Attendees for this unique conference come from Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Departments from an eight-state region that includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Surrounding states in the Midwest are always welcome to attend as well. You’ll learn new skills and industry trends through dynamic educational sessions. You’ll also enjoy abundant networking opportunities with your colleagues throughout the Upper Midwest.
September 21-23, 2026 in Grand Island, NE
Registration
to open early 2026
Agenda
Intersted in speaking? Visit our speaker interest page and fill out the speaker interest form with your session idea.
Hotel Accommodations
to be announced early 2026
Host a Future UMCVB Conference
Proposals are now being accepted for the 2027 & 2028 UMCVB Fall Conferences
Please submit your proposal via electronic copy by Friday, October 31, 2025.
About Grand Island, Our 2026 Host Region
As Nebraska’s favorite island, Grand Island Tourism has a rich history of westward travel, natural wonders and agricultural innovation. Today, agriculture and manufacturing drive our economy with people from all over the world being part of our melting pot of cultures and languages. Visitors come to see the world’s largest roost of sandhill cranes and to experience the world’s largest irrigated working farm show. Grand Island is also home to one of the world’s biggest popcorn companies, global industrial plants, and an architecturally significant museum. We even have a quirky spot where beloved cartoon characters sit atop poles in a unique art display, and a 100 year old lunch room run by one family for 90 of those years.
Plan your trip to Grand Island by visiting their website.
Travel Information
Grand Island is located on major highways and along Interstate 80, plus enjoy air service through Central Nebraska Regional Airport. Helpful travel tips & information may be found here.
Exhibitors/Sponsorship Opportunities
Gain valuable exposure for you and your company with an excellent opportunity to network with CVB and tourism professionals from an eight state region! View the Sponsorship Page to learn more or contact Erin Bowers today at erin@umcvb.com or call 800.274.8774 x711 for complete sponsorship details.
UMCVB Basket Raffle
2026 information TBA
Bruce McDaniel Industry Award
UMCVB will honor a longtime industry leader at the Fall Conference with the Bruce McDaniel Industry Award.
Innovation Award
Has your Bureau done something worth bragging about? Nominate your organization for the 2026 Innovation Award.
Bill Geist Award
Does your CVB have an emerging leader? Nominate a young professional that achieves and exemplifies great leadership for the 2026 Geist Up & Coming Hospitality Leader Award.
Cole Carley Scholarship Program
This scholarship program, in honor of Cole Carley, is designed to help fund the registration costs for one person to attend the annual UMCVB Fall Conference. The program consists of one free registration to the conference plus up to $500 in reimbursable travel expenses (lodging and airfare/mileage only).
For a list of past award and scholarship recipients, click here.