Post-show Recap: Record Number of Destination Organizations Gather in Tampa for DI Convention
August 7, 2024
Despite some threats to boycott the Florida location due to politics, destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), and tourism board leaders came out in record numbers to attend the Destinations International (DI) 2024 Annual Convention in Tampa. Held July 16-18 at two connected Marriott hotels near the Tampa Convention Center, the event attracted nearly 2,000 participants, including more than 750 international delegates from more than 30 countries.
“We had a record-breaking Annual Convention in Tampa this year and based on our guest feedback we couldn’t be more pleased by the results,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “We’re deeply grateful to Visit Tampa Bay president & CEO Santiago Corrada and his outstanding team for their warm hospitality, partnership, and hard work to make this year’s convention an unforgettable experience.”
The TSNN and Connect Marketplace teams were on the ground in attendance to find out what’s trending in business and leisure travel from the CVB perspective. Here are 12 highlights from the event for the destinations that host meetings, events, conventions, and trade shows around the globe.
Welcome by the Tampa Mayor. At the opening session, participants were welcomed by Visit Tampa Bay president & CEO Santiago Corrado and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. A detailed case study is being prepared with details on DI’s initiatives to give back to the city and an estimate of the convention’s economic impact on the local Tampa community. Stay tuned.
Education. Attendees had the opportunity to attend more than three dozen breakout sessions on topics ranging from talent retention and succession planning to social inclusion and artificial intelligence. The Connect Marketplace team moderated one session, “You Asked … Now the experts will answer!” and TSNN’s Danica Tormohlen presented a 15-minute talk on Trade Show Trends.
Industry recognition. During a ceremony on the main stage, awards were presented to members of the travel and hospitality industry who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide. Included were 68 industry leaders receiving CDME certification, the highest individual educational achievement in the industry.
Next-gen hospitality professionals. Scholarship recipients attended and were recognized on the main stage. Nine college students received HBCU scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Emerging leaders honored. A group of emerging young leaders were selected for the 2024 30 Under 30 class.
DI Hall of Fame. In 2024, DI inducted the five recipients into its Hall of Fame, including William “Bill” Talbert, CDME, Former President & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (pictured above); Ted Levine, Founder & Former Chairman, Development Counsellors International (DCI); Dale Lockett, Former President & CEO, Visit Bastrop and Visit Albuquerque; Dan Lincoln, CTA, Former President & CEO, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau; Karen Williams, Former President & CEO, Louisville Tourism.
Spirit Award. The DI Foundation Spirit of Hospitality Award was awarded to Adam Sacks, Founder & President, Tourism Economics.
Resources for CVBs. Several launches were announced during the event, including:
- Destinations International and TravelAbility Launched the “Accessibility Playbook” (pictured) to help destinations and travel businesses improve their accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
- Destinations International launched the Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign and Website to foster better understanding of the important role and impact of destination organizations in their communities.
- Miles Partnership and Destinations International launched the first industry-led, evidence-based framework for destination stewardship.
Change in leadership. During the convention, DI and the Destinations International Foundation held elections and approved their incoming boards, trustees and officers for 2024-2025. Scott White, president & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, will serve as Chair of Destinations International, and Amir Eylon, president & CEO of Longwoods International, will serve as Chair of the Destinations International Foundation.
Experiences in Tampa. Located a few blocks from the headquarters hotels, the Sparkman Wharf hosted the opening reception, which ended with a spectacular drone show over the water (see lead image). Known for its history, Ybor City hosted the closing party that featured a set by the DI house band.
Tribute to Brand USA’s Chris Thompson. After 12 years at BrandUSA, Thompson is retiring, and his advocacy efforts were recognized by his peers.
Next year's dates and location announced. The 2025 DI Annual Convention will take place in Chicago, Illinois, July 9-11, 2025.
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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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