Branson 2025 Marketing Takes Fresh Turn and Empowers Local Storytellers

Branson's marketing strategy will take a fresh turn and give voice to Branson's storytellers, according to Heather Hermen, chief marketing and communications officer at Explore Branson.

"In 2025, we're going to take more ownership of our story-telling capacity," Hermen said during Tuesday night's board of aldermen meeting. She emphasized the importance of faith, family, flag and empowering locals to "start telling the tales and the stories." She added that the storytelling effort will involve artists, shows, attractions and other local voices with the goal of telling Branson's story in a greater way.

Branson's story will expand beyond Springfield and Kansas City. Hermen was referring to direct flight markets found on the Springfield-Branson National Airport website.

Direct Flight Markets - Screenshot from YouTube video

She said those markets are easy and cost friendly to reach via digital tools. Not only that but Explore Branson can determine how effective they are at meeting marketing goals in those areas.

Branson's marketing has other changes on the horizon. Hermen highlighted the following: lower PR agency fees, increase storytelling, utilize journalists, in market content creators and media monitoring software.

Later, Hermen spoke regarding Branson as America’s Most Patriotic City in 2026. Points from her PowerPoint hitting on that are below.

• Opportunity to increase visitation by piggybacking off of FIFA World Cup, Route 66 Centennial
• Paint Branson red, white, and blue. Transform the Branson logo, make the Vacation Guide a collector’s piece
• Hang the most American flags in one community
• Selfie stations
• Market and promote the best place to celebrate the 250th celebration is in Branson, MO

Marketing plan breakdown showing items like a monthly show and more - Screenshot from YouTube video

More was discussed during the meeting. The full meeting is online.