Johnson County State of Tourism

From world-class sporting events to a thriving hospitality sector, our region is becoming an increasingly important destination for visitors, businesses, and major events. Now is the time to take stock of where we stand and where we’re headed.

Join us for the inaugural Johnson County State of Tourism, a data-forward and candid look at the visitor economy shaping our region’s future.

What to Expect

• The latest JoCo visitor spending data and tourism trends
• Perspectives from county leaders, JCCC, and regional destination marketing organizations
• A look at major tourism drivers and insights from nationally recognized industry experts from Destinations International, Tourism Economics and Sports ETA
• A forward-looking discussion on opportunities, priorities, and next steps for JoCo’s visitor economy
• A panel discussion moderated by Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, featuring Johnson County Chairman Mike Kelly; Adam Sacks, President & CEO of Tourism Economics; John David, STS, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association; Lenexa Mayor Julie Sayers, IIDA; Warren Wilkinson, President & CEO of Visit Overland Park; and Jeff Stewart, Executive Director of Johnson County Park and Recreation District

This event brings together leaders across tourism, hospitality, education, business, and local government to better understand the forces driving visitor activity and how Johnson County can continue building on its momentum.

Mike Kelly Biography

Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners in Johnson County

Mike Kelly joined Johnson County Government as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners in January 2023. Functioning in a capacity similar to a city mayor, he serves as the chief elected official for the largest county in Kansas. In this role, he oversees county government operations, leads policy initiatives, and provides strategic vision for the entire county.

Before assuming that position, Chairman Kelly served as mayor of Roeland Park, Kansas, beginning in 2017.

Born and raised in Leawood, Chairman Kelly has lived in Johnson County his entire life. Following his family tradition, Chairman Kelly attended Kansas State University where he graduated with degrees in journalism and political science. He earned his law degree from the University of Kansas.

In 2019, Chairman Kelly was a co-founder and is currently an executive board member of Climate Action KC, a regional leader implementing best practices for reducing emissions, energy efficiency and natural conservation.

Chairman Kelly and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children - Virginia and George.

Don Welsh Biography

Don Welsh is a veteran executive with more than four decades of experience and leadership roles across nearly every sector of the travel and tourism industry. Since 2016, Welsh has served as President & CEO of Destinations International (DI), the world’s largest and most trusted association for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus and tourism boards, representing more than 750 member organizations and over 10,000 professionals globally.

Since joining DI, Welsh has led significant growth, expanded annual revenue and more than doubled membership and business partners in the United States and globally through strategic realignment focused on strengthening member value and delivering essential resources for destination organizations and professionals.

Under his leadership, DI is advancing its mission to transform destination communities through thought leadership, research, best practices, events and professional development grounded in social impact and a culture of welcoming. This includes some of the industry’s most recognized research and credential programs, including the DestinationNEXT Futures Study, Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential and Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). The association actively supports the development of young talent through initiatives such as its 30 Under 30 Program, Pathways to Success Scholarship and Rising Industry Professionals Program.

Welsh is an avid music lover and seasoned frequent flyer who has logged more than 5 million airline miles.

Prior to DI, Welsh served as President & CEO of Choose Chicago, as well as in CEO roles with the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association and Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions with Horizon Air, Westin Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Adam Sacks Biography

Adam Sacks is the President of Tourism Economics; an Oxford Economics company dedicated to unlocking the power of economics for the travel sector.

For more than 25 years, Adam has worked with destinations, industry associations, and companies around the world in the areas of policy analysis, market assessments, and economic impact. Adam’s work has provided the foundation for billions of dollars in capital investment decisions by hotel companies, developers, and investors.

Adam also manages the ongoing production of travel forecasts that have consistently guided the travel industry through uncertain times. He is an authority on measuring the economic impact of visitor activity and his work regularly informs national and local government policy.

John David Biography

John David is a nationally recognized leader in sports tourism and President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association, the only trade association dedicated exclusively to the sports events and tourism industry. He leads an industry generating more than $111 billion in direct spending annually across the United States.

Since taking the helm in 2023, John has driven historic membership growth, increased engagement, and elevated the association’s national influence. Prior to Sports ETA, he spent 25 years with USA BMX, helping transform it into the world’s largest BMX sanctioning body and playing a role in the sport’s Olympic debut.

A sought-after keynote speaker and 2024 Northstar Most Influential Event Professional, John lives in Chandler, Arizona, with his wife and three daughters.