Welcome to the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference!
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the annual learning
opportunity designed specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry. This
premier educational event includes national keynote speakers, topical breakout
sessions, networking and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
A virtual broadcast of select keynote presentations will be available. Visit exploremnconference.com to access the live stream.
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Federal Interaction: As a
public facility, the DECC cannot interfere with federal law enforcement,
but will observe and report any presence, including requesting warrant and
officer details. Federal law enforcement cannot access rental or nonpublic
spaces without the DECC’s or Explore Minnesota’s consent.
Current Status: There is currently no information suggesting any disruption to event operations or threats to a safe environment. The City of Duluth continues to monitor risks alongside local and state law enforcement.
Miss Shannan Paul returns to the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference with her signature spark, ready to energize the room and uplift the incredible work being done across our state.
Lauren Bennett McGinty has served as the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota since 2021. She is committed to inspiring travelers to discover unique experiences in our great state and to position Minnesota as a top ten destination in all four seasons.
Amir Eylon is a 36-year veteran of the Travel & Tourism industry, currently serving as President & CEO, Partner Longwoods International, a premier market research consultancy that specializes in the travel and tourism industry.
Doug Lansky is a Stockholm-based tourism expert who spent 20 years as a travel journalist, editor and author contributing to such publications as The Guardian, Lonely Planet and Skift.
With more than 23 years of experience at the intersection of marketing, technology, and culture, Todd has built and guided multiple successful ventures. He founded Envisionit, an award-winning marketing and software agency.
Steve Grove is CEO and Publisher of The Minnesota Star Tribune, where he leads the company’s operations and directs its strategy. He is leading the transformation of storied Minnesota institution towards a new vision – to be the top model for local news.
Amy Stoller Stearns is Executive Director of Project 412, a placemaking organization created in 2022 and based in the 412 lakes region of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
As the Executive Director of the Luverne Area Chamber and CVB, Kenzi is focused on highlighting local assets, supporting businesses, and creating memorable experiences for the community.
BREAKOUT MODERATOR: Nell Lawrenz-Wareham
Nell is is the newly appointed Deputy Director of Explore Minnesota Film. A distinguished leader in the independent documentary field, having designed and led celebrated fellowship programs and artist initiatives.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Riki McManus
Riki McManus has dedicated her entire career to the Film and Broadcast Industry. She founded Minnesota's first casting company, "Riki Wuolle Casting Company", where her debut feature was the iconic film, Purple Rain. In addition, she co-founded the UMFO.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Shari Marshik
Shari is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of UMFO. Under her leadership, UMFO has driven $12M+ in economic spending, boosting the regional film industry and attracting productions. She serves as Board of Directors President for the MN Film Alliance.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Vera Bianchini
With 10+ years of experience in the film industry, Vera leads initiatives that build a thriving film ecosystem in the region, connects audiences with bold storytelling and fosters arts-based community building.
Tony has worked for Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community for 18 years. He has served in several leadership positions including the Duluth City Council, Duluth Economic Development Authority, Duluth Housing & Redevelopment Authority, and Fuse Duluth.
Jill has 10+ years of government relations experience, helping organizations advance their policy priorities at state and federal levels. She has led advocacy for Hospitality Minnesota, guided multi-state relations for NMMA, and served on Capitol Hill.
Devon Cox is Explore Minnesota's Digital Strategy Manager. She has a decade of experience in digital marketing, copywriting, and content strategy and thinks winter is Minnesota's best season.
Greg Swan is a senior marketing leader at FINN Partners who blends experience with creative, digital and social advertising, content strategy, PR, and emerging technology for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and all sizes in between.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Courtney Ries
As the Senior Vice President of Destination Branding & Strategy, Courtney oversees the marketing, public relations, partnership and visitor information departments at Meet Minneapolis.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Justin Gibbs
Justin directs the Search and Analytics teams at Miles, ensuring that website activity is being properly measured, while also working to improve their presence in search engines.
With the agency since 2016, Derek also plans and manages Explore Minnesota’s Co-op Program. He aims to increase tourism in Minnesota by fostering industry participation in Explore Minnesota programs.
As Digital Sales Manager at the Star Tribune and Foundry North, he helps destinations and travel brands attract high-value visitors and deliver measurable outcomes through audience-driven digital campaigns.
