Destinations International Unveils 2018 30 Under 30 Class
May 30, 2018
Destinations International Foundation Chair Stephanie Pace Brown and President and CEO of Explore Asheville and Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh unveiled the 2018 30 Under 30 class, which will convene for the first time at the association’s 2018 Annual Convention in Anaheim July 10-13.
The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities throughout 2018 and beyond.
“The 30 Under 30 program recognizes the up and coming talent of destination organizations nationwide,” Brown said. “The Foundation created this initiative to develop the future leaders of our industry and is proud to have supported the 210 professionals who have participated in the program the past seven years.”
The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes, including Brand USA, Visit Panama City Beach, Tourisme Montréal and Choose Chicago.
“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s 2018 30 Under 30 class to our Annual Convention in Anaheim,” Welsh said. “Attendance to the convention will be the first of many educational and professional development opportunities offered through the program.”
Program benefits include:
- Complimentary registration and three nights’ accommodations during Destinations International's 2018 Annual Convention in Anaheim, California
- Complimentary registration for Fundamentals in Destination Marketing, the first course of Destinations International's PDM program
- Year-round professional development focus, including regular interactive webinars and an online community to share ideas
- Opportunity to apply to attend the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux's Annual Conference
“Each year our convention attendees are inspired by the astute, creative minds in the 30 Under 30 program,” said Tammy Blount-Canavan, Destinations International Chair and President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The program provides the best and the brightest additional insights, opportunities and tools for success in destination marketing and management. These young leaders give us a glimpse into a very bright future for our industry.”
This year’s class includes:
- Liana Acevedo, Richmond Region Tourism
- Sarah Alexander, Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
- George Bansah, Brand USA
- Amber Burns, Visit Philadelphia
- Jeremiah Cook, Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Colleen Costello, Newport Beach & Company
- Nick Cusick, Visit Saint Paul
- Barry Draper, DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Carleigh Dworetzky, Destination DC
- Jonathan Eckelberg, Travel Wisconsin
- Alexa Gallagher, Choose Chicago
- Nancy Gordy, Edmonton Tourism
- Calista Klein, Travel Tacoma + Pierce County
- Ali Lechlitner, Visit South Bend Mishawaka
- Sarah Justine Leduc-Villeneuve, Tourisme Montréal
- Ruida Lu, Tourism Toronto
- Fidel Mitchell, CMP, Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Randi Morritt, Visit Aurora
- Ashley Patton, Visit KC
- Kristen Pepper, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Brianna Prasloski, Tourism Vancouver
- Brendan Pringle, Visit SLO CAL
- Elizabeth Robinson, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Chris Robinson, Visit Salt Lake
- Robert Row, Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Michaelean Stewart, Visit Panama City Beach
- Cameron Teske, Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Tamara Thorhallsson, Visit Seattle
- Krystle Whitlock, Greater Newark Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Christine Zetzl, Visit Indy
The 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide and sponsored by IMEX and Northstar.
“In its eighth year, SearchWide is still thrilled to sponsor such an incredible program,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide. "We’re looking forward to connecting with the 2018 recipients at Destinations International’s Annual Convention as well as offering our mentorship to these rising stars as they continue their career paths.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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