8/28/2026
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Tourism announced marketing partnerships today as it continues to expand the state’s brand presence.
Following a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process, Travel South Dakota has selected three advertising and public relations firms to begin work July 1, 2026. The following three agencies have been selected through the RFP process:
- Lawrence & Schiller to oversee the statewide community cooperative marketing program, special projects, and email marketing strategy
- Lou Hammond Group for media & public relations efforts
- Miles Partnership to oversee creative branding, traditional and digital media strategies, activations, print, social media, and website development
Travel South Dakota collaborates with agency partners to position the state as a meaningful and desirable destination while developing innovative tourism marketing campaigns. Each agency will work in close coordination with Travel South Dakota to execute integrated marketing strategies.
“These three outstanding marketing agencies reflect our commitment to strengthening South Dakota’s tourism marketing efforts,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with these talented teams. They know our state well, have done award-winning work for us over the past number of years, and share our passion for growing tourism’s impact in South Dakota. We are well positioned to continue growing our brand, reach travelers in meaningful ways, and further increase tourism’s economic impact across our state.”
The review process began in December 2025 with issuance of the official request for proposal through the South Dakota Office of Procurement website. Fifty firms from across the country submitted written proposals, with seven advancing to oral presentations.
Each contract will run for three years, with the option of two (2) one-year renewals.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
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MEDIA NOTES:
About Lawrence & Schiller
Lawrence & Schiller is one of the Midwest’s most successful marketing firms with offices in Sioux Falls, SD, and Minneapolis, MN. Founded in 1976, the agency has built successful brands and long-standing campaigns with an extra mile mentality across tourism, food and beverage, healthcare and education. Learn more at l-s.com.
About Lou Hammond Group
Lou Hammond Group (LHG) is an award-winning full-service marketing communications firm representing premium brands globally. The company, founded in 1984, has offices in Colorado, New York, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. LHG currently represents more than 40 destinations with a strong industry track record of client longevity. Visit louhammond.com.
About Miles Partnership
Miles Partnership is a strategic marketing consultancy focused exclusively on travel and tourism. The company works with more than 150 destinations, hospitality businesses and other travel industry clients worldwide to develop marketing and management strategies that amplify local experiences, boost visitation, improve community relations and increase overall economic impact. Learn more at MilesPartnership.com.
CONTACT
Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]