2026 Iowa Tourism Insider Meeting | Centerville, Iowa

Appanoose County Tourism is excited to welcome tourism professionals from across Iowa to Centerville on Wednesday, November 18!

Join us for a day of industry updates, engaging panel discussions and opportunities to connect with fellow tourism professionals while experiencing some of what makes Appanoose County special.

Tuesday, November 17 | Come Early & Explore!
5:30 PM | Cocktail Hour & Private Tour of Drake Hall

Kick off your visit with a cocktail hour and private guided tour of historic Drake Hall. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and experience one of our community's unique historic spaces!

Wednesday, November 18 | Meeting Agenda
9:30 AM | Doors Open

Grab some coffee and pastries, get settled and connect with fellow tourism professionals.

10:00 AM | Welcome & Introductions

10:15–11:00 AM | Iowa Tourism Update

11:00–11:15 AM | Break

11:15 AM–12:15 PM | Panel #1: When the Story Changes: Resilience, Reinvention & Destination Storytelling

Tourism doesn't always happen under ideal circumstances! Hear how local tourism leaders and business owners have navigated challenges, adapted to change and found opportunities to strengthen their destination, with lessons applicable to communities across Iowa.

Panelists: Rodger Kaster (Rathbun Camper Rentals/Appanoose County Tourism Commission), Kaylee Franke (Honey Creek Resort) and Mike Matthes (The Majestic).

12:30 PM | Lunch at George & Nick's Pizza

Enjoy a Build Your Own Pizza experience at one of Centerville's local favorites while continuing conversations with fellow attendees.

1:30–2:00 PM | Tour of The Majestic Hotel Rooms

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the newly renovated hotel rooms and see how a historic downtown property is creating new opportunities for visitors.

2:00–3:00 PM | Panel #2: Tourism Takes a Village: Getting Businesses Bought Into the Visitor Economy

Hear directly from local business owners about the good, the bad and what tourism organizations can do to better engage businesses, build partnerships and help their communities benefit from the visitor economy.

Panelists: Tim Holmes (Louie's Lakeside Bistro), Molly Van Roekel (Papo's Pumpkin Patch), Heather Rodebush (Acorns & Twigs) and Alison Fraser (The Continental/Lucile's).

Overnight Accommodations
Make a trip of it! Room blocks are available at The Continental Hotel in downtown Centerville and Westbridge Inn & Suites, located approximately half a mile from the meeting venue. Contact either property directly and mention the Tourism Insider Meeting when booking.

Registration Information
This event is FREE to attend, but advance registration is required!

Coffee, pastries, lunch and all workshop programming are included.

Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 PM.