Midwest Travel Network

Midwest Travel Network Writer's Workshop - Sheboygan, WI
2024-10-08 12:00 - 2024-10-11 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Blue Harbor Resort, 725 Blue Harbor Dr., Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
We are excited to present the next Midwest Travel Network Writer’s Workshop. This time we’re headed to Sheboygan, WI for another unique experience for our attendees. This Fall adventure will be happening October 8-11, 2024.
The AMAZING Theresa L. Goodrich will be our workshop leader!
Theresa L. Goodrich is an Emmy-winning author and content creator with a penchant for storytelling and a keen eye. As the force behind thelocaltourist.com, she’s dedicated to telling in-depth stories of magnificent, quirky, and unique places. She’s slightly obsessed with travel and history and has turned these passions into multiple books, including the Two Lane Gems series, Living Landmarks of Chicago, Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, and Show Me Shipshewana. Theresa is the publisher of Midwest Road Trip Adventures, 2nd Edition and Midwest State Park Adventures. Under the pen name of Theresa L. Carter, she’s the author of the Alex Paige cozy mystery series, featuring a travel writer and breast cancer survivor who unwillingly becomes an amateur sleuth.A cancer survivor herself, Theresa is a firm believer that storytelling is life changing. She speaks across the country about travel and road trips and teaches both writing and self-publishing. She’s driven, often literally, to inspire you to get off the interstates and explore the towns and communities that make this country a constant and welcome surprise.
Theresa has led our Midwest Travel Network Writer’s Workshops in Hendricks County, IN; Gulf Shores, AL; Dubuque, IA; SE Montana/Billings; Sheboygan, WI; and Wichita, KS . When she’s not writing or on the road, she’s cooking and planning her next adventure.
Here is what Amy Piper, of Follow The Piper, had to say about her experience at the 2019 Midwest Travel Network’s Writer’s Workshop.
“The Midwest Travel Network Writer’s Workshop guides you from the initial travel experience (press trip style) through to writing and editing the article. The focus of this workshop is writing for your readers. I learned how to create tension in my articles to move the reader through the experience. It’s a small group, and you’ll not only learn from an award-winning author but also other writers in the workshop.”
Visit Sheboygan – Dubbed by the surf crowd as the “Malibu of the Midwest,” Sheboygan is a freshwater haven, an outdoor lover’s playground, and a fisherman’s sunrise glory. It is known to be a great place for a mancation, famcation, staycation, relaxation-cation, or a pampering girl’s getaway. (They’ve got plenty of spas and a great wine selection, too!)
Cost: $299. Includes meals, lodging and educational experiences. (Limited to 11 attendees). All participants will have the opportunity to explore the area including food and attractions in the Sheboygan area AND have 15 hours to work alongside author Theresa Goodrich.
https://visitsheboygan.com/

