|
|
A note to our attendees:
At this time, we plan to proceed with the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference in Duluth. What we can do in this difficult time is provide our partners a space to gather and move forward together in support of our industry and the people of Minnesota.
Tourism plays a critical role in our lives. It provides an opportunity to experience a community or culture other than your own and discover new people and places. Our industry will find a way to bring the spirit and joy of travel back to Minnesota, and we will do that together.
|
|
|
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that help make Minnesota a premier travel destination. Below are category finalists.
|
|
|
Outstanding Marketing Campaign (for total organizational budgets under $1,000,000)
Innovative marketing campaign demonstrating exceptional creativity and effectiveness.
FINALISTS
- Discover Stillwater
- Little Falls Chamber and Tourism
-
Visit Mankato
Outstanding Marketing Campaign (for total organizational budgets over $1,000,000)
Innovative marketing campaign demonstrating exceptional creativity and effectiveness.
FINALISTS
- Experience Rochester
- Meet Minneapolis
-
Twin Cities Gateway Tourism
Social Media Excellence
Exceptional social media campaign showcasing originality, brand consistency and creativity.
FINALISTS
- Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism
- International Falls Ranier & Rainy Lake CVB
- Visit Bemidji
Outstanding Video
Innovative video content showcasing a destination’s distinctive attributes.
FINALISTS
- International Falls Ranier & Rainy Lake CVB
- Rochester Downtown Alliance
- Visit Fairmont
Best Destination Website
New or refreshed websites significantly enhancing the visitor experience.
FINALISTS
- Destination: Woodbury
- Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
- Visit Fergus Falls
One Minnesota Award
Outstanding tourism project, initiative or campaign designed to advance tourism made possible by the collaboration of three or more entities.
FINALISTS
- Discover Stillwater
- Explore Southwest Minnesota
- Visit Bemidji
Exceptional Grant Project
Outstanding project by an Explore Minnesota Grant recipient.
FINALISTS
- Ely Area Tourism Bureau
- Experience Maple Grove
- Red Wing CVB
Exceptional Co-op Campaign
Extraordinary campaign run through the Explore Minnesota Co-op Program.
FINALISTS
- Discover Stillwater
- Giants Ridge
- Hinckley CVB
Emerging Leader
A passionate individual who has joined Minnesota's tourism industry within the last five years, makes the state a welcoming place, and ensures the future growth and vitality of Minnesota tourism.
FINALISTS
- Ashlee White (Visit Mankato)
- Colleen Smith (Vista Fleet)
- Lara Coyer (Cabin O’Pines Resort)
|
|
Awards will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 12 at the 2027 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference in Duluth.
|
|
Thank you to our Virtual Broadcast Sponsor
The Sojern Travel Marketing Platform helps destination marketers and attractions reach and inspire the right travelers throughout their planning journey wherever they are online, through programmatic marketing, ultimately driving increased visitation to the destination or attraction.
LEARN MORE >>
|
|
Duluth Welcomes You
As the host destination, Visit Duluth and the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) are offering conference attendees the opportunity to network and explore this historic port community.
Join in on the excitement during the hosted Welcome Reception immediately following day one of the conference at the Harbor Side Convention Center inside the DECC.
Then you can extend the fun by jumping on the North Shore Scenic Railroad to Fitger’s Complex for the After-After Party. This is an exclusive ticketed event, one you won’t want to miss!
|
|
Don’t miss out - register today
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the premier opportunity to network with industry peers from around the state, offering fresh, actionable ideas for your destination.
|
|
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the annual learning opportunity designed specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry. This educational event includes national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
|
|
|
Photos: Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards | Fitger’s Brewing
|
|
|
|
