About
The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism is an annual conference that features a strong line-up of expert speakers, as well as exciting social events to enhance your networking opportunities with top leaders and innovators.
Mark your calendar for next year’s conference being held October 20-22, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Springfield.
Registration
Full Conference Pass October 20-22 (meals included) | Early Bird $350 / Standard $400
One-Day Pass October 21 (meals included) | Early Bird $300 / Standard $350
Awards Banquet Pass Only | $100
Lunch Pass Only October 21 (subject to Governor’s attendance) | $50
Early Bird Registration closes September 18. Final Registration closes on October 2.
Conference Hotel Information
The room block at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield is currently open through September 19. The room rate for conference attendees is $139 + tax.
Book your hotel reservation(s) using this link, adjusting the dates to reflect the length of your stay.
Destination Experience
Details coming soon!
Sponsored by Visit Springfield, Missouri
Choose your Experience:
Beyond the Aquarium – A VIP Experience
Discover one of Springfield’s most iconic attractions through an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium. Go beyond the exhibits and gain insider access to the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium, voted America’s Best Aquarium eight times. This VIP tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look, where guests will explore the sophisticated life-support systems, animal care operations and cutting-edge science that sustain one of the nation’s premier aquarium experiences.
Before your adventure begins, enjoy a relaxing lunch located inside Bass Pro Shops. Surrounded by nautical décor and stunning aquarium views, it’s the perfect setting to unwind and connect with fellow attendees. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, fascinated by conservation or simply looking to experience one of Springfield’s must-see destinations in a unique way, this exclusive tour offers an unforgettable perspective on a world-class attraction.
Limited to 48 attendees. RSVP for this experience.
OR
Route 66 Centennial Experience & Springfield’s History Museum on the Square
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s most iconic highway with an exclusive journey through Springfield—the Birthplace of Route 66. This guided tour showcases the city’s rich history while highlighting several of the exciting new landmarks and public art installations created in honor of the Route 66 Centennial. Along the way, guests will make photo stops at some of Springfield’s newest Route 66 attractions, including the Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza, the striking Route 66 Sculptures Series and the impressive Queen’s Gate 66 installation, each celebrating Springfield’s unique place in the story of the Mother Road.
The experience includes a stop at Civil Kitchen for lunch and concludes at the History Museum on the Square, where guests will discover Springfield’s fascinating past—from the legendary Wild Bill Hickok shootout on the historic square to the events that led to the creation of Route 66. Through engaging exhibits and captivating stories, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the people, places and moments that helped shape both Springfield and America’s most famous highway.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, Route 66 fan or simply looking to experience Springfield’s newest attractions, this unforgettable tour offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, culture, and centennial celebration.
Limited to 24 attendees. RSVP for this experience.
Agenda
Tuesday, October 20
10 am – 5 pm
Registration
Glendalough Foyer & Lobby
Sponsored by KH + Madden
10 am – 5 pm
Exhibitor Trade Show Set Up
Glendalough
11:15 am – 2 pm
Destination Experience
Sponsored by Visit Springfield, Missouri
*RSVP required
4 pm – 6 pm
Marketplace Reception
Glendalough Foyer & Lobby
Sponsored by Midwest Living [People Inc.]
Join us for a Marketplace Reception before the Welcome Reception. The event will provide valuable time to network with your peers and establish connections with vendors at the conference. Light refreshments will be served.
6 pm – 8 pm
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by Visit Springfield, Missouri
Kick off the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism with an unforgettable evening in one of Springfield’s most vibrant and historic districts. Begin your conference experience at the beautifully restored Savoy Ballroom on Historic Commercial Street, where you’ll enjoy an evening of networking, delectable hors d’oeuvres, handcrafted cocktails and a few surprises in a setting that celebrates Springfield’s rich history and creative spirit.
Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues, making new connections, or simply taking in the atmosphere, this opening celebration offers the perfect introduction to Springfield’s hospitality, culture and charm. Come hungry, raise a glass and experience an evening that sets the stage for an inspiring conference!
Wednesday, October 21
8 am – 5 pm
Exhibitor Trade Show
Glendalough
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
8 am – 6 pm
Registration
Glendalough Foyer & Lobby
Sponsored by KH + Madden
8 am – 9 am
Breakfast
Glendalough
Sponsored by OBP Agency
9 am – 9:50 am
General Session
Glendalough
Sponsored by Tripadvisor
10 am – 10:50 am
Breakout Session
Anne McLester Meeting Room
10 am – 10:50 am
Breakout Session
Rathdangan I
10 am – 10:50 am
Breakout Session
Rathdangan II
10:50 am – 11:20 am
Break and Exhibitor Trade Show
Glendalough
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
11:20 am – 12:10 pm
All Breakout Sessions Repeat
This is your chance to see another breakout session.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Luncheon
Glendalough
Sponsored by OBP Agency
1:15 pm – 2 pm
General Session
Glendalough
2:10 pm – 3 pm
Breakout Session
Anne McLester Meeting Room
2:10 pm – 3 pm
Breakout Session
Rathdangan I
2:10 pm – 3 pm
Breakout Session
Rathdangan II
3 pm – 3:30 pm
Break and Exhibitor Trade Show
Glendalough
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
3:30 pm – 4:20 pm
All Breakout Sessions Repeat
This is your chance to see another breakout session.
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Missouri Tourism Commission Meeting
Rathdangan III
Seating is limited.
6 pm – 7 pm
Awards Reception
Glendalough Foyer & Lobby
Wine compliments of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.
7 pm – 9 pm
Awards Banquet & Presentation
Glendalough
Wine compliments of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.
