STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Student Mentorship Program returns to the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism. This program engages postsecondary students with industry partners during the tourism conference by pairing them as mentees and mentors. It offers a more personal experience and deeper context for the conference and about the tourism industry. (Be sure to check out the testimonials at the bottom of the page.)
What is it?
The Student Mentorship Program is a program designed for postsecondary students and members of the tourism industry to get acquainted with each other as well as with career opportunities available during and following school. The mentorship program will last the duration of the conference, January 20-22, 2026.
There is no additional fee to participate in the mentorship program for either the student or the industry partner. If interested, complete the appropriate attendee registration and select the option to find out more information or to participate. The program is limited to 30 students. For industry partners, participation is based on the number of students (there may be more mentors than mentees).
Who can participate?
Industry Partners/Mentors: Anyone currently in the workforce and registered to attend the tourism conference.
AND
Students/Mentees: Anyone currently enrolled in an accredited postsecondary program, a Technical College, or a Tribal College and registered to attend the tourism conference as a student. Proof of enrollment is required. All students are automatically part of the Student Mentorship Program.
What is expected of mentors?
- Introduce your mentee to other industry members and provide context to their role.
- Attend the introductory breakfast on Wednesday at the Ramkota with your mentee.
- Attend at least one breakout session with your mentee.
What is expected of mentees?
- Be prepared to network and meet new people.
- Attend the introductory breakfast on Wednesday at the Ramkota with your mentor.
- Attend at least one breakout session with your mentor.
Participants will receive a confirmation email once accepted into the Student Mentorship Program. Prior to the conference, Calvin Bloemendaal will email additional information to all participants.
You will receive a folder with more program details and instructions during Wednesday morning’s Mentorship Breakfast. Travel South Dakota staff will help guide you and make initial introductions, but this program is for participants to make their own and have fun!
CONTACT
Contact Calvin Bloemendaal, Research Manager, at Calvin.Bloemendaal@TravelSouthDakota.com or 605-295-8263 with any questions about the Student Mentorship Program.
What Participants Have Had to Say:
"I loved that this program provided real-world experience that allowed students to go to a week-long conference and meet and network with other students and professionals who share similar interests."
- Kate, mentee, USD
"Attending the Tourism Conference this past January was so much fun. I had the opportunity to attend as a marketing student at Black Hills State University. Even though my degree isn't in tourism you can see how much marketing is involved in tourism. During this conference, I was hired for a summer internship at a marketing firm which wouldn't have happened to me without this conference."
- Cassie, mentee, BHSU
"The student mentorship program has opened up many opportunities for me within the industry. Since last year's conference, I have been able to participate in multiple job shadow days and sit-ins on meetings with Regency Hotel Management after having CEO Tom Biegler as my mentor. I've learned a lot from the company and have seen what being on a good team looks like."
- Allison, mentee, SDSU
"I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with a local student and hear their interests and desire to be a part of the tourism industry. The students perspective on what drives their desire and their past experiences that led them here were insightful. The entire experience gave me a better understanding of the dynamic tourism industry in South Dakota and a better understanding of the next generation."
- Maya Hua, mentor, Partner Engagement, Brand USA