Jennifer Casey is a destination marketing executive with 24+ years of experience building high-impact, results-driven media strategies. She currently leads Gray Destination Marketing at Gray Media Group.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Adam Johnson
An industry veteran, Adam works on both the DMO and vendor side of the industry. At Adara, he helps DMOs attract the best visitors to their destinations via the most relevant and timely travel intent data in the industry.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Jonathan Eckelberg
With 15+ years of working with the tourism industry of the Midwest, Jonathan understands how to uncover and elevate what makes destinations special and have a track record of creating engaging, destination-worthy content that helps communities stand out.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Chris Lukenbill
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Shrpa, Chris leads product strategy, growth, and partnerships, with a focus on improving how communities tell their stories.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Nick Cusick
Nick Cusick has spent 10+ years in the travel and tourism industry making Midwest destinations shine. At Madden, Nick develops strategic marketing plans to promote destinations and leverages insights to enhance tourism, brand identity and economic impact.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Laura Wiltz
With 10+ years of experience in digital marketing, Laura specializes in developing data driven digital strategies that help tourism organizations grow visitation, strengthen brand visibility, and drive measurable economic impact.
In this current role, Randolph works to strengthen Minnesota's outdoor recreation economy by connecting people to resources and expertise, building community in the outdoor recreation sector, and promoting the benefits of time spent outdoors.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: James Longhurst
James Longhurst is professor of History at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. He volunteers for Driftless Cycling. As a part of Driftless Cycling, he supported the bid to bring USA Cycling's Gravel Nationals race in La Crescent MN in 2025.
Pete was the visionary behind the award-winning Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm, MN which repurposed several former iron mine pits and stockpiles into a destination-quality regional park.
A 25 + year veteran of the hospitality/tourism industry, A.J. has worked in a variety of positions. Before becoming Executive Director of Explore La Crosse, he served as Executive Director of the Carson Valley Visitors Authority in Gardnerville, NV.
BREAKOUT SPEAKER: Xinyi Quian, Ph. D.
Dr. Qian oversees the Center's strategic directions, manages the Center's operation, actively engages the advisory committee, builds and maintains relationships with strategic partners and industry sectors, and oversees the Center's communications work.
BREAKOUT MODERATOR: Caitlin Hannah
Caitlin Hannah is the senior digital strategist at Explore Minnesota. She has spent 11+ years shaping the state's social and digital presence. She has played a key role in launching dozens of campaigns and sharing the story of Minnesota to travelers.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Alex Robinson
In her role, Alex develops digital strategy that engages audiences in Minnesota and beyond to fall more deeply in love with classical music and its characters. An orchestra nerd through-and-through, she trained in classical music as a bassoonist.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Hunter Meyer
Hunter Meyer is the Digital Marketing Manager for Visit Saint Paul. He leads the organization’s social media strategy. Hunter is passionate about collaboration and innovation, driving impactful engagement through social marketing.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Maria Hayden
Maria Hayden is the Marketing & Social Media Supervisor for the Minnesota State Fair. She manages the fair’s social media year-round, leading strategy, content, and real-time coverage for an audience of more than 730,000 followers.
BREAKOUT SPEAKER: Kevin Hinton
Kevin Hinton has 20+ years of experience in the travel industry. As Managing Director for Group Travel at the U.S. Travel Association, he is responsible for leading the advocacy organization’s strategy for growing group travel to and within the U.S.
Jen is an established global marketer with a master's in tourism marketing. She has worked for Minnesota CVBs, an international tour operator, and travel agent consortia. She manages Explore Minnesota's international marketing and group travel strategy.
BREAKOUT MODERATOR: Brenda Maas
In her role at Explore Minnesota, Brenda focuses on expanding the group tour and international tourism markets, while also supporting communications and earned media initiatives. Her background is in public relations, magazine publishing, and tourism.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Becky Bakken
Becky is the President & CEO of Westopolis. She has led strategic efforts to elevate the region’s visibility, economic vitality, and quality of life by promoting it as a premier destination for meetings, events and visitors.
As the Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, Joe drives all marketing, advertising, promotions, and special events for Lake of the Woods Tourism and is an award-winning marketer, writer, speaker, and TV host.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Janelle Jones
As a MN Tourism Association board member, she has a drive for helping shape policies & ideas that bolster Minnesota’s destinations. At Lovin' Lake County, she has built initiatives that connect residents, local businesses, and visitors to Lake County.
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Beth Pierce
Beth serves on several boards, including the Minnesota Tourism Association, the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.
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Welcome Reception, hosted by Visit Duluth/DECC
Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Enjoy local flair, interactive experiences, bites, and drinks (cash bar) at the Welcome Reception in the Harborside Ballrooom, hosted by Visit Duluth and DECC.
Sunrise Coffee presented by DECC
Thursday, Feb. 12 from 6:45 am - 9:00 a.m. Join us in the beautifully furnished Symphony Hall Lobby to enjoy a sunrise over the Lake Superior harbor. With Duluth Coffee Company coffee in hand, watch the sunrise with the Lift Bridge as your backdrop.
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