Partner Programs

A couple bikes through the streets of Minneapolis / Credit: Paul Vincent

Read about how Explore Minnesota expands our regional and national reach through select partnerships and media events.

Partnership Marketing

The Minnesota Frost bench at Grand Casino Arena
The Minnesota Frost bench at Grand Casino Arena

Explore Minnesota partners with private-sector businesses, sports teams, media outlets and statewide organizations to extend the reach of its advertising to new audiences and preferred geographic markets.

Potential partners are expected to have strong brand equity, clients who match Explore Minnesota’s intended traveler profile and the ability to contribute meaningfully to mutually beneficial advertising and promotional efforts.

Tourism partners can often participate by offering prize packages and promotional support.

For more information, contact:

Glori Woolley
Partnership Marketing Strategist
651-757-1869

Explore Minnesota Partnership Guidelines 

Explore Minnesota FY27 Partnerships 

 

Governor's Opener Events

Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty speaks to the KSTP show Minnesota Live
Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty speaks to the KSTP show Minnesota Live

Explore Minnesota annually seeks host communities for the Governor’s Fishing Opener in May and the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in October.

These high-visibility events attract significant media attention, generating travel, sporting and lifestyle coverage and creating a positive, lasting impact for host communities through media impressions. Convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, resort associations and other organizations may submit proposals to host these events.

For more information about an opener event, please contact:

 

Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener

Kari Brumback
Coordinator
612-513-8898

2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener Summary 

2025 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener Summary 

 

Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener

Lisa Havelka
Coordinator
507-389-2683

Apply now to host the 2027 Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. We are seeking proposals to host the event Oct. 8-9, 2027.

Through several high-visibility events for outdoor and general-interest media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener helps increase awareness of the host community as a visitor destination and creates a lasting local impact.

Submit your proposal by Aug. 14, 2026, for consideration. For more information, contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or [email protected].

2027 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Host Community Request for Proposal