SCHEDULE
All conference sessions, meals and events take place at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Pierre (except for Tuesday's "Tourism Day at the Capitol").
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
10-11 A.M.
Tourism Coalition of South Dakota (TCSD) Meeting - AMPHITHEATER I
11 A.M.-7 P.M.
Registration & Information Desk - CONFERENCE CENTER LOBBY
12-2:30 P.M.
Tourism Day at the Capitol - STATE CAPITOL ROTUNDA
It is suggested that you check in at Registration first. Lunch is provided for Legislators and attendees (until gone). A group photo will be taken at 1:30 p.m. Legislative recognition from the chamber galleries at 2 p.m.
3-4 P.M.
Workshops
- DIY SEO Audit for DMO & CVB Websites Workshop - LEWIS & CLARK
- Digital Accessibility + UX Workshop - AMPHITHEATER I
- Speak with Impact: How to Engage Any Audience - AMPHITHEATER II
3-5 P.M.
Exhibitor Preview - CONFERENCE CENTER CONCOURSE
This optional time is to get a jump start on connecting with all our awesome exhibitors as they set up for the week. Some may open early.
4-5 P.M.
Newcomer Orientation - AMPHITHEATER II
Gain valuable insights on how to make the most of your time at the conference, featuring firsthand perspectives from both first-time attendees and seasoned veterans.
5-6:30 P.M.
Legislative Thank You Reception - GALLERY C, D, E, F, G
6:30 P.M.
Open Evening / Dinner on Your Own: Pierre/Fort Pierre area restaurants
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026
7:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
Registration & Information Desk - CONFERENCE CENTER LOBBY
7:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Forever 605 Lounge - LAKE SHARPE
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Breakfast - RAMKOTA COURTYARD
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Mentorship Breakfast - AMPHITHEATER I
(for mentees and mentors, only)
8:45-9 A.M.
Welcome & Opening Remarks - GRAND GALLERIA
9-10 A.M.
GENERAL SESSION: Shane Feldman - GRAND GALLERIA
- Future-Proof Passport: Driving Connection and Collaboration In This New World
10-10:30 A.M.
Networking Break with Exhibitors - CONFERENCE CENTER CONCOURSE
10:30-11:30 A.M.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Driving Growth and Visitation through Regional Initiatives - LEWIS & CLARK
- The Traveler’s Journey - AMPHITHEATER I
- Understanding the Basics, Key Updates and Latest Trends in the H-2B Visa Program - AMPHITHEATER II
- Travel South Dakota 2026 Marketing Plans - GALLERY F, G
11:45 A.M.-1:45 P.M.
Tourism Briefing Luncheon with Secretary Jim Hagen - GRAND GALLERIA
1:45-2:45 P.M.
Exhibitor Hour - CONFERENCE CENTER CONCOURSE
2:45-3:45 P.M.
GENERAL SESSION: Dr. Rebecca Heiss - GRAND GALLERIA
- The Stress Advantage: Harnessing the Power of Stress
3:45-4:15 P.M.
Networking Break with Exhibitors - CONFERENCE CENTER CONCOURSE
4:15-5:15 P.M.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Expand Your Reach — A Fresh Look at À La Carte & Co-Op Marketing with Travel South Dakota - LEWIS & CLARK
- Authentic Partnerships - AMPHITHEATER I
- Understanding the Basics, Key Updates and Latest Trends in the H-2B Visa Program - AMPHITHEATER II
- Sentiment Study Results - GALLERY F, G
5:30-7 P.M.
Forever 605 Happy Hour - LAKE SHARPE
7-10 P.M.
Historic Deadwood Reception - GRAND GALLERIA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026
7:30 A.M.-4 P.M.
Registration & Information Desk - CONFERENCE CENTER LOBBY
7:30 A.M.-4 P.M.
Forever 605 Lounge - LAKE SHARPE
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Breakfast - RAMKOTA COURTYARD
8:30-9:30 A.M.
GENERAL SESSION: David Reichbach - GRAND GALLERIA
- The State of South Dakota Travel
9:30-10 A.M.
Networking Break with Exhibitors - CONFERENCE CENTER CONCOURSE
10-11 A.M.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Understanding Our Visitors - LEWIS & CLARK
- The Marketing Power of Bold Storytelling - AMPHITHEATER I
- Multigenerational Marketing - AMPHITHEATER II
- Travel South Dakota 2026 Marketing Plans - GALLERY F, G
11 A.M.-1:15 P.M.
Voices of Tourism Luncheon (formerly Industry Panel Luncheon) - GRAND GALLERIA
The buffet lines will open at 11 a.m. Our luncheon speakers will start at 11:45 a.m.
1:15-2:15 P.M.
GENERAL SESSION: Damon West - GRAND GALLERIA
- Be a Coffee Bean
2:15-2:45 P.M.
Networking Break with Exhibitors - CONFERENCE CENTER CONCOURSE
2:45-3:45 P.M.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Understanding Our Visitors - LEWIS & CLARK
- Trails, Tourism, and Community Growth - AMPHITHEATER I
- AI in Action: Practical Tools for Today’s Tourism Organizations - AMPHITHEATER II
5:30-7 P.M.
Gala Social - CONFERENCE CENTER LOBBY
7-10 P.M.
Awards Night Gala - GRAND GALLERIA
CONFERENCE ATTIRE
Tuesday: Wear red for Tourism Day at the Capitol
Tuesday Evening Reception: Business Casual (or red from earlier in the day)
Wednesday: Destination/Business Logo Apparel Day
Wednesday Evening Event: Casual/Cowboy, Western, Wild West Attire
Thursday: Business Casual
Thursday Awards Night Gala: Formal/Semi-formal/Business
