Conference & Meetings World Issue 126 | Page 37

Destinations International

Flashes of Brilliance and much more light up D . I Annual Convention in Dallas

JACK JOHNSON , CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER , DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL , LOOKS TO THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY

C oming together to exchange ideas is one of the unique advantages of the global membership of Destinations International ( DI ). Our association has members in 27 countries where destination leaders share best practices and guidance on pressing topics – all available through peer-to-peer networking and educational opportunities .

One of the greatest opportunities to engage with our association is during our Annual Convention . In July , we welcomed 1,600 travel and tourism industry leaders from around the world to Dallas , Texas , USA for our sold-out 2023 Annual Convention where we addressed the key challenges and opportunities facing our industry . During this week of learning , we had 32 concurrent Sessions , four Keynote presentations , three pre-convention sessions and 60 Flashes of Brilliance micro sessions . Attendees came from 23 countries and 565 were first-time attendees .
During the convention , the association announced the release of the 2023 DestinationNEXT ( DNEXT ) Futures Study , the most extensive survey of destination organisations around the world .
The data presented in this important study will help guide destination organisations around the world with a roadmap so they can serve their communities and ensure they thrive . This study is the most global out of the 10 years since its inception , spanning input from 800 destination leaders from 62 countries .
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the most significant trends affecting both leisure tourism and business events from around the world
Learn more about all of Destinations International ’ s upcoming events :
Left : Delegates at the D . I . Annual Convention in Dallas in July as well as a list of key strategies leaders can implement to help ensure the success of their organisations and destinations . The report is a key tool for any destination organisation of any shape and size planning for the future . Some of the key takeaways of the study include :
• Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is becoming increasingly prevalent and important in the tourism industry .
• Visitors continue to look for unique , authentic experiences .
• Destination organisations are stepping up as community leaders to help address key social and economic issues in many cities .
As you make your professional development plans for the future , we invite you to join us at one of our upcoming events :
• Fall CDME Courses : 7-10 October , 2023 | Little Rock , AR , USA
• Business Operations Summit : 9-11 October , 2023 | Little Rock , AR , USA
• Equity , Diversity and Inclusion Summit : 10-11 October , 2023 | Little Rock , AR , USA
• Advocacy Summit : 10-12 , 2023 October Little Rock , AR , USA
• Fall CDME Courses – Canada : 17-20 November , 2023 | Ottawa , ON , CAN
• Marketing & Communications Summit : February , 2024 | TBD
• CEO Summit : 2-4 April , 2024 | Boston , MA
• Convention Sales & Service Showcase : 9-11 April , 2024 | Washington , D . C .
• Annual Convention : 16-18 July , 2024 | Tampa , FL
ISSUE 126 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 37