The Visitor Beat
Welcome to The Visitor Beat, the monthly newsletter of Experience Sioux Falls. Stay up-to-date on what's going on locally in the travel industry, as well as what's trending nationally.
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Spectator Sports Season Fast Approaching
We’re just several weeks away from the beginning of a stretch of spectator sports events in Sioux Falls, all of which are expected to draw in visitors, both fans and athletes. The Banana Ball World Tour kicks things off with three games at the “Birdcage” August 27-29, followed by the State Farm Volleyball Showcase, Sanford International, South Dakota Lottery Volleyball Classic, Sioux Falls Marathon, and Cinch Playoffs.
Motorcycle Rally Welcome
Experience Sioux Falls Director of Sales, Allyson Kasch, is at the Vermillion Welcome Center off I-29 today with several tourism industry partners representing the southeast region of South Dakota to welcome the many bikers traveling through on their way to the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Tourism representatives are giving out free swag and South Dakota travel information to the bikers stopping at the welcome center.
Meet the Team Series
In this series you’ll get to know a little about everyone that makes up the Experience Sioux Falls (ESF) team. Meet the newest member of the team, Melissa Jenkins!
Melissa Jenkins
Title: Sales Manager
Has worked for ESF for: 3 weeks
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
When you moved from Las Vegas to Sioux Falls last year, you brought your travel and hospitality industry career with you. What keeps you in it?
I was fortunate to work and grow the last 25 years in an industry that centered around one of my greatest passions, people. While the move was a big change for our family, I knew I wanted to continue my career in hospitality, even if it looked different from what I experienced in Las Vegas.What I love most about our industry is building relationships and creating memorable experiences. Every visitor has a unique story, and I enjoy playing a small role in making their experience a positive and memorable one.
In our industry, no two days are the same. There is always something new to learn, a challenge to solve, or an opportunity to connect with someone. As someone who is still getting to know Sioux Falls, I know I have plenty to learn, but that also makes the journey exciting. Being able to share our community with visitors and showcase all that Sioux Falls has to offer is incredibly rewarding, and it's what keeps me inspired every day.
- What got you into the industry to begin with?
Growing up in Las Vegas, hospitality was a natural career path for many people, including my family. Nearly every member of my family worked in the industry. My mother, in particular, was a huge inspiration. She started in an entry-level position and worked her way up while raising my brothers and me as a single parent. Her dedication, resilience, and work ethic left a lasting impression on me.
I also grew up hearing my family's stories about the excitement and energy of the hotels along the Las Vegas Strip. After graduating from high school, I followed in their footsteps and began my own career in hospitality. It's a path I've never regretted, and I've been passionate about the industry ever since.
- What has surprised you the most about Sioux Falls thus far since your family moved here?
Having never visited Sioux Falls before moving here, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by everything the city has to offer. Downtown Sioux Falls is full of fantastic restaurants, unique shopping, and a wide variety of events. It seems there's always something happening, no matter the season.
What has stood out the most, though, is the people. The community has been incredibly welcoming, eager to help, and genuinely proud to share what makes Sioux Falls such a special place.
- What has been a favorite activity or event that your family has experienced during your time living in Sioux Falls?
One of our favorite things about living in Sioux Falls has been discovering all the community has to offer and making new memories together as a family. We’re always looking for new events to attend or local spots to explore. One of our recent favorites was Downtown Open Streets—it was such a fun, engaging event, and coming from a larger city, I especially appreciated the strong sense of community and the involvement of local businesses. And, of course, a visit to Falls Park is always a must. It was one of the very first places my family visited after moving here, and it continues to be one of our favorite places to spend time together.