2025 Midwest Travel Network Conference - Grand Island, NE
2025-06-12 12:00 - 2025-06-14 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Fonner Park, 700 East Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE, 68801, United States
Join us for the Midwest Travel Network conference on June 12-14, 2025, in Grand Island, Nebraska. You’ll learn new skills and industry trends through dynamic educational sessions. You’ll also enjoy abundant networking opportunities with your colleagues and the unique experiences you’ll find in this great small town with a big-city attitude.
Our community is important to us and we continue to bridge the gap between bloggers and our destination partners. We will bring everyone together to create stronger connections to tell our stories.
A trade show, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities await attendees. We recommend securing your spot early.
Breakout sessions will be divided into 2 tracks – Blogger and CVB/DMO. Bloggers will learn best practices for building lasting relationships with CVB’s/DMO’s, SEO, and tips on setting yourselves apart from the competition. For the CVB track, you can expect sessions to include tips on working with bloggers, tips for hosting a successful fam trip, and best practices for getting your Midwest destination noticed.
Attendees can expect to make meaningful connections while walking away with creative ideas that can be quickly implemented.
Testimonials from a previous Midwest Travel Network Conference:
From Blogger:
“Attending the 2018 Midwest Travel Network Conference was one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my career as a travel blogger…The other aspect of the conference that I really appreciated was the chance to connect with fellow travel bloggers – some of whom I’ve been following online for years online and chatting with via the Facebook group…
…In addition, conference organizers Sara Broers and Lisa Trudell did an excellent job of working with the local CVB to highlight the conference destination of Clear Lake, IA including catering delicious local food and coordinating a fascinating tour of the historic conference venue (the Surf Ballroom). I’m already looking forward to what they have planned for the 2019 conference in Medora, ND – Stacy Brooks – Tangled Up in Food
From Destination/Brand
“Emily Bertram who attended your conference in Iowa came back raving about this event. We have seen such a great ROI from this conference and travel bloggers interested in visiting St. Cloud.” – Rachel Thompson, Sales and Services Coordinator at Visit St. Cloud
Lisa and Sara
Co-Founders of Midwest Travel Network
https://visitgrandisland.com/
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please send an email to midwesttravelbloggers@gmail.com
What’s the refund policy?
No refunds will be allowed for this event.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes. For a $15 administration fee, you may transfer the ticket. However, tickets are not refundable. To transfer your ticket, simply log into your Eventbrite account and change your name and email address to the new ticket holder’s name and address. They will then be able to log in and update any other important information. Tickets may only be transferred up to 2 weeks before the conference.
What are the closest airports?
The closest airport to Grand Island, Nebraska is the Grand Island Regional Airport or the Lincoln airport (about 90 minutes).
What are the lodging options?
There will be a conference rate of $139 per night at the Best Western and the Ramada. The link to book rooms within the conference group blocks will be available soon.

MWTN Successful Connections / Pitching Workshop - Sheboygan, WI
2025-08-18 08:00 - 2025-08-20 17:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Blue Harbor Resort, 725 Blue Harbor Dr., Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
Successful Connections- Pitching To Win with Sara Broers
This 2 ½ day workshop will help you make connections that matter. You will learn about Sheboygan, WI while also learning how to pitch for success.
Sara Broers is the co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network, the CEO of Travel With Sara, the owner of Social Connections, LLC, and a published author. She was the 2019 Outstanding Iowa Individual Leader through the IEDA (Iowa Economic Development Authority), and she has helped hundreds of Iowans make connections that grow businesses and tourism.
Your Cost: $249 (includes workshop, lodging, food, and attraction tickets provided by our wonderful host Visit Sheboygan)
What you can expect:
Day 1:
Kick Off- 2 pm
2 Hours Workshop Time – Workshop Topics:
– Why Pitch?
– What Does A Good Pitch Look Like And Include?
Explore Sheboygan
Day 2:
3 Hours Workshop Time – Workshop Topics:
– Different Styles of Pitching And How To Use Them
– How To Incorporate Your Voice Into Your Pitch
– Turning Your Dream Pitch Into Reality
– Resources To Help You With Your Pitch
Explore Sheboygan
Day 3:
2 Hours Workshop Time – Workshop Topics:
– Writing About Your Experience In Ottumwa
– How To Use A Past Article For Pitching
– What Does A CVB Want To See And Not See In A Pitch
Let’s Pitch To Win!
You will have 7 hours of workshop time and have an opportunity to work 1/1 with Sara. The workshop is limited to 5 content creators.
THANK YOU Visit Sheboygan for providing lodging, food and experiences during our time in Sheboygan, WI!
What have others said about attending the MWTN Successful Connections / Pitching Workshop?
“Before attending the MWTN Pitching Workshop, I had a basic understanding of pitching, but I wasn’t quite sure how to bring all the elements together into a clear, compelling pitch. After participating in the workshop, I gained the confidence and tools I needed to build solid, well-rounded pitches—and it worked! Since attending, I’ve received several positive responses from my pitches, which has opened up exciting new opportunities. As a bonus, I got to explore a fantastic new destination and connect with incredible people in the industry. These new contacts have not only become professional partners but also collaborators I truly enjoy working with. Attending the MWTN Pitching Workshop was a game changer for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to sharpen their pitching skills while expanding their network.” – Veronica Bareman

