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Annual Midwest Travel Network Conference

Bringing Destinations & Creators Together to Connect

For the sixth year, the Midwest Travel Network is proud to present a conference that brings together both sides of the Midwest tourism industry. The Midwest Travel Network Conference offers acclaimed speakers and learning opportunities for both Midwest bloggers and destinations alike. In addition, this is a valuable networking conference for all involved in promoting tourism to the Midwest.

This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, collaborate with like-minded creators, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Midwest. Enhance your skills, expand your network, and uncover new opportunities.

Past Conferences

Starting in 2018, the Midwest Travel Network has hosted five conferences in five different Midwestern states. Each year, the Midwest Travel Network Awards are also given out on the final day of the conference.

2018: Clear Lake, Iowa

2019: Medora, North Dakota

2022: St. Cloud, Minnesota

2023: Kansas City, Kansas

2024: Shipshewana, Indiana

2025 Midwest Travel Network Conference

We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Visit Grand Island for our sixth annual conference June 12-14, 2025. Grand island is home to Nebraska’s favorite island, wineries, The Sandhills, living history at the Stuhr Museum, and so much more.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Midwest Travel Network Conference typically held?

The annual Midwest Travel Network Conference is typically held in mid-June.

The 2025 conference will be held June 12-14 in Grand Island, Nebraska.

What Attendees Say

Theresa Goodrich
The Local Tourist

Ever since I first heard about Midwest Travel Network by eavesdropping on some fellow travel writers, I have been consistently impressed by the professionalism and support of Lisa, Sara, and the members of the group. The concept of bringing together communities with people who can passionately tell their stories is brilliant, and it’s opened doors and created new audiences for both. Midwest Travel Network truly celebrates all-things Midwest, and, more importantly, celebrates the people who make the Midwest the warm, exciting destinations that we love to call home and share with the world.

Rachel Thompson
Visit Greater St. Cloud

Emily Bertram who attended the 2018 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.

Shel Zelkowich
Canadian Freelance Writer

I loved the intimate setting. A smaller conference makes it easy to connect with people; I never felt lost in the crowd. The quality of the speakers was excellent and took home plenty of inspiration. It was my first time at the conference and I will be back.

Stacy Brooks
Tangled Up in Food

Attending the 2018 Midwest Travel Network Conference was one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my career as a travel blogger. I really appreciated 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).

Leah Hall
Gastronomblog

It was a great way to network and to hear ideas to grow travel in the midwest.

Michelle Marine
Simplify, Live, Love

I thought it was a great conference – full of good people for networking and informative sessions.

Veronica Bareman
Hip Grandma Life

The best conference for networking and learning the business. Also all combined with fun!

Robin O'Neal Smith
Robin O'Neal Smith

I enjoyed it all. The evening experiences were excellent as well as the activities and conference sessions. It will be hard to top this year’s event. If I had to pick one thing that I enjoyed, I would say the networking opportunities throughout the event.

Suzy Beehler
Sisters of the Spoon

I loved the networking and seeing others I have met at previous conferences. I really enjoyed the inspiring speaker at the start and loved the fun disco night at the end.

Carol Hoffman
Southernmost Illinois Tourism

Every bit of it! Great keynote, educational breakouts, vendor ‘bingo’, amazing tours and super networking, with wonderful people.