The Visitor Beat
Welcome to The Visitor Beat, the monthly newsletter of Experience Sioux Falls. Stay up-to-date on what's going on locally in the travel industry, as well as what's trending nationally.
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Meet the Team Series
In this monthly series you’ll get to know a little about everyone that makes up the Experience Sioux Falls (ESF) team. This month, meet the most recent addition to the ESF team, Jessica Pappas! After working for ESF, previously known as the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, 15 years ago, Jessica left but has recently returned eager to take on new challenges.
Jessica Pappas
Title: Sales Manager
Has worked for ESF for: A total of 5 years
Hometown: Long Valley, SD
- Since your first stint with ESF, what has been one of the most positive changes you have seen in the industry thus far?
The niche marketing efforts! Also, the focus on not just selling the venue for conventions and meetings but creating an experience along with it! - What does a typical Saturday look like for you?
It depends on the season! During the warmer months I ride horses and help work cattle at the Sharp Ranch and go boating with my family. During winter I love to snow ski! - What restaurant are you likely choosing when going out for a meal in Sioux Falls?
Crave, Roam, and Crawford’s! But there are so many amazing places to eat in Sioux Falls; my list is too long! - As the start of the holiday season is approaching, does your family have a favorite holiday activity you like to do in Sioux Falls?
My family loves to go see Winter Wonderland at Falls Park as well as go skiing and snowboarding at Great Bear!
South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism
Registration for the 2025 South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism is now open. The annual conference will be held January 21-23 in Pierre and will include three days of learning from speakers and networking with industry peers. The South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism is a great opportunity to connect with those from attractions, restaurants, lodging, shops, and destination marketing organizations, and learn about what’s going on in the visitor industry across South Dakota, how it affects you, and what strategies you can implement in your business to stand out to visitors.
Experience Sioux Falls has several hotel room blocks reserved. If you are interested in securing a room within one of those blocks, please contact Jackie Wentworth at Jackie@ExperienceSiouxFalls.com or (605) 373-2028.
South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism Award Nominations
Each year during the conference, awards are presented to outstanding members or organizations that have contributed to the state’s visitor industry.
Five of the awards are based on peer nominations, so get your nominations in for those who deserve to be recognized for their work in the travel and tourism industry. The deadline to submit nominations is November 26, 2024.
Governor’s Tourism Rising Star Award
Recognizes an individual who has worked in the South Dakota tourism industry for 2-4 years and excels at their job, is passionate about the industry’s growth and importance, is engaged on the local and state levels, and will make a positive difference in the future.
Ben Black Elk Award
Recognizes an individual who has made tireless and outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry.
A.H. Pankow Award
Recognizes a member of the media or public relations industry who has shown superior interest in and coverage of the South Dakota tourism industry.
Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award
Awarded to a member of the South Dakota tourism industry for innovative marketing, special promotions, or improvements to their business or attraction that elevates the visitor experience and catches the attention of the visitor industry.
Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award
Recognizes members of the of the South Dakota tourism industry who, like Ruth Ziolkowski, provide remarkable service to every visitor he or she encounters, and whose work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness.
George S. Mickelson Award
Honors businesses, communities, or organizations that have done an exemplary job of exceeding visitors’ expectations in customer service.
37th Annual Festival of Bands
The 37th Annual Festival of Bands took place in Sioux Falls last month. The competition featured marching bands from schools in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. During the parade portion, several visitor industry members were on hand to select the People’s Choice Award, which was given to Beresford High School.
Thank you to this year’s People’s Choice Award judges:
(pictured left to right)
David Parker, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Outdoor Campus
Bethany Buitenbos, Chick-fil-A Empire Place
Allyson Kasch, Experience Sioux Falls
Denise DePaulo, Great Plains Zoo / Butterfly House & Aquarium
Richard Fischer, Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown
Rake the Town
Three members of the ESF team recently spent a morning volunteering for Active Generations’ Rake the Town community service event. Rake the Town is a city-wide raking event to help seniors and individuals with disabilities aged 60 and above who may not have family or assistance nearby to help with yard work