2025 MWTN Photo/Video Workshop - Sheboygan, WI
2025-09-22 12:00 - 2025-09-24 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Watershed Hotel, 838 North 15th Street, Sheboygan, 53081, United States
MWTN Cell Phone Photography & Video Workshop – Sheboygan, WI
📅 September 22–24, 2025
📍 Hosted in partnership with Visit Sheboygan
💵 Cost: $349 – Includes meals, hands-on sessions, and area experiences
👥 Limited to 6 attendees
🏨 Lodging is on your own – A room block is available at The Watershed Hotel for $120/night.
Join the Midwest Travel Network for an immersive Photo & Video Workshop designed specifically for content creators, bloggers, and destination marketers who want to level up their visual storytelling—using just their phone!
Set in Sheboygan, Wisconsin—affectionately known as the “Malibu of the Midwest”—this retreat blends expert instruction with real-world practice, waterfront inspiration, and unforgettable local experiences.
📸 Workshop Sessions Include:
1. Cell Phone Photography Basics
Learn your phone’s camera settings, framing, and composition techniques
→ Practice: Capture 5 photos with different styles during FAM time
2. Lighting & Focus Techniques
Master natural light, depth, and exposure for impactful shots
→ Practice: Photograph in various lighting conditions
3. Editing on Your Phone
Enhance your photos with mobile editing tools and apps
→ Practice: Edit your earlier shots during this hands-on session
4. Creating Eye-Catching Social Media Posts
Craft compelling captions, leverage hashtags, and engage with AI tools
→ Practice: Build a post-ready piece using your photos
5. Introduction to Mobile Videography
Capture movement with video stabilization, slow-mo, and time-lapse tips
→ Practice: Film 2–6 second videos across different scenes
6. Creating Reels & Stories
Edit and publish your Reels with music, transitions, and audience hooks
→ Practice: Post your first Reel using your own workshop footage
7. Visual Strategy for Social Media
Plan, batch, and schedule your content for engagement
→ Practice: Build a 1-week visual content calendar with posts, Reels & Stories
👩‍🏫 Your Instructor: Veronica Bareman – The Hip Grandma
A professional photographer turned travel writer and content creator, Veronica teaches with heart, humor, and hands-on support. She specializes in making mobile photography fun, approachable, and empowering. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your skills, Veronica’s guidance will leave you more confident behind the camera—and in front of your audience.
🌊 Why Sheboygan?
Sheboygan is a freshwater playground, ideal for both content and relaxation. Think gorgeous lakefront views, quirky roadside stops, spas, wine, and world-class surfing (yes, in Wisconsin!). This destination is perfect for a mancation, famcation, staycation, or girl’s getaway.
Discover Sheboygan’s local flavor, charming attractions, and hidden gems while putting your new skills into action. Enjoy 7 hours of dedicated workshop instruction plus additional time exploring the area as you practice what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
🛎️ Learn more about this lakefront gem at: Visit Sheboygan
Spots are extremely limited—just 6 participants!
✔️ Registration fee of $349 includes meals, hands-on learning, exclusive activities, and plenty of creative inspiration.
🏨 Lodging is not included. A block has been reserved at The Watershed Hotel for $120/night. You’ll book your room directly. Direct number to the hotel is 920-453-0000 https://www.watershedsheboygan.com/

