2025 Lakes Area Summer Kickoff

Description

The energy is building as we gear up for another incredible tourism season in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Warmer weather is on the horizon, and with it comes an influx of visitors ready to explore, dine, stay, and experience everything our region has to offer. Now is the time to come together, share ideas, and prepare for a season of success.

Join us for the 4th Annual Lakes Area Summer Kickoff at Breezy Point Resort, hosted in partnership with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, Crosslake Chamber, Pequot Lakes Chamber, Nisswa Chamber, and Cuyuna Lakes Chamber. This highly anticipated event is designed specifically for tourism-based businesses, bringing together lodging properties, restaurants, attractions, and event planners for a morning packed with insight, innovation, and inspiration.

> Early Bird Special! < 
Buy a bundle of 4 tickets for $225! Now through April 1st.
 

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Discover how AI is revolutionizing tourism marketing and how you can use it to streamline your efforts and reach more visitors.
• Learn cutting-edge marketing strategies that will set your business apart and keep customers engaged all season long.
• Unlock the power of video content to showcase your business, tell your story, and attract a broader audience.
• Engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry and gain fresh perspectives from experts and peers.
• Connect with fellow tourism professionals who share your passion for delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors.
• Walk away with actionable insights and strategies to help you maximize your business potential and make this your best summer yet.
  
  

EVENT AGENDA

7:30-8:00AM // Check In & Registration
Check in begins at 7:30AM with the event starting at 8AM at Breezy Point Resort.

8-8:10AM // Welcome & Opening Remarks
Nichole Heinen (Brainerd Lakes Chamber), and Eric Hart (Breezy Point Resort).

8:10-9:40AM // Empowering Professionals: Unlocking AI's Potential for Impact & Innovation
Dive headfirst into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this fun, interactive, and highly caffeinated session designed to demystify AI and reveal its game-changing potential for continuing education and customized training professionals. Whether you're excited, skeptical, or overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in technology, this session will arm you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the AI landscape with confidence. This isn’t just tech talk—it’s about practical, real-world solutions tailored to help you forge stronger partnerships, optimize operations, and create innovative strategies that meet the evolving needs of the industries you serve. You’ll leave with actionable insights, inspiring examples, and a roadmap for integrating AI into your work, no matter your level of technical expertise. LEARN MORE >

9:40-10:10AM // Marketing Tips & Trends: 5 Marketing Tips for a Successful 2025
As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay ahead of the curve by adapting their strategies and staying on top of the latest trends. Frank and Carrie will discuss five essential marketing tips that will help ensure your business is positioned for success in 2025. LEARN MORE >

10:10-10:30AM // Networking & Refreshment Break

10:30-11:30AM // Unlocking the Power of Video for Business
Dave will help you learn how companies are utilizing content and video produced under their control, as well as content made by influencers and creators. Having the right video can not only increase awareness and sales but also provide value, save staff time, and increase SEO for your website. LEARN MORE >

11:30AM-12PM // Roundtable Discussion: Table Talk
Network and get updates from your peers, hear issues facing local tourism businesses and practical takeaways on how to deal with these issues to promote and grow your business.