Tourism Insider Meeting
Join us for our Tourism Insider Meeting, hosted by Storm Lake United, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
To register, please email Laura Hanks, Storm Lake United at Laura@stormlakeunited.com. Hotel rooms are available at King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort at a rate of $107.90 for May 6th and 7th. To make your reservation, please call 712.213.4500. You must reserve by May 1st for the discounted rate.
Tourism Insider Meeting Agenda
(some details are still being confiremd and are subject to change)
Hosted at the Cobblestone Ballroom, Lakeside Iowa
9:30 a.m. – Coffee & Networking
Morning coffee and connection time inside the beautiful Cobblestone Ballroom.
10:00 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions
Host welcome and attendee introductions.
10:15 a.m. – Iowa Tourism Office Update
An update from the Iowa Tourism Office highlighting current tourism trends, digital campaigns, and statewide marketing initiatives.
11:00 a.m. – Panel Discussion: Leveraging Social Media Influencers to Grow Rural Tourism
Learn how communities and businesses can partner with social media influencers to expand reach and attract new visitors. Topics include:
- Identifying the right influencers for your audience
- Budgeting and setting expectations
- Creating authentic experiences worth sharing
- Measuring ROI and engagement
- Turning one-time visits into long-term ambassadors
12:00 p.m. – Lunch at the Cobblestone Tavern
Lunch provided onsite.
1:00 p.m. – Roundtable Discussion & Idea Exchange
Open forum to share ideas, partnerships, and collaborative influencer opportunities across communities.
2:00 p.m. – Guided Tour of the Cobblestone Ballroom & Tavern
An inside look at the ballroom, Mermaid Room and tavern spaces, including how the venue markets events, leverages social content, and attracts regional audiences.
3:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks
3:30 p.m. – Adjourn and time to Shop Storm Lake!!