MWTN Entrepreneurship Unleashed: A Path to Independence Workshop
2025-10-06 12:00 - 2025-10-08 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Bradford Guest House, 2733 Cheyenne Avenue, Nashua, IA, 50658, United States
Entrepreneurship Unleashed: Your Path to Independence
A Midwest Travel Network Workshop📍 Bradford Guest House, Nashua, IA | 🗓 October 6-9, 2025🏨 Lodging + All Meals Included
Ready to take control of your career?This immersive, hands-on experience is designed to help you take bold steps toward building a thriving business in the travel space—and beyond. While highly relevant for aspiring content creators, the tools and strategies shared apply to anyone ready to create their own path to success.
Unlike our traditional Midwest Travel Network events, this workshop does not include a FAM trip component. Instead, we’re focusing entirely on you: your goals, your growth, and your next big move. With lodging and meals covered, you can fully invest in learning, planning, and connecting.
Led by industry expert and Midwest Travel Network co-founder Sara Broers, this workshop features in-depth sessions, peer collaboration, and personalized consultation to help you move from idea to action.
🔹 Workshop Topics
Mastering the Art of the Follow-Up: From Pitch to Partnership
Turn one-time contacts into long-term collaborations. Learn the full cycle—from crafting irresistible pitches to executing the perfect follow-up that closes the deal.
From Blog to Book: Your Roadmap to Becoming a Published Author
Discover how to transform your blog or travel writing into a published book. Sara shares her experience writing multiple books and walks you through how to approach your own publishing journey.
Repurpose & Reignite: Transform Your Content for Maximum Impact
Learn to work smarter, not harder, by repurposing existing content for new platforms and audiences. Maximize the impact of what you’ve already created.
The Ultimate Road Trip Partnership
Explore how to create win-win road trip collaborations—from concept to execution. You’ll design your own dream road trip and learn how to make it happen with the right partners.
Get ‘Er Done: Completing Your Forgotten Projects
Use this workshop time to finally finish what’s been on your back burner. We’ll help you prioritize, plan, and power through the projects that have been holding you back.
Mastering Media: From Outreach to Amplification
Learn how to pitch stories, land coverage, and make the most of media wins to grow your brand and credibility in the travel space and beyond.
One-on-One Time with Sara
Each participant will receive a private 60-minute session with Sara Broers to dig into your specific challenges, goals, and opportunities. Bring your questions—leave with answers.
👩‍🏫 Meet Your Instructor: Sara Broers
Sara Broers is the CEO of Travel With Sara and co-founder of Midwest Travel Network. She’s a nationally recognized speaker, published author, and trusted voice in tourism and content creation. With over a decade of experience in travel partnerships and entrepreneurship, Sara is passionate about helping others find success on their own terms. She’s the author of 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die, Perfect Day Iowa, and co-author of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Park Adventures.
“Sara Broers is the kind of travel influencer every destination and hospitality brand hopes to work with. A true professional, she approaches every partnership with the question, ‘How can I help?’—and she delivers in ways that make a lasting impact. Sara doesn’t just visit a destination; she becomes an ambassador for it, creating authentic, engaging content that drives real results. She has played a pivotal role in launching influencer initiatives for our clients, including the successful implementation of an affiliate program that has generated hundreds of room nights for our vacation rental management client. Sara is an invaluable asset and a trusted partner in the travel industry.” – Eva Faircloth- Owner, Front Porch Network, representing Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Spectrum Resorts, and numerous travel/tourism attractions
📝 What’s Included:

Lodging (3 nights)
All meals provided
Full workshop access
1:1 consultation with Sara
Tangible tools, templates, and action plans

⚠️ Please Note:
This is a workshop-only event. There is no FAM trip or hosted tourism component included, allowing full focus on learning, execution, and personal growth.

2026 MWTN Video/Photography Workshop - Ottumwa, IA
2026-05-26 12:00 - 2026-05-28 17:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Meet Ottumwa, 102 Church Street Ottumwa, IA, Ottumwa, IA, 52501, United States
We’re excited to bring a Midwest Travel Network Video/Photo Workshop to Ottumwa, IA!

