Sept. 20, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Kate Solberg, a sales manager for Experience Sioux Falls, formerly the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Name: Kate Solberg

Age: 22

Hometown: Baltic

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Growing up less than half an hour away, I spent a lot of time in Sioux Falls. After going to the University of South Dakota, moving back to the Sioux Falls area provided so many different opportunities and a place to grow into being a young professional.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls has so many different opportunities and is continuously growing and changing. I love that the city is still somewhat of a hidden gem to people who have never been, and it’s fun to see others excited about what Sioux Falls has to offer! I also love that most of my family and friends live in or around Sioux Falls.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

There are so many things I love about my job! I love that there are truly no two days alike. I have different industries that I work with that always keep me on my toes. I have some of the best co-workers, who are very knowledgeable about the industry and are always willing to help. I get to meet amazing people in the Sioux Falls community and planners from all over the region and country. I also absolutely love that I am always learning new things at work, whether it’s about the tourism industry, Sioux Falls or about different organizations.

How did you get connected to your industry?

In college, I interned at Palisades State Park and realized truly how many people came to visit our state and how our work could impact their experience. Later, I interned at the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company as their events assistant, and marketing and digital communications intern. I was able to learn about planning and hosting events, bringing visitors to Vermillion, creating engaging event posters and suggesting edits for their upcoming visitor guide.

Describe Experience Sioux Falls in three words.

I would describe Experience Sioux Falls as welcoming, informative and innovative.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

At USD, I was the president of Campus Activities Board, CAB, for two years! The board and I planned hundreds of events for the student body during my time at USD. One of my favorite parts was planning the big concert every year, which included selecting an artist or group, marketing and ticketing. I met Vince Staples, the Plain White T’s and Waka Flaka Flame while in CAB. I learned a lot in those two years about higher education programming, the university’s budgeting process, event planning and the importance of getting involved in your community. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of college!

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I love to volunteer when I can! I used to volunteer a lot when I was in high school and college, and want to get back into volunteering my time more.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

It might be tricky with our seasons, but I would love to see more rooftop restaurants/bars! They are always some of my favorite places to visit when I travel, and I would love to see them here!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I honestly have no idea but definitely something creative! Maybe something to do with interior design, event planning or marketing.