April 4, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Experience Sioux Falls.

Gas was 39 cents per gallon. The first cellphone was introduced. NASA launched America’s first space station. The official tourism organization for Sioux Falls began. This all happened in 1973. Fast-forward 50 years to today and it’s easy to see the incredible advancements across every industry.

Sioux Falls was just a name on the map that often was overlooked by visitors and drew in people only from around the region. Through the work of Experience Sioux Falls, formerly the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as many individuals and businesses, this city has gone from a stop along the journey to being the end destination for not only leisure travelers but also for planners of meetings, conventions, sports tournaments and group tours.

“Since my first day on the job, I have seen not only the visitor industry grow by leaps and bounds but also the support for the industry,” said Teri Schmidt, CEO of Experience Sioux Falls. “Many people in this community have come to understand the impact visitors can have on our economy. The visitor industry in Sioux Falls is stronger today than it has ever been.”

Thanks to countless individuals and organizations over the years, Sioux Falls has added many great attractions, restaurants, shops, parks, hotels, you name it. The word officially is out about Sioux Falls, and people are traveling from all over the country to see what the city is all about.

It’s time to look back at the past 50 years and see the progress. Experience Sioux Falls invites you to attend the annual Visitor Industry Luncheon on May 9 to not only celebrate 50 years as an organization but also to celebrate all things Sioux Falls.

Do you eat at restaurants in other cities? Do you travel for work? Do nonresidents interact with your business? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you should care about the travel and tourism industry because you are a part of it.

The Visitor Industry Luncheon isn’t just for those who work directly in the industry — it’s for everyone. And if your business struggles with retaining employees, then this year’s event is especially for you.

The featured speaker this year is Clint Pulver, president and founder of The Center for Employee Retention. Known as the leading authority on employee retention and through his work as “The Undercover Millennial,” Culver helps organizations retain, engage and inspire their team members from the front desk to boardrooms and everyone in between.

“This isn’t going to be your typical luncheon. This is going to be a party where we can all come together and celebrate our great city,” Schmidt said. “You won’t want to miss this one.”

Purchase your tickets for the Visitor Industry Luncheon here.

Experience Sioux Falls also will be giving out its Visitor Industry Awards. The awards will recognize a total of six individuals and businesses.

First Impression Awards will be given to an employee of a hotel, attraction, retail store and restaurant who consistently provides extraordinary customer service.

The Business Award will recognize an individual, business or organization in the visitor industry who causes our region to shine as a visitor destination.

The Heart of the City Award recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution to the visitor industry.

Do you know someone who deserves one of these awards? Submit your Visitor Industry Award nominations here.