Attendees of Destination Midwest will be able to explore Branson Landing, a $435 million waterfront entertainment district. Photo Credit: Explore Branson
After the event was canceled for the city in 2021 due to the pandemic, Destination Midwest finally is taking place in Branson, Mo., Sept. 10-12 at the Branson Hilton Convention Center. The hosted-buyer event will connect hotels, venues, CVBs and DMCs across the Midwest with planners who are looking to book business in the region.
"I truly think that Branson is really nothing that you’d expect, but everything that you want to experiences as a planner and an attendee," said Samantha Gutting, senior vice president and chief sales officer of Explore Branson.
The agenda includes one-on-one appointments, a golf-cart tour through Lost Canyon Cave, and drinks and appetizers at the four-star Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center.
"From the time [attendees] get off the plane, we have a great itinerary prepared," Gutting said. "It’s really going to be a unique, only-in-the-Ozarks experience for everybody."
The Branson Hilton Convention Center is between downtown and Branson Landing, which guests will be able to explore during their free time. Historic Downtown Branson is home to a variety of shops, including one of the oldest Dick’s 5 & 10 stores in the country, as well as restaurants and entertainment venues. On the other side of the hotel, Branson Landing is a $435 million waterfront entertainment district offering activities, such as ziplining across Lake Taneycomo, jet boat rides, a 1.5-mile promenade along the lake, and a water and fire show created by Wet Design, known for the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
"Once we get people here, they come back," added Gutting. "Once we get planners and buyers in market, they book with us because [Branson] just does not disappoint."
Register here for Destination Midwest.