MWTN Cell Phone Photography & Video Workshop – Ottumwa, IA
📅 May 26-28, 2026
📍 Hosted in partnership with Meet Ottumwa
💵 Cost: $349 – Includes meals, hands-on sessions, and area experiences
👥 Limited to 6 attendees
🏨 Lodging is included
Join the Midwest Travel Network for an immersive Photo & Video Workshop designed specifically for content creators, bloggers, and destination marketers who want to level up their visual storytelling—using just their phone!
Set in Ottumwa, IA
📸 Workshop Sessions Include:
1. Cell Phone Photography Basics
Learn your phone’s camera settings, framing, and composition techniques
→ Practice: Capture 5 photos with different styles during FAM time
2. Lighting & Focus Techniques
Master natural light, depth, and exposure for impactful shots
→ Practice: Photograph in various lighting conditions
3. Editing on Your Phone
Enhance your photos with mobile editing tools and apps
→ Practice: Edit your earlier shots during this hands-on session
4. Creating Eye-Catching Social Media Posts
Craft compelling captions, leverage hashtags, and engage with AI tools
→ Practice: Build a post-ready piece using your photos
5. Introduction to Mobile Videography
Capture movement with video stabilization, slow-mo, and time-lapse tips
→ Practice: Film 2–6 second videos across different scenes
6. Creating Reels & Stories
Edit and publish your Reels with music, transitions, and audience hooks
→ Practice: Post your first Reel using your own workshop footage
7. Visual Strategy for Social Media
Plan, batch, and schedule your content for engagement
→ Practice: Build a 1-week visual content calendar with posts, Reels & Stories
👩‍🏫 Your Instructor: Veronica Bareman – The Hip Grandma
A professional photographer turned travel writer and content creator, Veronica teaches with heart, humor, and hands-on support. She specializes in making mobile photography fun, approachable, and empowering. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your skills, Veronica’s guidance will leave you more confident behind the camera—and in front of your audience.
Why Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa offers a compact, highly walkable downtown with a variety of backdrops, historic architecture, riverfront, local eateries, and revitalized gathering spaces. It makes for an ideal hands-on playground for video and photography.
Participants won’t just learn theory; they’ll step outside and immediately apply techniques in real-time, capturing a mix of textures, lighting environments, and story opportunities, all within a short distance. It’s the perfect classroom.
Meet Ottumwa …..
🛎️ Learn more about this gem at: Meet Ottumwa
Spots are extremely limited—just 6 participants!
✔️ Registration fee of $349 includes meals, hands-on learning, exclusive activities, lodging and plenty of creative inspiration.

2026 Midwest Travel Network Conference - McHenry County, IL
2026-06-11 12:00 - 2026-06-13 12:00 (America/Chicago) | The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, United States
Join us for the Midwest Travel Network conference on June 11-13, 2026, in McHenry County, IL. You’ll learn new skills and industry trends through dynamic educational sessions. You’ll also enjoy abundant networking opportunities with your colleagues and the unique experiences you’ll find in this great small town with a big-city attitude.
Our community is important to us, and we continue to bridge the gap between bloggers and our destination partners. We will bring everyone together to foster stronger connections and share our stories.
A trade show, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities await attendees. We recommend securing your spot early.
Breakout sessions will be divided into 2 tracks – Blogger and CVB/DMO. Bloggers will learn best practices for building lasting relationships with CVB’s/DMO’s, SEO, and tips on setting yourselves apart from the competition. For the CVB track, you can expect sessions to include tips on working with bloggers, tips for hosting a successful fam trip, and best practices for getting your Midwest destination noticed.
Attendees can expect to make meaningful connections while walking away with creative ideas that can be quickly implemented.
Testimonials from a previous Midwest Travel Network Conference:
From Blogger:
“Attending the 2018 Midwest Travel Network Conference was one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my career as a travel blogger…The other aspect of the conference that I really appreciated was the chance to connect with fellow travel bloggers – some of whom I’ve been following online for years online and chatting with via the Facebook group…
…In addition, conference organizers Sara Broers and Lisa Trudell did an excellent job of working with the local CVB to highlight the conference destination of Clear Lake, IA including catering delicious local food and coordinating a fascinating tour of the historic conference venue (the Surf Ballroom). I’m already looking forward to what they have planned for the 2019 conference in Medora, ND – Stacy Brooks – Tangled Up in Food
From Destination/Brand
“Emily Bertram who attended your conference in Iowa came back raving about this event. We have seen such a great ROI from this conference and travel bloggers interested in visiting St. Cloud.” – Rachel Thompson, Sales and Services Coordinator at Visit St. Cloud
Lisa and Sara
Co-Founders of Midwest Travel Network
https://www.naturallymchenrycounty.com/
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please send an email to midwesttravelbloggers@gmail.com
What’s the refund policy?
No refunds will be allowed for this event.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes. For a $15 administration fee, you may transfer the ticket. However, tickets are not refundable. To transfer your ticket, simply log into your Eventbrite account and change your name and email address to the new ticket holder’s name and address. They will then be able to log in and update any other important information. Tickets may only be transferred up to 2 weeks before the conference.
What are the closest airports?
Located just 60 miles northwest of Chicago, our conference venue is only 40 minutes from downtown and conveniently accessible from both Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports.
What are the lodging options?
Our host hotel will be the Holiday Inn, Crystal Lake, IL — $119/night. More details to come on the booking.
The pre-conference activities will start as early as Wednesday morning, June 10th. We won’t have details for a bit yet, but hopefully this information will help a little in your planning and booking your hotel dates accordingly.

