Events and Education

Industry Meetings and Events

We regularly gather industry colleagues for information exchange or educational forums and attend regional or area meetings focused on group tour business. Each fall is a meeting for interaction and training. Watch here for specific upcoming events.

Group Tour Education Program
(Ongoing)

Explore Minnesota Tourism's travel trade unit is establishing an online group tour training program. This effort allows individuals throughout the state to find out the basics of the group and packaged travel market.

The first component consists of the module: Group Tour Training Basics, a three-page outline of players and practices, terms and trends to assist in catering to the needs fo group travel. It is meant as a tool to share with staff who interact with group business. CVBs may find it useful to share with properties, restaurants and attractions seeking involvement.

Future expansion of the training program is likely to include: -glossary of industry terms -itinerary development -restaurant specifics -hotel specifics -involvement in familiarization tours ('fams").

Group Tour Planning Basics (PDF) Group Marketing Presentation (PDF)

Previous Industry Events and Meetings
 

Group Travel Supplier Summit: Get the Scoop on Groups
15 webinar sessions: October 30 - November 15, 2012

Are you hoping to hone your group business? Trying to improve your position in the market, or simply get in the game? Consider participating in the 2012 Supplier Summit webinar series sponsored by GroupTravelSupplier.com. Back for a second year, the 15 one-hour sessions are priced at $199, including a $50 discount through August 31. Topics include the value of the group travel market, e-mail marketing to groups, and attracting both the boomer and student markets. Click here for more information.

Tour Operator Appreciation Luncheon and Group Tour Meeting: September 6, 2012

The Travel Trade unit will host the Tour Operator Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, September 6, 2012. The luncheon is a means to recognize our state's tour and receptive operators and motorcoach operators for their efforts to promote travel to and within our state. Trade show participants will have the opportunity to thank these invitees personally and generate interest for future group travel.

This event includes a two hour trade show featuring Minnesota tourism partners, followed by the luncheon honoring tour operators from around the state. Afterwards we will conduct a group tour meeting, including market overview and information to aid in planning your 2013 budgets for group marketing efforts. It all takes place at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

Cost: Trade show participation for our industry partners is $100, including a table and the luncheon for one person. Two people may share a table for $150. Participation in the trade show and luncheon is complimentary for our invited tour operators.

Afternoon Group Tour Meeting: Attendance at the group tour meeting is complimentary. Even if you choose not to participate in the trade show and luncheon, we hope you will join us in the afternoon session. It's a perfect venue to get caught up on EMT group tour efforts, plan your budget for 2013 and network with others seeking to increase group tour activity in Minnesota.

Accommodations: If you wish to stay overnight, a rate of $65/night is available for the nights before and after the luncheon. The rate is single/double occupancy; additional persons are $10 each. Tax is 6.875%. The room block is held until August 7, 2012; after that the rate is subject to availability. Call Mystic Lake Reservations at 952-445-900 or 800-262-7799 and refer to the Explore MN Tour Operator Appreciation event.

How Do I Sign Up?!? To reserve your table at the trade show and attend the luncheon, complete the registration form and send in your payment. Contact Chris Van Meter  with any questions.