General Conference Logistics
What time does the conference start & end?
The opening session will begin about noon on Thursday, June 12—the exact time is still to be determined.
The closing Session will end around noon on Saturday, June 14.
Where will the conference be held?
The sessions on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday will be held at the Heartland Events Center. There will be transportation available from the host hotels to this venue for those who may need it.
Will There Be Pre and Post Activities?
Pre-Conference Experiences:
June 10: Optional FAM trip to Kearney, NE—experience local attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. Transportation, meals, and experiences included!
June 11: Pre-conference tours hosted by Visit Grand Island—explore hidden gems, meet local experts, and kick off the fun before the conference officially begins. Space may be limited, so secure your spot early! End the day with an exclusive welcome reception to mingle with fellow attendees.
Post-Conference Experiences:
Optional FAM trip to Red Cloud, NE (limited spots available)
Will there be a detailed schedule available?
Yes! A full conference schedule, including session topics and speaker details, will be released closer to the event date. Be sure to check back for updates.
Will sessions be recorded?
At this time, sessions will not be recorded. We encourage all attendees to participate in person to get the most out of the experience.
What types of sessions will be offered?
Our sessions will include a mix of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Topics will cover destination marketing, content creation, storytelling, partnerships, and more.
Food
Are meals included in the registration fee?
Yes! Your registration includes:
- Lunch on Friday
- Dinner during evening events on Thursday and Friday
- Breakfast options at host hotels
- Snacks and coffee breaks during the conference
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration/activity sign-ups. This will be sent out a few weeks prior to the event. We will work with our catering partners to ensure suitable options are available.
Will There Be Evening Activities?
For all registered conference attendees, the below evening activities will be available:
Wednesday, June 11: The Nebraska State Fair is hosting an unforgettable welcome reception where you can get up close and personal with all things Nebraska! Savor in your favorite Fair treats, sip on some NE brews and explore one of the most iconic ag education centers in America. Come as you are, stay as long as you wish. There is only one rule at his party: No one is too old to partake in the fun! Kicking off the conference with the best of Nebraska will be the perfect way to get your creative energy in motion. Join us in the Raising Nebraska building for food, fun and TONS of great networking!
Thursday, June 12: Step back in time as you join us for a memorable Night at the Museum at Stuhr Museum, one of Nebraska’s premier living history museums. This special evening will be filled with exploration, friendly competition, and a taste of the prairie. Kick off the evening with a scavenger hunt across the museum’s historic grounds, leading you through Railroad Town, historic homes, and exhibits while uncovering fascinating stories of Nebraska’s past. Along the way, take advantage of unique photo opportunities that capture the essence of life on the prairie. After working up an appetite, sit down to a down-home meal inspired by those who settled the Great Plains. Enjoy hearty, classic dishes that reflect the spirit of the pioneers, followed by a true Midwest treat—homemade pie.
Friday, June 13: Join us for a lively and culture-filled night at Liederkranz, a historic German-American social club in Grand Island. This evening will be a perfect blend of great food, fun activities, and live music, offering a true taste of the area’s German heritage and community spirit. As the evening winds down at The Liederkranz, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Railside Plaza to experience Hear Grand Island, the city’s popular outdoor live music series. Enjoy the vibrant energy of local and regional bands, soak in the summer night, and continue connecting with fellow attendees in this relaxed, lively setting.
Dress Code & Packing Tips
What is the recommended dress code?
We want you to be comfortable throughout the conference! Dress is casual to business casual, so wear what makes you feel good while networking and learning. Since we have outdoor activities planned for the evening events, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather. Layers are always a good idea, as indoor venues may be cooler.
What should I bring?
- Notebook/laptop for notes
- Business cards for networking
- Comfortable shoes for walking tours and activities
Networking & Social Activities
Will there be opportunities for networking?
Absolutely! In addition to scheduled networking sessions, we encourage attendees to connect during meals, evening events, and pre/post-conference activities.
Will there be a conference app or online group for attendees?
Yes! We have a dedicated Facebook group for conference attendees to connect before, during, and after the event. If you’re already registered but aren’t in the group yet, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to add you. It’s a great way to engage with fellow attendees, share tips, and stay updated on event details!
Travel & Transportation
What is the closest airport?
Grand Island is conveniently located near several airport options, giving you flexibility when planning your travel. The three closest airports, all within approximately an hour’s drive, include:
-
Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI) – Grand Island
Located just minutes from the conference venue, this is the most convenient option. GRI offers commercial flights through major carriers, making it a great choice for ease of travel. -
Kearney Regional Airport (EAR) – Kearney
About an hour west of Grand Island, this airport provides another regional option for travelers. Be sure to check available flight routes to see if this fits your schedule. -
Lincoln Airport (LNK) – Lincoln
Located just over an hour east of Grand Island, Lincoln Airport offers additional flight choices, including connections through larger hubs.
For those who prefer a wider selection of flights, Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are larger airport options, though they require a longer drive.
No matter which airport you choose, rental car services and ground transportation options are available to help you reach Grand Island smoothly.
Will There Be Transportation To/From the Airport?
Attendees will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the airport to their hotel in Grand Island. However, there are several options available to make your travel easy and convenient:
- Rental Cars: All nearby airports, including Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI), Kearney Regional Airport (EAR), and Lincoln Airport (LNK), offer rental car services for those who prefer to drive themselves.
- Rideshare & Taxis: While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft may have limited availability in some areas, taxis and local shuttle services may be an option.
- Shuttle Services: We are exploring potential shuttle options based on attendee needs. If this is something you’re interested in, please let us know!
We recommend checking your preferred airport’s ground transportation options in advance. If you have any questions or need assistance coordinating travel, feel free to reach out!
Will there be transportation between the conference venues and evening events?
Yes! Transportation will be provided from the host hotels to the conference venue (Heartland Events Center) and to evening activities for those who need it.
What are the options for nearby lodging?
Group blocks are being held at the Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Grand Island and Best Western Grand Island Inn and Suites. Visit the Lodging page for more information about room blocks and booking.
Refunds & Ticket Transfers
What is 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. In order 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.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Feel free to submit a question via our Contact page or send us an email!