Iowa Travel Industry Partners Announces First Round Recipients of Elevate Iowa Tourism: Education Scholarship
[Iowa] — Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), in collaboration with the Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, is proud to announce the recipients of the first round of the Elevate Iowa Tourism: Education Scholarship. A total of 21 tourism professionals from across Iowa have been awarded a combined $27,171 to attend regional and national conferences that will enhance their skills and strengthen the state’s tourism industry.
“The Iowa Tourism Office is thrilled to support the growth and development of industry members through the Elevate Iowa scholarship program”, said Amy Zeigler, State Tourism Manager at the Iowa Tourism Office. “Tourism is a critical component of economic development and ensuring Iowa’s tourism leaders have the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance Iowa as a destination is a key factor in growing visitation to the state.”
This scholarship program supports Iowa’s tourism and hospitality professionals by covering up to 60% of eligible expenses, including event registration, travel, and lodging, with a maximum award of $2,000 per recipient. The first-round recipients represent a diverse group of individuals dedicated to advancing tourism in Iowa through professional development.
The full list of scholarship recipients is available online.
Expanding Skills Across a Diverse Range of Conferences
Scholarship recipients are leveraging the Elevate Iowa Tourism: Education Scholarship to attend prestigious professional development opportunities across the industry. These conferences include:
- American Museum Membership Conference – Enhancing museum membership programs and engagement.
- ASAE CEO Symposium – Supporting executive leadership in associations.
- Chief Executive Summit by Sports ETA – Exploring leadership in sports event tourism.
- Destinations International Advocacy Summit – Strengthening advocacy efforts for destination marketing organizations.
- Destinations International Marketing Summit – Sharing cutting-edge strategies in destination marketing.
- Main Street Now Conference – Driving downtown revitalization and community engagement.
- Tourism Academy by Tempest – Advancing digital marketing and leadership strategies for destinations.
- Upper Midwest CVB Conference – Focusing on collaboration and innovation for regional tourism bureaus.
These events span a variety of specialties, from marketing and advocacy to leadership and community development, ensuring that Iowa’s tourism professionals gain the tools and knowledge to grow Iowa as a premier destination.
“We are thrilled to support these exceptional tourism professionals in their efforts to enhance their expertise and bring new insights back to their communities,” said Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of iTIP. “The impact of these scholarships will ripple across Iowa’s tourism industry, further elevating our state as a premier travel destination.”
Second Round of Applications to Open January 13
With $12,829 in funding remaining, iTIP is excited to announce a second round of applications for the Elevate Iowa Tourism: Education Scholarship.
- Application Period: January 13, 2025 at 10 AM – February 14, 2025, at 4:30 PM
- Recipients Announced: By March 3, 2025
Tourism professionals across Iowa are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to invest in their professional growth.
For more information about the Elevate Iowa Tourism: Education Scholarship and to apply, visit: https://iowatravelindustry.org/news/elevate-iowa-tourism-education-scholarship/.
About iTIP
Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) is the state’s leading nonprofit tourism association, dedicated to supporting Iowa’s travel and hospitality industry through resources, education, advocacy, and marketing initiatives. Through programs like the Elevate Iowa Tourism: Education Scholarship, iTIP advances Iowa’s tourism sector by empowering professionals and strengthening communities statewide.
Media Contact:
Chelsea Lerud
Executive Director, Iowa Travel Industry Partners
clerud@iowatravelindustry.org | 515-207-0009