Rapid City – Tourism businesses from across the Black Hills and Badlands region convened at The Monument in Rapid City on Tuesday, May 6th, for the 42nd Annual Literature Swap, Mingle & Mix. The free, in-person networking event provided an opportunity for industry partners to distribute promotional materials and foster connections in anticipation of the upcoming tourism season.
Michelle Thomson, President of the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association, emphasized the event’s significance. “Literature Swap was the perfect kick-off to the season,” she said. “It’s always energizing to see tourism industry partners come together to share materials, make connections, and gain a deeper understanding of the incredible experiences our region has to offer. Events like this strengthen our collective efforts and set the tone for a successful year ahead.”
Brad “Murdoc” Jurgensen of The HomeSlice Group added his perspective on the event’s value. “We’re constantly looking at the data and trends for the summer, but often the best gauge for how good summer business is going to go is by talking to the industry at events like the Lit Swap,” Jurgensen said.
Rick Denherder, Founder of Evergreen Media and a longtime participant, also highlighted the benefits of the annual gathering. “The annual lit swap is a great way to connect with fellow industry partners and get your materials out to all of the state’s rest areas,” Denherder stated. “It’s fun to connect before the season ramps up and gets crazy.”
The Literature Swap serves as a crucial platform for tourism-related businesses in Rapid City, the Black Hills, and South Dakota to ensure their brochures and information are widely available throughout the region, ultimately benefiting visitors and the local economy.
