Officials laud new slogan

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Tourism Commission unveiled their new marketing campaign to the tourism industry on Wednesday at the 2018 Nebraska Tourism Conference. The new campaign addresses people’s preconceived notions about the state as a travel destination using self-deprecating humor.

“We are pleased with the reaction to [the] announcement on our upcoming marketing campaign. The emails of praise and requests for T-shirts have been overwhelming,” said Jenn Gjerde, Nebraska Tourism Commission marketing manager. Hopefully, Nebraska Tourism can build on this momentum, letting more and more people know about the odd charm that comes with visiting our state.”

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, media coverage surrounding the new campaign has reached a potential of 384 million people, an advertising value worth over $3.5 million. Many tourism industry professionals had positive things to say about the commissions efforts.

Carol Schlegel, director of Red Willow County Tourism, said she was pleased with the effort.

“The campaign reflects who we are. We are honest. We are not for everyone. But those who take the time to find out who we are, are going to be very pleasantly surprised,” she said.

Other reaction around the state:

“I want to figure out how we can best tag along, how Omaha fits in this brand positioning. I’m excited, especially about the voice, because we’ve sort of tested it out on some social media and we know we love it when we talk in this quirky, honest kind of voice and so this has sort of inspired me to go back to our ad agency and see how we can tag along.”

— Deborah Ward, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Visit Omaha

“I loved it. I absolutely loved it. It’s perfect, it’s exactly what Nebraska people are and it’s exactly what we feel and it is our core value to the T.”

— Kirsten Parker, Executive Director, Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center

“I just thought the campaign was absolutely brilliant. This is what Nebraska needs and I can’t wait to see more.”

— Dipra Jha, Associate Professor of Practice and the Director of Global Engagement for the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management Program at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln

“I think the work that the commission has done is outstanding. I know it’s a work in progress and I’m really kind of excited to see it work out for itself.”

— John Stinner, Nebraska State Senator

“I think it’s a new way to think outside the box. I think it really plays in to what people think of Nebraska but also using that self-deprecating humor to have fun with it and bring people in to the state.”

— Abby Schademann, Marketing and Events Director, Wayne Area Chamber and Economic Development

“I think it’s hilarious. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you can’t laugh.”

— Tracie Simpson, Convention Services Coordinator, Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau