6/18/2026
PIERRE, S.D. – Travel South Dakota won two prestigious awards at the 2026 Telly Awards. Standing out among over 13,000 global entries, Travel South Dakota, in partnership with Karsh Hagan and Matador Network, earned the following awards:
- Silver for “Into the Roundup”, Travel & Tourism – Series
- Bronze for “Unexpected South Dakota”, Travel & Tourism – Campaigns
"Into the Roundup" is a five-episode video series spotlighting not only the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, but also Western culture and the preservation efforts to protect one of North America’s most iconic animals—the American bison. The series, produced in partnership with Karsh Hagan, offers a rare, immersive look at South Dakota’s proud traditions.
"Unexpected South Dakota" is a three-episode series, produced in partnership with Matador Network, highlighting the unexpected sights, sounds, and tastes of The Mount Rushmore State. With an emphasis on preserving heritage, history, and the delicate balance of natural spaces, each episode shows viewers how to experience South Dakota in new and meaningful ways.
Winning a Telly Award is a highly respected mark of excellence among peers, agencies, and brands. Founded in 1979, The Telly Awards celebrate the best work created within television and across video for all screens. Receiving more than 13,000 entries globally from six continents and all 50 states, Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world. Travel South Dakota’s work was selected by a judging body of over 250 executives from television networks, production companies, global agencies, immersive content studios, and streaming platforms around the world.
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:
Each series can be accessed by clicking on the links in the copy above or by clicking here for "Into the Roundup" and here for "Unexpected South Dakota."
CONTACT
Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]