Central Minnesota region Wednesday, March 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to outdoor recreation businesses, economic development professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders across the region.
Participants will get an inside look at the latest Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Report and have the opportunity to weigh in on ideas for a 4-Year Strategic Roadmap for Minnesota’s outdoor industry.
The E-Summit series is part of ORIP’s ongoing effort to engage stakeholders across the state in shaping the future of outdoor recreation in Minnesota. RSVP is requested.
Help Shape the Future of Explore Minnesota’s Co-op Program
As we prepare for Fiscal Year 2027, we need your input on Explore Minnesota’s co-op marketing program to ensure our programs complement your marketing goals, budgets, and growth strategies.
Your feedback about the FY26 co-op experience directly shapes next year’s offerings. Please share with us which platforms delivered results, what didn't work, and which new vendors or categories you’re excited about.
March Continuing Education Series Recording Now Available and Register for April and May Webinars
In case you missed it, the Leveraging Local: Creative Ways Communities Are Fueling Tourism webinar recording is now available.
Registration is open for the April and May Continuing Education Series. These webinars are free to attend, but advance registration is required to receive the meeting link.
Learn from industry experts about how creative risks can spark growth for tourism communities, and get a first look at national resident sentiment towards sporting events.
- April 21 at 11 a.m. - Tourism Reimagined: When Creative Risk Sparks Real Growth
- May 19 at 11 a.m. - Research: National Resident Sentiment Towards Sporting Events
Learn more and register now for the April and May webinars.
Register for a Regional Roundtable Discussion This Spring
Explore Minnesota invites all tourism and travel-related businesses, organizations, and community partners in Minnesota to participate in the 2026 Regional Roundtables. These 90-minute conversational sessions are designed to foster collaboration, share insights, and strengthen Minnesota’s tourism industry together.
Why Attend?
- Stay Informed: Hear the latest updates from Explore Minnesota.
- Share Your Perspective: Your input helps shape initiatives that benefit Minnesota’s tourism, hospitality, film and outdoor industries.
- Build Connections: Network with industry leaders, regional representatives, and fellow tourism professionals.
- Collaborate for Growth: Work together to advance welcoming experiences and grow Minnesota’s economy.
Register for a Regional Roundtable in your region:
- Northeast Roundtable: Monday, Apr. 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm.
- Northwest Roundtable: Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Loft Event Center in Bemidji.
- Central Roundtable: Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum in Alexandria.
- Metro Roundtable: Monday, May 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Cambria Suites Hotel in Maple Grove.
- Southern Roundtable: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.
Minnesota Hotel Metrics Continue to Improve in 2026
In February 2026, Minnesota's hotel metrics were up year over year (YoY) relative to February 2025. The three key performance metrics are hotel occupancy, average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR).
- MN Occupancy increased 2.5% to 47.5% in February 2026.
- MN ADR increased 4.1% to $126.72 in February 2026.
- MN RevPAR increased 6.7% to $60.14 in February 2026.
Minnesota's 2025 performance metrics remain below total U.S. averages.
- U.S. Occupancy increased 2.3% to 60.4% in February 2026.
- U.S. ADR increased 2% to $162.58 in February 2026.
- U.S. RevPAR increased 4.3% to $98.28 in February 2026
Explore Minnesota is able to share hotel metrics for the five Minnesota Tourism Regions.
- View the February 2026 key hotel performance metrics compared to February 2025.
- View the year-to-date 2026 key hotel performance metrics compared to the same time period of 2025.
If you have hotel data questions, please contact Explore Minnesota’s Research Analyst, Gretchen Nussbaum.
DNR I Can! Program Open for Summer and Fall Registration
Registration for summer and fall 2026 I Can! outdoor recreation programs in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is now open.
The I Can! series of award-winning outdoor recreation programs helps beginners learn outdoor skills, including camping, fishing, mountain biking and paddling, in a range of beautiful state park settings. For those who have already tried the basics, participants can expand their knowledge by trying a more challenging program, like backpack and canoe camping or sea kayaking.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers these programs from the first weekend in June through the end of September. The DNR provides equipment for all programs, giving participants an opportunity to try an activity without investing in gear.
To register for I Can! programs, visit mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, except holidays). Registration fees cover a state park vehicle permit for the program dates.
Registration Open for UMCVB Fall Conference
Join industry professionals from across the Upper Midwest for three days of education, networking, and inspiration at the 29th Annual UMCVB Fall Conference, taking place Sept. 21-23, in Grand Island, NE.
Attendees at this unique conference come from Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Departments from an eight-state region that includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Surrounding states in the Midwest are also welcome to attend. You’ll learn new skills and stay up to date on industry trends through dynamic educational sessions. You’ll also enjoy abundant networking opportunities with your colleagues throughout the Upper Midwest.
Mark your calendar and register early to lock in the discounted rate of $450—prices increase after June 1.
Upcoming Industry Webinars
- U of M Extension, What’s Happening in Minnesota’s Economy, March 24, noon CST
- Miles Partnership & Future Partners, Destination Decisions, Powered by The State of the American Traveler, March 24, 2 p.m. CST
- Capacity, Building Better CX: Capacity's 2026 Roadmap, March 25, 11 a.m. CST
- Granicus & Simpleview, Design Practices Transforming DMO Websites, March 25, 1 p.m. CST
- ON24, Digital Engagement Benchmarks for 2026, March 26, 1 p.m. CST
- ON24, Powering Global Campaigns: Digital Routes to Market That Scale, March 31, 1 p.m. CST
- Implan, Using Economic Analysis to Elevate Your Association’s Value, April 7, noon CST
- MarketingProfs, Customer Experience Friday Forum, April 17, 10:30 a.m. CST