Thursday, October 22
8 am – 11 am
Exhibitor Trade Show
Glendalough
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
8 am – 11 am
Registration
Glendalough Foyer & Lobby
Sponsored by KH + Madden
9 am – 9:50 am
Breakout Session
Anne McLester Meeting Room
9 am – 9:50 am
Breakout Session
Rathdangan I
9 am – 9:50 am
Breakout Session
Rathdangan II
10 am – 10:50 am
All Breakout Sessions Repeat
This is your chance to see another breakout session.
10:50 am – 11:20 am
Break and Exhibitor Trade Show
Glendalough
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
11:20 am – 12 pm
Missouri Division of Tourism Update
Glendalough
Speaker: Stephen Foutes, Missouri Division of Tourism
During this session, you’ll see examples of MDT’s work to showcase Missouri as a travel destination, hear programmatic updates and get a sneak peek at the Division’s marketing plans for spring 2027 and beyond.
12 pm – 12:10 pm
Giveaways & Closing Remarks
Call for Speakers
Interested in speaking at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism? Fill out the Speaker Form below and we will review your request. If interested, Visit Missouri staff will contact you directly.
Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Governor Mike Kehoe
Mike Kehoe has served as Missouri’s 58th governor since January 2025. Among his administration’s highest priorities is economic development, something that calls back to his early days as a business owner. Kehoe began his career washing cars at 15, and later advanced through the automotive industry to become one of the youngest Ford dealers in the U.S. He later turned his focus to Osage Industries, a struggling ambulance manufacturing company in Linn, transforming the business into one of the largest ambulance manufacturers in the nation. His experience in business and leadership drew him to public service, starting with a stint on the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. He was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 2010 and served as majority floor leader before being appointed lieutenant governor in 2018. In that role, he promoted the Show-Me State’s businesses and agriculture and tourism industries, along with supporting seniors and veterans. Kehoe has named safety, education, agriculture and economic growth among his administration’s top priorities.
Lt. Governor David Wasinger
Lt. Gov. David Wasinger was sworn into the position in January 2025. A lifelong Missourian and Mizzou Tigers fan hailing from Hannibal, he graduated from the University of Missouri with an accounting degree and earned his CPA before attending the Vanderbilt University School of Law. He later specialized in business law at what would become Wasinger Daming in Brentwood, focusing on representing the interest of main streets. He also previously served on the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri. In his role as lieutenant governor, Wasinger advocates for business, agriculture, tourism, seniors and veterans.
Andrea Sporcic Klund
Andrea Sporcic Klund is the film commissioner for Missouri and runs the Missouri Film Office – a part of the Missouri Division of Tourism. She has been in the film biz representing Missouri for over 20 years. Since 2005 she has worked to market Missouri to the film and television industry nation-wide. She has helped coordinate production logistics for more than 30 feature films, and hundreds of television segments and series filmed all over the state. Before joining the film office she spent 8 years with Cinema St. Louis, the producers of the St. Louis International Film Festival as director of operations. She holds BA degrees in Theatre and Corporate Communications from Lindenwood University. She has also acted, written, directed and produced for the stage and screen.
Heather Brown
Heather Brown has served as the Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau since December 1, 2020. With a strong foundation in communication and business, Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Marketing, along with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. A lifelong Lake of the Ozarks resident, Heather is dedicated to promoting the region not only as a top travel destination but also as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. She and her husband of 19 years, Travis Brown, are proud parents to two daughters, Coral and Chesney, and a son, Kastor.
Scott Caufield
Scott Caufield is a Senior Principal Client Partner at Tripadvisor, where he spearheads efforts to help destinations across a 17-state region boost their visibility to the platform’s hundreds of millions of monthly travelers. Over his 11-year tenure at Tripadvisor, Scott has engaged with thousands of destination and hospitality executives nationwide, guiding them through the rapidly changing landscape of modern travel marketing. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Celina, Texas, Scott brings a strategic perspective shaped by real-world experience and industry leadership. He lives with his wife, Laura, and their two children, enjoying active involvement in the local community
Stephen Foutes
As director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, Stephen leads a dedicated team of marketers, communicators, researchers, program managers, legislative and financial specialists, and welcome center ambassadors focused on promoting Missouri as one of the country’s top travel destinations. A lifelong Missourian, he holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Methodist College and has worked at the Division of Tourism in varying roles for more than 10 years.
There are multiple opportunities to get involved. Click below for sponsorship details.
Missouri Broadcasters Association
Missouri Wine & Grape Board
Missouri Broadcasters Association
Missouri Wine & Grape Board
Awards
Nominations have closed.
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards are open to DMOs, tourism attractions, lodging, restaurants, festivals/events, publications and other entities contributing to the tourism industry in Missouri. Entries should demonstrate exemplary customer service, initiative and have positively influenced the tourism industry.
Missouri Tourism Hall of Fame
Presented to an individual who has worked in the tourism industry for a minimum of 10 years and whose contributions have significantly and measurably impacted tourism in Missouri.
Sen. Emory Melton Legislative Award
Honors an individual who recognizes the value of tourism to the state and works through the legislative process to support Missouri’s tourism industry.
Marketing Campaign Award
Recognizes an effective integrated marketing campaign that results in increased tourism and economic benefit to a region.
Pathfinder Award
Recognizes an event or organization that successfully develops a niche tourism market.
Innovator Award
Honors a small tourism organization or individual who achieves significant results on a modest budget.
Navigator Media Award
Presented to a media outlet that promotes tourism in Missouri and its importance to the state’s economy.
Rising Star Award
Honors an individual who has worked for a tourism-related organization less than five years or who has transitioned to a new role and made significant advancements to the organization’s efforts.
Tracy Kimberlin Hospitality Award
Recognizes an individual, business or organization that has demonstrated excellent customer service.
Film Industry Champion Award
Presented to an individual who advocates for the film industry and works to expand its presence in Missouri.