Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the annual learning opportunity designed specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry. This premier educational event includes national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
View keynote and breakout session recordings and images from past conferences below, and stay tuned for more information on 2027's Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference!
2027 Tourism Conference
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2027 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference for two full days of education, connection and inspiration at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027.
Get ready to join tourism professionals from across Minnesota for this premier industry event. You won’t want to miss it!
Scholarship and Mentorship Program
Explore Minnesota offers scholarships for college students in Minnesota, and any staff or enrolled member with one of the eleven (11) Tribal Nations who share geography with Minnesota, to attend our annual Tourism Conference. This is a great opportunity to gain professional development and networking exposure in the travel/tourism industry.
Scholarship recipients are paired with experienced tourism professional mentors, providing guidance, industry insight and meaningful connections to support their professional growth.
Deadline to apply for the scholarship and mentor program: November 13, 2026
Follow the links below for more information and submit an application:
Apply for a Student Scholarship
Apply for a Tribal Nations Scholarship
Sponsorship Opportunities
Get your brand in front of hundreds of Minnesota tourism leaders and decision makers as they gather at the Saint Paul RiverCentre for the 2027 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, Wednesday, Jan. 27 and Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027.
Conference sponsorships offer valuable opportunities to reach attendees through sponsor recognition and engagement over the 2-day conference.
Tourism Award Nominations
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that help make Minnesota a premier travel destination. Nominations will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.
View the Categories and Submit a Nomination
Call for Speakers
Are you interested in speaking to Minnesota tourism professionals, or do you know someone who would make a great speaker?
We are looking for potential speakers for our Annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference and other educational offerings. We look for proposals that include innovative ways to deliver content and engage our attendees, as well as presentations that have key takeaways and action items.
If you are interested in speaking, please complete the speaker submission form below.
Tourism Conference Recaps
Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference keynote and breakout session recordings, images, and presentations are available for viewing broken down by year below.
