Valinn McReynolds, OACDG Executive Director, and Kandis Klyn, MCRF Activities Manager, are a graduates of the Iowa Tourism Leadership Institute held April 6 & 7 at the Hotel Pattee in Perry, IA.  The institute provides Iowa tourism professionals an opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge and skills.

Institute attendees included 15 first-year graduates and 12 graduates who returned for second year of masters-level training.  Industry members apply to attend the Institute and as part of the application process must demonstrate their involvement in the tourism industry and leadership qualities.

Curriculum for the Institute includes core courses in marketing and branding, board/staff partnerships, strategic planning and leadership influence.  Electives featured sessions in signage, social media, meeting facilitation skills, public speaking, networking and employee management and legal issues.  Speakers for the Institute were professionals with expertise in leadership and various disciplines related to tourism.

The institute was coordinated by the Central Iowa Tourism Region with funding from the Iowa Tourism Office.  “Attendees came from all parts of the state and we were pleased to provide an outstanding professional development and networking opportunity to existing and emerging leaders within the tourism industry,” said Ann Vogelbacher, Executive Director of the Central Iowa Tourism Region.

If you would like more information about the Iowa Tourism Leadership Institute or Central Iowa Tourism Region, contact Ann Vogelbacher at 800-285-5842 or ann@iowatourism.com.