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Omaha Hosts Air Medical Transport Conference
Omaha welcomed the Air Medical Transport Conference October 27 through 29 at CHI Health Center Omaha. Organized by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), the event has drawn about 1,700 attendees from across the United States and around the world. AAMS represents professionals in the air and ground critical care transport industry. The annual conference offers training sessions, an exhibit hall and networking opportunities focused on improving safety and patient care. Attendees are staying at downtown hotels, and with open evenings built into the schedule, many are exploring local restaurants and attractions during their free time. The conference brings national attention to Omaha while supporting local businesses and hospitality workers. It’s another sign that the city continues to soar as a top meetings destination.
Omaha’s Creepiest Selfie Spots
Omaha has plenty of perfect places for a spooky selfie or a fall photo adventure. Eerie locations show off the city’s mysterious side. At Elmwood Park Grotto, the stone arches and stairways look like something from a haunted fairytale, especially at sunset. Prospect Hill Cemetery, one of Omaha’s oldest burial grounds, invites quiet reflection and maybe a glimpse of the ghostly woman in white said to walk the grounds. Across the river in Council Bluffs, visitors can wander through the labyrinth of Squirrel Cage Jail, one of the country’s last rotary jails. Back in Omaha, Joslyn Castle offers a moody backdrop that feels straight out of a Victorian ghost story. Brother Sebastian’s Steak House mixes candlelight and legend for a dining experience with a chill. In October, Dundee’s Halloween displays turn neighborhood streets into a showcase of spooky creativity. For more family-friendly scares, visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where the dimly lit Kingdoms of the Night exhibit...
Omaha Shines on the Global Stage at IMEX America
Visit Omaha is putting the city in the spotlight this week at IMEX America, a trade show for the global meetings and events industry. Three members of the Visit Omaha sales team, along with a partner from Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (CHI Health Center Omaha), are meeting with about 100 convention and event decision-makers. That is twice as many people as last year. IMEX brings together 15,500 people, including 5,700 buyers and 3,500 exhibitors from around the world. Omaha’s booth highlights the city’s downtown growth and the convention district’s exciting updates. Visitors can learn about Omaha’s transformation and relax with a free chair massage between meetings, exemplifying that Omaha is Where Work & Play Meet.
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Omaha Pins Down Another State Wrestling Championship
The action is underway at the Nebraska State High School Wrestling Championships, with Omaha once again hosting. Held at CHI Health Center Omaha, the tournament features more than 1,640 of the state’s top boys and girls battling for championship titles. The five-day event is expected to draw more than 65,000 fans, with approximately 75 percent traveling from outside the metro area. As visitors explore the city between matches, local restaurants and businesses are ready to “grapple” with increased demand – and score wins of their own. The girls wrap up Wednesday, while the boys continue wrestling through Saturday. Fans can expect intense matchups, high-energy crowds and unforgettable moments as wrestlers leave it all on the mat. For schedules, tickets and event details, visit www.nsaahome.org/wrestling.
Omaha to Serve an Ace with Asics Presidents’ Day Classic
Omaha continues to elevate its game as a top volleyball destination. From Thursday, February 13 to Monday, February 17, Omaha will welcome the Asics Presidents’ Day Classic. It is the 21st year Omaha has hosted the event, one of the largest tournaments in the country outside of national qualifiers and championships. Demand has never been higher. This year’s tournament reached maximum capacity with 570 teams registered and an expected 13,000 attendees traveling from across the United States and Canada. Players, ages 15 to 18, will compete at three venues – CHI Health Center Omaha, Union Bank & Trust Sports Complex and Iowa West Fieldhouse – as college recruiters scout the next generation of volleyball stars. More than 10,100 hotel rooms are booked. The tournament will bring a surge of visitors to Omaha, driving business for local restaurants and attractions. As Omaha continues to host marquee volleyball events, grow its two professional teams, and serve up top-notch venues and a...
Visit Omaha Launches New Initiatives for 2025
Visit Omaha continues to inspire travel and enhance the city’s reputation as a premier Midwest destination. Through strategic branding, advertising, social media, e-newsletters, a destination guide and public relations outreach, the team showcases Omaha as the ideal hassle-free getaway. For 2025, the marketing team is introducing new initiatives, including a campaign targeting retired travelers in key markets to boost weeknight visitations. Building on Omaha’s reputation as a vibrant food destination, the team plans to expand Omaha Restaurant Week by adding a gamification element to increase diner interest and drive more traffic to participating restaurants. A new advertising campaign will also promote Omaha’s offerings to sports and event planners, emphasizing the city’s development. Additional initiatives focus on elevating neighborhoods, fostering local tourism advocacy and collaborating with influencers and travel writers to generate inspiring media coverage. These initiatives...
Group Tours Showcase Omaha’s Charm
Group tours to Omaha provided visitors with unforgettable experiences in 2024. Visitors from across the Midwest and beyond explored the city’s rich history, cultural attractions and holiday magic. There were 29 group tours in Omaha in 2024 with 539 group-tour travelers. Visit Omaha’s step-on guides – volunteers who provide commentary and context about local sights and history – led the majority of the tours.Tour group visitors came from midwestern states such as Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota, as well as states outside of the region like Texas and South Carolina. With tailored itineraries and engaging guides, Omaha continues to shine as a premier midwestern group travel destination.
The Visit Omaha Sales Team Plans to Score Big in 2025
The Visit Omaha sales team is ready to hit the ground running in 2025. The team will continue positioning Omaha as a premier Midwestern destination for state, regional, national and international conventions, sports and events, and motorcoach groups, by collaborating with local partners and educating meeting planners and decision-makers about Omaha’s dynamic attractions, warm hospitality, accessibility and affordability. The sales team has outlined new initiatives for 2025 that build on Visit Omaha’s commitment to collaboration and innovation. This year, the department will host two new familiarization tours to showcase Omaha's exciting developments to meeting planners. Additionally, the Visit Omaha Sales Team will continue to partner with national organizations and coordinate efforts with local hotel and venue partners to secure Omaha’s standing as a top Midwest meeting hub.
Omaha Hits Sweet Spot for 2025 Leisure Travel Trends
Omaha’s tourism industry is ready to capitalize on two emerging leisure travel trends in 2025 and build upon its 2024 success. JOMO – “the joy of missing out” – is the first trend shaping the future. According to Expedia, 63 percent of travelers desire less crowded destinations that offer authentic and stress-free experiences, prioritizing quality time with family and friends over having packed schedules. The second key trend is a surge in multigenerational travel. According to Booking.com, Baby Boomers are ready to take trips, and cover costs for children and grandchildren to come along. This generosity will spread the joy of travel through the generations. Looking ahead, Omaha will continue to build upon its success by showcasing its strengths as a vibrant and accessible destination. The city’s inspiring attractions and authentic laid-back appeal will resonate with travelers searching for unique stress-free experiences that give JOMO a new meaning – the joy of meeting...