About Dianna
DIANNA STAMPFLER has been referred to as one of the most motivated, energetic and passionate leaders in Michigan’s tourism industry, with more than 30 years of marketing, public relations and media relations experience.
She launched Promote Michigan in August, 2004 and has successfully established herself as an independent marketing representative for an impressive list of clients including Michigan Brewer’s Guild, ShowSpan Inc. (including Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival, Michigan International Auto Show, Grand Rapids Boat Show and Ultimate Sport Show – Grand Rapids) and Village of Walloon Lake, among several others.
She is also Executive Director of the Kent County Hospitality Association and serves on the Ferris State University Hospitality Advisory Board. In 2015, Dianna received “The Best of Michigan Business” Award as a “One Person Wonder” and in 2016 was presented “The Golden Pineapple Award” from Ferris State University’s Hospitality Department.
Over the years, Dianna has developed a niche in the culinary, beverage and agri-tourism markets, working with groups and events such as the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, Truly Michigan Vines, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan Agri Tourism Association, Michigan Maple Syrup Association, Michigan Wine Council, Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association, Fulton Street Farmers Market, Epicurean Classic, Chefs Challenge and March of Dimes-Signature Chef Auction, as well as individual wineries, breweries, distilleries, cider mills and meaderies.
In the spring of 2019, Dianna released her first book—“Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses”—from The History Press which is a culmination of nearly 20 years of research, writing and presentation on the historic beacons around the state. Her second book—“Death and Lighthouses on the Great Lakes: A History of Murder and Misfortune”—will be released in March 2022, also from The History Press.
Prior to launching her own consulting company, Dianna served as the marketing and media director for the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA). During her seven years with WMTA, she developed the organization’s promotions department, representing nearly 1000 member properties, events and communities in a 41-county region.
Before landing in the world of travel and tourism Dianna was the community relations coordinator at Otsego Public Schools, also serving as the advisor for the award-winning middle school student newspaper and middle school chairperson for the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association at Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.
Dianna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications (broadcasting) and English (community journalism) from Western Michigan University. A native of Plainwell, she is the mother of two adult children and lives in Northern Michigan.
Since 1997, Dianna has been presenting lively and upbeat programs about the area’s historic lighthouses, ghost towns, islands and other unique destinations and activities in her home state of Michigan. She is a passionate professional speaker, with a dual major in communications and English from Western Michigan University and 25+ years’ experience in radio broadcasting and public speaking.
An established freelance writer, Dianna is a regular contributor to Michigan Blue Magazine and has also been published in SEEN Magazine, Michigan Meetings & Events, Explore Michigan, Michigan Living, Michigan Travel Ideas, Lake Michigan Circle Tour & Lighthouse Guide, Country Lines, Tasters Guild International, Grand Rapid Family, Michigan HOME & Lifestyle, Lakeland Boating and Grand Rapids Magazine, among others.
Dianna is a member of the Midwest Travel Journalists Association, Michigan Writers, Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association, Historical Society of Michigan, Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, U.S. Lighthouse Society, Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, Friends of Pilot & Plum Island Lighthouses, National Museum of the Great Lakes, Michigan Maritime Museum, Detroit History Club, National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, Michigan Hemingway Society, The Hemingway Society, F. Scott Fitzgerald Society and International Buster Keaton Society. She also sits on the Ferris State University Hospitality Advisory Board, is publicist for the Michigan Brewers Guild and is Executive Director of the Kent County Hospitality Association. Over the years, she’s been involved in countless organizations such as the Michigan One Room Schoolhouse Association, Allegan County Tourist Council, Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance, Michigan Craft Distillers Association, Michigan Apple Committee and Downtown Market Grand Rapids Board.
Updated July 2023