Annual Visitor Industry Luncheon to feature human performance, well-being expert
March 12, 2026
This piece is sponsored by Experience Sioux Falls.
Tickets are on sale for Experience Sioux Falls’ Visitor Industry Luncheon, which will be Tuesday, May 5, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. This annual event isn’t just a celebration of the visitor industry — it’s a celebration of Sioux Falls. With the primary purpose of Experience Sioux Falls being to bring visitors to the city, the organization recognizes the many businesses that are impacted, including those that are not directly related to the visitor industry.
“People come to Sioux Falls for a variety of reasons, like a weekend getaway, but sometimes things in life don’t always go as planned,” Experience Sioux Falls CEO Teri Schmidt said.
“They have vehicle troubles and need to visit a repair shop, their child gets sick and needs to see a doctor, or they purchased something and need to visit a shipping company to send it somewhere right away. These are all businesses and services impacted by visitors that many people likely wouldn’t expect.”
The Visitor Industry Luncheon is an opportunity to recognize the significant impact the visitor industry has on everyone in our city and state.
This year’s event will be headlined by 5X Audible worldwide bestseller and global keynote speaker Jesse Israel, who is known for founding The Big Quiet movement and has led some of the largest meditations on earth, including in sold-out arenas on tour with Oprah Winfrey and in international broadcasts with Deepak Chopra.
An expert in human performance and well-being, Israel is a leadership coach to elite performers — from top CEOs and senior White House advisers to Academy- and Grammy Award-winning actors and musicians.
As a former record label and tech fund founder who signed multiplatinum bands and oversaw an industry-leading music tech investment fund, Israel blends his entrepreneurial experience with his expertise in well-being. He is dedicated to helping millions cultivate calm, clarity and resiliency in the face of life’s demands.
“We are fortunate to host Jesse, and we have heard nothing but outstanding things about him,” Schmidt said. “We believe Sioux Falls is in for a real treat with him as our keynote speaker.”
But before Israel takes the stage May 5, Experience Sioux Falls will be presenting its Visitor Industry Awards: Heart of the City and four Hospitality Awards.
The Hospitality Awards recognize people who work at an attraction, hotel, restaurant or retail business and consistently provide extraordinary customer service. The Heart of the City Award recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution to the visitor industry through inspiration, spirit and excellent leadership.
Learn more about the Visitor Industry Luncheon, and purchase your tickets.
