The First Impressions program takes a fresh look at how your community comes across to visitors, both online and in person. Through the program, you receive clear feedback and practical ideas to build on your strengths—helping your town feel more welcoming, accessible, and memorable, leaving a lasting first impression on newcomers and travelers alike.
ONLINE
A full checkup of your online presence—branding, accessibility, and website design—paired with clear, practical recommendations to help your community stand out and reach its goals.
- Market: Communities of 30-10,000 residents
- Timeline: Approximately two weeks
- Cost:$300 for specialists’ travel and administration fees
PEER TO PEER
See how your community compares to similar-size towns nearby. Work with a facilitator to highlight your tourism strengths, understand visitors’ perspectives, and turn that insight into clear, actionable improvements.
- Market: Communities of 30-10,000 residents
- Timeline: Two to three months
- Cost: Travel costs for facilitators, for groups to conduct peer evaluations, and for evaluation board to meet with peer community
PROFESSIONAL
A team of experts in marketing, tourism, events, and more takes a close look at your community, highlighting strengths, spotting opportunities for growth, and offering clear strategies to strengthen tourism now and well into the future.
- Market: Communities prioritizing tourism in their strategic plans
- Timeline: Approximately four to six months
- Cost: $5,000 for specialists’ travel and administration fees
Contact for First Impressions Online
JASON TULLER
RPN Extension Educator
402-768-7212
jason.tuller@unl.edu
Contact for First Impressions Peer-to-Peer & Professional
KRISTIN MALEK
Assistant Professor in Nutrition & Health Sciences
402-472-3867
drkevents@unl.edu