COVER STORY

Sioux Falls Facts:
Number of Visitors to Sioux Falls 2008
See what Sioux Falls has to offer
CVB's Advisory Council provides leadership
Luncheon speaker to talk about economic development, tourism, security
Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Industry Luncheon

See what Sioux Falls has to offer

by Cathy S. Clayton
Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Sales Manager

Largely due to the perceived cost of travel and challenging economic times, many families are forgoing traditional vacations and opting for something closer to home — a "Staycation." A Staycation is more than just the enjoyment of taking in the local sights; it's focusing on a renewed appreciation for where you live.

You might not think of your hometown as a tourist destination, but an outsider would probably find many exciting things to do when passing through. Entertaining visitors is another way to see the local sights. By finding ways to entertain them with local attractions, you can remind yourself of the many things to do. Sioux Falls attractions are continually updating with new exhibits, features, classes and more. The best part about finding things to do locally? It's easy to do them again and again. For the budget-conscious and world traveler alike, taking a Staycation can be just as rewarding as a trip to a far-off location.

As a way to encourage Sioux Falls residents to spend their summer vacations in their hometown, the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is holding a contest titled "What I did on my Sioux Falls Staycation." Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a Sioux Falls Staycation prize package. For more contest details along with Staycation tips, ideas, and itineraries, visit www.SiouxFallsCVB.com/STAYcation.

Dining outdoors is a popular summer activity for visitors and residents alike.

Those who choose to vacation at home this summer can also share their most creative, outrageous, resourceful Sioux Falls Staycation experience through the CVB's Facebook Page at "Visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota."

The Sioux Falls CVB kicked off a promotion in March by including Staycation ideas in a Chamber News ad displaying tips and Staycation ideas. Promotion and marketing efforts will continue through August both online and in print media.

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CVB's Advisory Council provides leadership

By Teri Ellis Schmidt
Sioux Falls CVB Executive Director

The Sioux Falls visitor industry is known to be strong, consistent and progressive, in part because of the leadership of the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Advisory Council.

The 2009-10 CVB Advisory Council Executive Committee includes: Treasurer Kraig Pomrenke, Hegg Companies; Chair Dale Froehlich; CVB Executive Director Teri Ellis Schmidt and Vice Chair Rex Rolfing, Midland National Life.

Lead in 2008-09 by Chair Dale Froehlich, Vice Chair Rex Rolfing, and Treasurer Kraig Pomrenke, the council gathers for a noon luncheon meeting once a month and averages around 70 people at each meeting. The council consists of 14 voting members plus those in the Sioux Falls business community who are either directly related to the visitor industry or those interested in the inner-workings of the CVB.

CVB Council meetings focus on convention and meeting sales and service activities of the CVB staff, what the staff is working on in the events and tourism markets, and business at the Falls Visitor Information Center and Empire Mall Visitor Information Center, both managed by the CVB. Additionally, attendees are always eager to share what's happening in their business so that others are informed and better able to cross-sell the City in order to encourage visitors to extend their stay.

The community has always been a strong partner with the CVB, consistently working and giving of their time and resources to enhance the community as a No. 1 Host City.

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Luncheon speaker to talk about economic development, tourism, security

During tough economic times, the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) continues to present a positive attitude filled with excitement about what the future holds for the city.

Dr. Peter E. Tarlow

To celebrate the local visitor industry and provide information about how to survive in a tougher economy, the CVB is bringing Dr. Peter E. Tarlow to keynote the Sioux Falls CVB Visitor Industry Luncheon on May 21 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Tarlow is a world-renowned expert in economic development, tourism and security. He will be speaking on "When the Economy is Down, It's Time For You To Be Up!" He will discuss the current and future state of the economy and how to best "stay up" during unsettled times.

While there are new challenges being faced by the local visitor industry, the Sioux Falls CVB still has a positive outlook for the 2009 summer tourism season.
"We have a lot of business booked for this summer — from the Airshow to the regional soccer tournament to Hot Harley Nights, and much, much more," said Teri Ellis Schmidt, CVB Executive Director. "We expect Sioux Falls to be bustling with visitors all summer long."

The Sioux Falls CVB motivates and increases momentum through partnerships with attractions, hotels, retailers, the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Sioux Falls Arena, festivals, and event organizations throughout Sioux Falls. One recent partnership involves the promotion of the Sioux Falls "Staycation" campaign, which will run through Aug. 1 (see related story for more information). This campaign was kicked-off in direct response to the challenging economy and offers locals suggestions and tips for hometown vacationing on a frugal budget and enjoying what Sioux Falls has to offer.

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau was formed in 1973 and has continued to successfully sell the city as a premier location for conventions, meetings, events and tourism. The CVB's mission is to market Sioux Falls as a one-of-a-kind visitor destination and to provide premier visitor services and increase visitor spending, all to enhance the economic impact through out the community.

Sales managers at the Sioux Falls CVB actively promote the city to tour groups, meeting and event planners, and general visitors. They offer many services including site selection and site inspection, event and itinerary assistance, accommodation bids and arrangements, vendor contracts and professional registration assistance.

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Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visitor Industry Luncheon

As part of National Tourism Week, the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau will be hosting a variety of activities to recognize those who are a part of the local visitor industry. National Tourism Week has been in existence for 26 years with the goal to expand tourism awareness throughout the entire year.

Sioux Falls will kick-off National Tourism Week with a Ribbon Cutting at Falls Park at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 11.
The 9th Annual Visitor Industry Luncheon is Thursday, May 21 and features keynote speaker Dr. Peter E. Tarlow. He is a world-renowned expert specializing in economic development, tourism, the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, and event risk management.

Paul Ten Haken

New this year is a morning education seminar with guest speaker Paul Ten Haken, President of Click Rain, a Sioux Falls online marketing firm. With a background in digital and traditional marketing, Ten Haken specializes in helping organizations understand and utilize the right mix of online marketing strategies, and will be presenting specifically in the area of social media and how to successfully integrate this into your business marketing plan.

The cost is $20 for the Seminar, $30 for the Luncheon, or $40 to attend both the luncheon and seminar. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.siouxfallscvb.com or contact Kathie Puthoff at (605) 373-2032 or kputhoff@siouxfalls.com.

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