Nearly 100 tourism professionals and volunteers spent Wednesday at the Briggs Woods Conference Center training to become tour guides in their local communities.

Dr. Diane Van Wyngarden, State Tourism Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, was the lead trainer and presenter, assisted by Abbie Gaffey, also with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Thirty-six communities were represented from border to border, confirmed Wyngarden.

“We had churches, libraries, museums, state parks, downtown organizations, attractions, in addition to industries and agri-tourism organizations represented,” she said. “Our goal was to teach how to create and deliver a dynamic visitor experience.”

Participants traveled from as far as Clinton, Davenport, Sioux City and Waukon. The Webster City area was well-represented with multiple organizations participating.

This is the sixth year this program was prepared and presented in Iowa. The organizers hope to offer this training each year, rotating the locations around the state.

“The Briggs Woods Conference Center was a great place to hold the training,” said Wyngarden. “And this was a very fun group to teach.”

As part of the program, individuals were invited to continue their training to receive Professional Guide Certification. This involves preparing and presenting a tour of each respective facility. Thirty cities have signed up for this additional training.

Wyngarden will be going to each of these cities, and continue training by meeting with individuals at their location and evaluating their tour. At the completion of this step, they will receive PGC certification from Iowa State University.

Sponsored by the Economic Develop Authority/State Tourism Division and the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the presentation was coordinated by Wyngarden. Hosting partners included Hamilton County Development, Briggs Woods Conference Center and the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce.