WELCOME TO
Photo Credit: Visit Bemidji
Welcome
Welcome to beautiful Bemidji for the 2025 MNTA Annual Meeting! We hope you use some of your free time to explore the destination and enjoy some of the wonderful amenities Bemidji has to offer. One of the very best benefits of your membership with MNTA is the incredible network of tourism professionals and industry partners. I encourage you to get to know someone new or explore deeper the opportunities our industry partners and sponsors have to offer.
Enjoy the conference!
Beth Fischer
2025 Chair of the Board
MNTA Roger Toussaint Award
The Roger Toussaint Award is the highest honor bestowed by MNTA - the Minnesota Tourism Association. The award recognizes significant achievements by an MNTA member for their on-going contributions to Minnesota’s tourism industry.
The award recognizes individuals who have been actively engaged and participatory in MNTA membership and its on-going efforts to increase tourism throughout the state, as well as those who have willingly mentored others to share their knowledge and expertise with the MNTA membership.
The award is named for Roger Toussaint, former Executive Director of the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau, Executive Secretary of the Midwest Society of Association Executives and Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association, now known as Meet Minneapolis.
Throughout his career, Roger Toussaint was quick with a handshake, a friendly smile and well-reasoned advice. Actively involved in the tourism industry at the local and state levels, he served as a mentor to tourism industry newcomers and MNTA members alike by sharing his enthusiasm for the tourism industry, along with his vast industry knowledge and expertise. Recipients of the MNTA Roger Toussaint Award join a very small club, indeed, and truly represent the “best of the best” of Minnesota’s $16 billion a year travel and tourism industry.
MNTA Roger Toussaint Award Recipients
2024: Julie Wearn, Roseville Visitors Association
2023: Joe Henry, Lake of the Woods Tourism
2022: Linda Jurek, Visit Cook County
2021: Anna Tanski, Visit Duluth
(No award presented 2020)
2019: Pat Mutter, Visit Winona
2018: Carrie Ford, Visit Roseville
2017: Steve Markuson, Twin Cities Gateway
2016: Melvin Tennant, Meet Minneapolis
2015: Mick Myers, Pipestone CVB
2014: Bonnie Carlson, Bloomington CVB
2013: Terry Mattson, Visit Duluth
2012: Kathy Johnson, MACVB
2011: Cole Carley, Fargo
(No award presented 2010)
2009: Gayle Quistgard, Bemidji
2008: Greg Ortale, Meet Minneapolis
2007: Shawn Corwin, Bloomington CVB
2006: Roger Toussaint
Board Member Candidates Silent Auction
Join the auction by scanning this QR code to view and bid on advertising packages, golf outings, baskets, travel and more! 100% of the proceeds from the MNTA Silent Auction provides professional development opportunities and resources to support a network of Minnesota tourism professionals.
Board of Directors to Our 2025 Thank You
Beth Fischer, 2025 Chair of the Board
Explore Willmar Lakes Area
Al Stauffacher, Incoming Board Chair
Twin Cities Gateway
We are pleased to present the slate of candidates for the upcoming board election.
Directors:
Ashlee White, Visit Mankato
Kelly Nygaard, Discover Stillwater
Jean Bowman, Explore Alexandria
Lilly Miller, Visit Inver Grove Heights
Joe Ward, Experience Rochester
Nominated to serve a 2-year term beginning January 1, 2026-December 31, 2027
2026 Executive Committee:
Al Stauffacher, Chair of the Board
Beth Fischer, Past Chair
Aimee Burrill, Incoming Chair
Beth Pierce, Treasurer
Nominated to serve a 1-year term from January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026 Place your bids!
Rachel Thompson, Outgoing Board Chair
Visit Greater St Cloud
Joe Henry, Treasurer Lake of the Woods Tourism
Amie Burrill, Director Experience Burnsville
A.J. Frels, Director Explore La Crosse
Janelle Jones, Director Lovin’ Lake County
Jan Kroells, Director
Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism
Beth Pierce, Director Discover the Range
Eric Satre, Director Destination Woodbury
Joe Ward, Director Experience Rochester
Tim Zunker, Director Shakopee
Your Big Ideas Go Here
CONVERSATION STARTER: Ask a person at your table what location in their destination would be the most unique to highlight in a movie?
Drawing
“Carve” your own Minnesota jack-o’-lantern.
Let’s Get Film Ready Wednesday PM
1:45
Welcome
2:00
Opening Keynote
Journeys That Stick: The Art of Memorable Storytelling
Dan Jasper
Powerful stories can transform the way destinations, attractions, and experiences connect with travelers. In an industry built on emotion, adventure, and discovery, Dan Jasper demonstrates how storytelling isn’t just marketing—it’s the heartbeat of travel.
3:00
Break & Vendor Showcase
3:30
Session: Is Your Community Film Ready?
Sarah Gebeke, Explore Minnesota Film
Sarah shares the advantages and economic impact of film and television production on local communities. Learn about the Film Ready certification process and discover what producers and location scouts look for in a destination. Sarah shares examples of successful communities, current efforts to attract productions to Minnesota, and strategies—such as using soft incentives—to position communities as attractive, film ready locations.
4:30 Adjourn
Dinner & evening activities on your own
CHALLENGE:
Sit at a table with different people than you did yesterday.
Using AI
AI Tools to Try
What AI tools have you learned about today that you are excited to try?
Thursday AM
8:00
Breakfast Buffet Available 9:00 Welcome Back
9:15
Session: Reading the Signals: Using Intelligence to Guide Smarter Strategy
Sydney Walter, Client Success Manager, Zartico Panelists: Kat Holm, Lovin’ Lake County; Tim Zunker, Visit Shakopee; A.J. Frels, Explore La Crosse
Destinations today have access to more data than ever, but the real challenge is identifying which insights drive strategic impact. In this session, see how your peers are putting data to work, each finding unique ways to integrate intelligence into planning and execution. Hear real-world examples of what’s working (and what’s not), gain fresh perspectives to inform your own approach, and get a first look at new solutions designed to provide the most complete view of the visitor journey.
10:15
Break
10:30
Session: How is your Destination Using AI?
Facilitated Participant Discussion
From helping write copy to producing photos and images, we want to learn more about all the ways your destination is using AI to aid in the creative process, increase productivity, and save time.
11:30
Networking Lunch, MNTA Annual Meeting & Presentation of Roger Toussaint Award
Break Out Session Notes
Ideas to Bring Back to the Office
DIY Plaid
The buffalo plaid pattern is a key part of Bemidji and Minnesota culture. If your destination had a custom plaid, what colors would be used?
LAST CHANCE!
Place your bids!
Updates & News from Explore Minnesota
Prep for the Q&A
What questions do you have for Lauren Bennett McGinty?
Quotable
1:00 PM
Break Out Sessions
Newer Executive Directors
Have you been in your position for 3 years or less? Join this session facilitated by seasoned professionals who can help guide, advise, and answer those questions that every new executive has.
Multi-Generational Workplaces
Dan Jasper shares key insights and characteristics of different generations which can sometimes create tension in the workplace. Learn how to maximize generational strengths for a strong team and organization.
Rewards and Challenges of the DMO World
Join a facilitated small group discussion. Facilitators are prepared to tee up questions for the group on topics of interest or manage a freestyle conversation. Attendees always agree the best learning comes from their peers!
2:15 PM
Session: News and Updates from Explore Minnesota
Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director, Explore Minnesota
Hear the latest news and updates from Explore Minnesota’s Executive Director, Lauren Bennett McGinty followed by Q & A.
3:00 PM Break & Browse & Network
Final look at Silent Auction items, Vendor Expo, Network
3:30 PM Silent Auction Closes-Adjourn
5:15 PM
Bus to The Loft Event Center (meet outside of the hotel)
5:30 PM
Reception/Live Auction, The Loft Event Center
Guest Auctioneer, Kellie Sites
6:30 PM Dinner, The Loft Event Center
8:00 PM DMS Entertainment featuring Mike & Sid, The Loft Event Center
10:00 PM Last bus to the hotel Thursday
Boards
How can you get more involved with your Economic Development office?
Friday AM
8:00 Breakfast Buffet Available
8:15
Breakfast Speaker: The Intersection of Economic Development + Tourism
Dave Hengel, Executive Director, Greater Bemidji, Inc.
Dave Hengel, an experienced economic development director, presents Bemidji’s story, illustrating how tourism can be a powerful driver of economic activity and highlighting the importance of collaboration among those promoting economic growth in the community.
9:00 Welcome Back
9:15
Session: Best Practices for Functional Boards
Anna Tanski, Fired Up! Culture
Managing the dynamics of oversight from a board of directors, municipality or county can be challenging. Personalities can be a tremendous asset and a significant obstacle to conducting business. Understanding how people are wired can unlock the key to successfully navigating these relationships!
10:00 Break
10:15
Session: Legislative & Election Update
Action Items
Time to make a plan!
Todd Hill/Tony Kwilas MNTA Government affairs professionals, Todd Hill and Tony Kwilas share the latest from the State Capitol, new legislators, the upcoming election season, and the policies and issues we’ll be watching for the upcoming legislative session.
10:45
Closing Keynote: Leading with Joy: The Secret to Thriving Leadership
Dan Jasper
In a world where stress runs high and daily pressures can overwhelm, Dan Jasper shows how joy isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership strategy. Through engaging stories, practical tools, and a thoughtful understanding of human motivation, Dan reveals how joy can fuel resilience, spark creativity, and transform organizational culture. This session invites attendees to embrace leadership that uplifts, empowers, and inspires.
11:45 Closing Remarks + Adjourn
