Industry News
Industry News provides weekly news and tips for the people who market Minnesota and its destinations.
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December 8, 2025 |
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| Kiwanis Holiday Lights Bikers, Mankato / Photo Credit: SPX Sports |
Introducing Tourism Conference Keynote Amir Eylon from Longwoods International
We're excited to announce Amir Eylon, President & CEO, Partner, at Longwoods International, a premier market research consultancy, as our kick-off keynote speaker at the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Amir Eylon is a 36-year veteran of the travel and tourism industry. In his current role, he oversees all aspects of daily operations, thought leadership, product & business development, and partnerships for this recognized brand in the tourism market research sector.
Utilizing the most up-to-date American Travel Sentiment tracker and behavioral insights from Travel USA, this session will examine what travelers are thinking right now and how Minnesota’s travel industry can use this information to their marketing advantage.
Register for the conference today.
Last Chance to Submit Nominations for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards
This is your last chance to submit nominations for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. The Awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding people, innovative marketing, and impactful initiatives that made Minnesota a premier travel destination this year.
All nomination forms must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards celebrate the hard work and creativity that drive our industry forward. By submitting a nomination, you give exceptional efforts the recognition they deserve.
Awards include:
- Outstanding Marketing Campaign (split into two budget tiers)
- Social Media Excellence
- Best Destination Website
- Outstanding Video
- Emerging Leader
- One Minnesota Award (for collaborative efforts)
Please ensure your nomination is complete, including specific details on goals, results, and accomplishments, as well as any supporting documents or creative elements.
Awards will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
Networking Break and Breakout Session Sponsorships Available for the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference
The 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the two-day conference, will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11 and Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
Conference sponsorships are selling fast! Networking Break ($2,000) and Breakout Session ($1,500) sponsorships are still available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Jan. 9, 2026.
Networking Break Sponsor Benefits include:
- Main stage recognition before/after sponsored break and throughout the conference.
- Logo, 25-word company description, marketplace listing and contact information on conference website.
- Access to the Registered Attendee list including contact information is available for a one-time use only, and will be sent to sponsor by Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
- One complimentary registration (value $275) with the option to purchase additional registrations at $275 each.
- One single booth (value $800) in the Travel Marketplace (one 8-foot table and two chairs).
Breakout Session Sponsor Benefits include:
- Exclusive recognition during sponsored breakout session.
- Option to supply a 30-second promotional video, played prior to sponsored session.
- Logo, 25-word company description, marketplace listing and contact information on conference website.
- Access to the Registered Attendee list including contact information is available for a one-time use only, and will be sent to sponsor by Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
- One complimentary registration (value $275) with the option to purchase additional registrations at $275 each.
- One single booth (value $800) in the Travel Marketplace (one 8-foot table and two chairs).
Please contact Kari Brumback at kari.brumback@state.mn.us or click here to learn more about conference sponsorships.
Explore Minnesota is Hiring a Film & TV Production Liaison
The Film & TV Production Liaison position exists to provide a critical link between film, television, and commercial production companies, government agencies, local crew and vendors, and the public. This position will be responsible for all new tax credit-qualifying productions in the state from the initial credit allocation letter to post-production, ensuring full integration and cooperation across the division. This position will also manage the details of the Film-Ready Communities program from start to finish, including developing guidelines and procedures, recruiting local representatives, and promoting the program and its locations throughout the state to the industry.
To learn more about this exciting position, please reference the SPA Sr - Film & TV Production - Job ID: 90571. The deadline to apply is Dec. 9.
Stakeholders Invited to Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Discussion on December 17
The Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP) is hosting a public outreach meeting on Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Winona County History Center. Discussion will focus on findings from the newly released Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Report and strategies to grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy.
This meeting is open to anyone interested in outdoor recreation, including business owners, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, economic development professionals, land managers, tourism/hospitality professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Attendees will hear a short presentation on the report’s key findings and participate in an interactive discussion about how outdoor recreation benefits communities and creates economic opportunities.
RSVPs for Winona are requested by Dec. 15. Seating is limited. Know someone who should be in the room? Please forward this invitation to them!
Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact One-Pager
Outdoor recreation is more than a pastime in Minnesota—it’s a critical economic engine. From our lakes and forests to our trails and parks, the outdoor recreation economy fuels growth, supports jobs, and strengthens communities statewide. We have created a new one-pager that you can print and distribute to your stakeholders, sharing the importance of Minnesota’s outdoors economy.
Contact Randolph Briley with questions, randolph.briley@state.mn.us.
Learn more about the Minnesota Outdoor Economic Impact One-Pager.
Join Midwest Living Co-op by December 19
Partner with Explore Minnesota and Midwest Living to reach 185,000 engaged travelers across seven Midwestern states in the Spring 2026 issue. This exclusive co-op features an in-book custom content section written by Midwest Living editors. Secure a quarter-page advertorial space to showcase your destination or attraction. Enjoy a 70% savings on this limited opportunity.
Reserve your space by Dec. 19.
Learn more about the Midwest Living co-op.
Promote Your Holiday Events on ExploreMinnesota.com
Reach highly engaged travelers planning holiday activities across Minnesota with Featured Event Listings on the ExploreMinnesota.com calendar. With more than 9 million annual visitors, the site and its events calendar are among the most visited resources for trip planning.
Featured event listings give your event premium placement for an entire month, ensuring it stands out to travelers seeking things to do during the holiday season. Limited availability remains.
View examples and pricing in the media kit.
Contact Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or call 773-616-8176 for details and to reserve your spot.
Ad Space Available in 2026 Explore Minnesota Newsletter
Explore Minnesota newsletters reach a highly qualified, opt-in audience with content designed to inspire engagement. You can choose from three themed newsletters - Explorer, Outdoors, and Events - to align with your message, or create a customized, brand-focused communication delivered to your preferred audience segment.
New this year is a Native ad option, featuring an image, headline, copy, and a website URL to drive visitation to your site.
Spots are limited. Contact Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com for details and to reserve your spot.
State Park Library Pass Program
The DNR has partnered with select libraries across the state to provide free, 7-day state park vehicle permits for those interested in visiting a state park or recreation area. Explore a new state park, drop into a naturalist program, or simply enjoy the beauty of winter without worrying about a vehicle permit. Library passes are only valid for the vehicle entrance fee, so if you’d like to stay overnight, you’ll still need to make and pay for camping/lodging reservations.
Learn more and find a participating library.
Upcoming Industry Webinars
- On24, Webinars and Virtual Events that Rocked 2025, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. CST
- Future Partners, The State of the American Traveler Survey Findings – December 2025, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. CST
- Response Marketing Group, The Host Gap Is a Data Gap: Fixing STR Alignment with Better Inputs, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. CST
- MarketingProfs, 2026 B2B Marketing Strategies Forum, Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. CST
- U of M, Exploring Qualitative Values of the Mississippi River: What People Think and Why It Matters, Dec. 16, noon, CST
- Miles Partnership, AI Roundtable for Destinations, Dec. 16, 1 p.m. CST
- Notified, Meet Your New AEO Ally: The Press Release, Dec. 16, 1 p.m. CST