Destination Marketing Association International Set to Host 1,000 DMO Professionals in July

May 14, 2013

More than 1,000 destination marketing professionals are expected to attend the Annual Convention for Destination Marketing Association International, taking place July 15-17 at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando.

The professional development conference connects a community of 600-plus official destination marketing organizations (DMOs) that collectively command more than $2 billion in annual budgets around the world, according to DMAI officials.

Industry experts and out-of-industry specialists will share "best practices" and "next practices" in executive leadership, destination marketing and management, travel marketing trends and the meetings market.



As the global trade association for official destination marketing organizations, DMAI's mission is to protect and advance the success of destination marketing by advocating for the professionalism, effectiveness, and significance of destination marketing organizations worldwide.

"Here at DMAI, we have long realized destination marketing as a serious engine to drive job creation and economic growth through travel and tourism," said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.

He added, "We equally realize the challenging environment for destination marketing executives, and are committed to improving the effectiveness of these organizations and ensuring their success."

DMAI's 2012 convention in Seattle attracted record-breaking attendance of more than 1,300 attendees.



The theme of this year's convention is“Better Together: Integrating Our Strengths”. A program of more than 40 educations sessions will deliver content on forming integrated teams, building collaborative partnerships within the community, creating integrated marketing and sales, and positioning and strengthening the DMO industry as a channel.



Opening the general session will be futurist & social Innovator Rachel Botsman. Named by Monocle as one of the top 20 speakers in the world, Botsman addresses high-profile events, including The Clinton Global Initiative, TED, HP, Google and No. 10 Downing Street.

She is a global thought leader on the power of collaboration and sharing through network technologies to transform the way we live, work, consume and travel. She has inspired a new consumer economy with her influential book “What's Mine is Yours: How Collaborative Consumption Is Changing The Way We Live”.



Closing the 2013 Annual Convention will be marketing and leadership strategist, David Meerman Scott. Scott is a marketing strategist, bestselling author, advisor to emerging companies, like Hubspot, and an internationalist. He will share a real-time perspective on marketing and promotion - sharing break-out B2B and B2C ideas that DMO teams can apply in their own practices.

Registration and more information is available at http://annual.destinationmarketing.org.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.