More keynote speakers have been unveiled for the 2017 Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Annual Convention in Montréal, Canada July 11‐14.

“We are thrilled to have assembled such a diverse and respected group of speakers for the Annual Convention,” said DMAI President and CEO Don Welsh.

He added, “We look forward to inspiring and equipping our members with education sessions as well as giving them the unique opportunity to connect with industry peers in Montréal.”

Here are a few of the new keynotes:

Evita Turquoise Robinson

Since her first taste of Europe at the age of 21, Evita Turquoise Robinson (Evie) has been to over 30 countries and has lived on three continents. In September 2011, she created the Nomadness Travel Tribe, an online social community that now boasts over 16,000 members worldwide, comprised 80 percent of Black female travelers and the first of its kind targeting diverse millennial travelers. Join Evie on her quest to break down the mental barriers of travel, as she shares her mission that travel is not just a privilege for some but an experience for all.

Willie Geist

Willie Geist is Host of NBC News’ “Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist,” co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and a regular host and contributor to “TODAY”, “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” and “Meet the Press.” He hosted coverage of several Olympic Games, and is the author of three New York Times best-selling books. Join this afternoon session for an insightful and humorous breakdown and political analysis of current events.

Other keynote speakers include:

Richard St. Pierre

As a passionate builder and social business advocate, he believes that creativity is the path to connecting ideas and execution. Learn how he transformed this thinking into the purpose and goal as C2 Montréal’s CEO, to transform executives and organizations by providing a collaborative context designed to spark new ideas, challenge biases, shift perspective and explore completely new ways of doing business.

Chris Gardner

Entrepreneur, best-selling author and single parent, Chris Gardner’s autobiography, the Pursuit of Happyness, became a New York Times #1 best seller and critically acclaimed movie. In addition to being a brand Ambassador for AARP, Gardner recently produced his first film, met the Pope, “re-enlisted” in the U.S. Military and works closely with the U.S. Veterans Administration to end homelessness amongst veterans. Be inspired as Chris challenges you to achieve your full potential.

DMAI's 2017 Annual Convention provides an opportunity for professionals to connect with and learn from peers and thought leaders from inside and outside the industry.

All programming for the convention will be held at Palais Des Congress de Montreal, located at the north end of Old Montreal in Montreal's borough of Ville-Marie.

For more information or to register, visit www.destinationmarketing.org/annual.