Registration Is Open for Destinations International’s 2019 Annual Convention
March 29, 2019
Destinations International (formerly known as DMAI) has opened registration for its 2019 Annual Convention taking place in St. Louis, July 23-25. This event provides the opportunity for professionals from destination organizations to come together with peers and thought leaders inside and outside the industry.
“We are excited to bring the greatest minds in the travel and tourism industry together for this annual event,” said William Pate, Destinations International chair and CEO of the Atlanta CVB. “The event promises to provide networking and inspiration for every professional across the industry.”
More than 1,600 travel and tourism leaders from around the world are expected to attend the event, which will offer a selection of 50-plus education sections across disciplined-focused tracks held at America’s Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis.
“Each year we strive to inspire our members and partners over the course of the convention and provide them with relevant content to bring home to continue to ensure the success of their destination,” said Don Welsh, Destinations International president and CEO.
In an effort to explore new options for evolving this annual convention, a group of team members from Destinations International and staff from Explore St. Louis participated in a one-day workshop with Greg Bogue, chief experience architect for Maritz Global Events, in January.
Through this learning lab, they shaped a strategic framework for the event that included evaluating what has worked well in the past, along with ways to enhance the experience for attendees. This helped define this year’s convention theme, “Evolve and Elevate.”
The 2019 convention will also include a few schedule changes, such as opening with a keynote presentation before the welcome reception on the first evening. Destinations International has also added in more variety of education in four dedicated time blocks, and the ending of the program will allow guests to explore the city of St. Louis.
Early-bird registration rates apply through April 15. To learn more or to register, go HERE.
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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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