Publish Post Profit Workshop - Sheboygan, WI
2026-09-22 12:00 - 2026-09-24 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Fairfield by Marriott, 4117 South Taylor Drive, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
We’re excited to bring a new Midwest Travel Network to Sheboygan, WI – Publish, Post, Profit!

Publish, Post, Profit: Monetizing Every Medium You Touch
📍 Sheboygan, Wisconsin
📅 September 22–24, 2026
🎓 Hosted by Midwest Travel Network
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Sara Broers
About This Workshop
Publish, Post, Profit is a small-group, advanced workshop designed for established travel content creators who are ready to build sustainable income from the work they’re already doing.
This immersive, three-day experience goes beyond quick wins and trending tactics. Instead, we focus on long-term strategies that support evergreen content, intentional publishing, and smarter monetization across blogs, newsletters, social media, and partnerships.
This is not a traditional press trip. It’s a hands-on profit lab where learning, application, and destination storytelling happen side by side.
About Sara Broers | CEO, Author & Tourism Strategist
Sara Broers is a travel industry leader, professional speaker, and self-described “idea machine” focused on the business side of travel content. She is the CEO of Travel With Sara and co-owner of Midwest Travel Network, where she helps bridge the gap between destinations and content creators through education and meaningful partnerships.
Recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Iowa Individual Leader by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Sara is also a published author (100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die and Perfect Day Iowa) and co-creator of the YouTube channel Go Crush It: Travel & Thrive, supporting confident travel for the 50+ audience.
Through Social Connections, LLC and her signature Pitching Workshops, Sara has helped hundreds of creators and small business owners turn storytelling into sustainable income. Whether she’s snowbirding on the Gulf Coast or exploring Midwest trails, Sara is always chasing great stories—and helping others learn how to profit from their own.
What You’ll Experience

Guided instruction and interactive discussion focused on monetization and sustainability
Hands-on audits and personalized feedback
Real-time application of strategies while exploring Sheboygan
Space to create, refine, and rethink how your content works for you
Meaningful connection with a small group of fellow creators

Workshop Format
This is an intentionally intimate experience, capped at six vetted creators, allowing for deep discussion and individualized feedback.
Schedule Overview

Day 1 (Tuesday): Mid-afternoon arrival and kickoff session
Day 2 (Wednesday): Morning workshop (3–4 hours) + afternoon and evening destination exploration and content creation
Day 3 (Thursday): Morning wrap-up session, concluding after lunch

Approximately 7 hours of guided instruction are paired with curated destination experiences to support real-world storytelling.
Who This Is For
This workshop is best suited for established travel creators who:

Have an existing blog, newsletter, or multi-platform presence
Are actively working with destinations or brands
Want to build sustainable, long-term revenue (not just one-off campaigns)
Value depth, strategy, and intentional growth

What’s Included

All workshop instruction and materials
Curated destination experiences during designated exploration times
Meals during workshop days
Lodging for two nights
Post-workshop resources and follow-up

(Travel to Sheboygan is not included.)

MWTN 2026 Podcasting Workshop – Medora, ND (Oct. 5–7)
2026-10-05 12:00 - 2026-10-07 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Americinn Medora, 75 East River Rd. S, Medora, ND, 58645, United States
We’re excited to bring a new Midwest Travel Network to Medora, ND – Podcasting
Podcasting for Travel Storytelling📍 Medora, North Dakota
📅 October 5–7, 2026
🎓 Hosted by Midwest Travel Network
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Sheila Jenkinson (Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast)
About This Workshop
The Podcast Workshop is a small-group, immersive experience designed for travel content creators who want to strengthen their audio storytelling skills and develop compelling podcast content inspired by a destination.
This three-day workshop blends focused instruction with intentional exploration, allowing participants to plan, record, and develop podcast-ready stories on location. You’ll learn how to capture interviews, structure episodes, and build long-form audio content that continues to promote destinations well beyond the workshop.
This is not a traditional press trip. It’s a hands-on learning experience where podcast strategy, recording, and destination storytelling happen side by side.
What You’ll Experience

Guided instruction focused on travel podcasting and audio storytelling
Hands-on recording opportunities in real destination settings
Interview practice with local voices and experiences
Episode planning and story development support
Time to capture audio and develop podcast-ready content
Small-group collaboration and feedback
Meaningful connection with fellow creators

Workshop Format
This is an intentionally intimate experience, capped at 7 participants, allowing for personalized instruction and deeper discussion.
Schedule Overview
Day 1 (Monday): Arrival and introductory podcasting session
Day 2 (Tuesday): Morning instruction + afternoon and evening destination exploration and recording
Day 3 (Wednesday): Morning wrap-up session, review, and next steps
Approximately 7–9 hours of guided instruction are paired with curated destination experiences to support real-world storytelling.
Who This Is For
This workshop is best suited for travel creators who:

Are you interested in launching a podcast
Already host a podcast and want to improve storytelling
Want to add audio to their content mix
Enjoy long-form storytelling and interviews
Want to create deeper destination narratives
Are open to learning recording and production basics

Creators may be new to podcasting or actively growing an existing show.
What’s Included

All workshop instruction and materials
Curated destination experiences during designated exploration times
Meals during workshop days
Lodging for two nights
Local transportation during workshop activities

(Travel to Medora is not included.)
Hosted By
Midwest Travel Network
Connecting content creators with destinations through workshops, FAM trips, and educational experiences designed to create meaningful, long-term storytelling.
#MWTravel

MWTN Pitching Workshop – Irving, TX (Nov 6–8, 2026)
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-08 | Visit Irving, 500 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX, 75039, United States
Successful Connections: Pitching to Win with Sara Broers
⚠️ Only 6 spots available.
If you’ve been wanting to land more partnerships, get confident in your pitching, and build real relationships in the travel industry—this is your opportunity to do it in a focused, small-group setting.
This 2½-day immersive workshop is designed to help you build connections that matter and confidently pitch your ideas to destinations, brands, and media outlets.
Hosted in Irving, Texas, you’ll not only learn how to pitch for success—you’ll experience the destination firsthand, giving you real-time opportunities to create, refine, and strengthen your storytelling.
Meet Your Instructor
Sara Broers is the co-owner of Midwest Travel Network, CEO of Travel With Sara, owner of Social Connections, LLC, and a published author.
Recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Iowa Individual Leader by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Sara has helped hundreds of creators and destinations build meaningful connections that grow businesses and tourism.
Your Investment
💲 $249
✔ Includes:

7 hours of hands-on workshop instruction
Lodging
Meals
Attraction tickets and local experiences

All provided by our incredible host, Visit Irving
What You’ll Experience
Day 1 – Kickoff & Foundations
🕑 Kickoff at 2 PM
Workshop (2 Hours):

Why pitching matters
What makes a strong, successful pitch

✨ Explore Irving
Day 2 – Strategy & Storytelling
Workshop (3 Hours):

Different pitching styles and when to use them
How to incorporate your unique voice
Turning your dream pitch into reality
Tools and resources to support your pitching

✨ Explore Irving
Day 3 – Application & Execution
Workshop (2 Hours):

Writing about your experience in Irving
How to leverage past work in future pitches
What destinations want (and don’t want) to see

🎯 Let’s Pitch to Win!
Why This Workshop Stands Out

✔ 7 hours of focused, hands-on learning
✔ 1:1 guidance and feedback from Sara
✔ Real-world application in a hosted destination
✔ Small group setting for deeper connections

👥 Limited to just 5 content creators for a personalized experience
Thank You to Our Host
A special thank you to Visit Irving for providing lodging, meals, and experiences during our time in Irving, Texas.
What Past Attendees Are Saying
“Before attending the MWTN Pitching Workshop, I had a basic understanding of pitching, but I wasn’t quite sure how to bring all the elements together into a clear, compelling pitch. After participating, I gained the confidence and tools I needed to build strong, well-rounded pitches—and it worked!
I’ve since received positive responses that opened new opportunities. As a bonus, I explored a fantastic destination and built connections that turned into real collaborations. This workshop was a game changer for me.”
— Veronica Bareman
