Destinations organizations are at the intersection of culture and commerce, facilitating new experiences and connections for travelers even amidst fluctuating factors. While the last few years have presented new challenges for our industry, destination marketers have demonstrated a remarkable spirit of strength against external forces.

Expedia Group data continues to point to traveler resilience and reassuring signs of enduring enthusiasm for travel. As we look at outside forces such as current economic headwinds, it’s important for marketers to appreciate that travelers are closely evaluating every aspect of their travel experience. It’s for these reasons, insights into traveler behavior are essential for capturing demand.

New research about the traveler's path to purchase can help destination marketers identify the motivations and mindsets behind purchasing decisions. This session examines those factors that influence traveler spending habits, helping attendees reach consumers at these critical points.

Through the exploration of case studies that focus on cooperative campaigns and creative partnerships, as well as a discussion with industry leaders, annual convention attendees will discover how leveraging Expedia Group’s 70+ petabytes of first-party data, custom research, and media solutions will drive results. This Insights Summit is designed to help destinations of all sizes turn insights into action and showcase new creative ways to inspire, engage, and capture steady demand.

This pre-convention session is complimentary and can be added on during the event registration process.

Destinations International and Civitas are partnering for another illuminating Funding Forum! Join us unite funding and legislation experts with industry leaders to highlight innovative ways destinations are investing sustainable funding in their communities. This year’s Funding Forum will help you equip your destination with the tools for advocacy and capital improvements, and leave you with knowledge of industry trends essential to remaining ahead of the game.

Member rate US$199 / Non-member rate US$299
This pre-convention session can be added on during the event registration process.

It takes training and practice to cultivate a knowledgeable leader into a confident, poised and polished spokesperson. Attendees will engage in a hands-on key messaging and media training exercise to ensure their preparedness as spokespeople, hone their skills in connecting with target audiences and practice dynamically telling each of their community’s stories.

During the workshop, attendees will learn, among other things:

• How to define a crisis, how to handle one and how to get your message across in an accurate and timely manner
• Media interaction “do’s and don’ts” and instruction on working with the media
• Tailored message training for sample media inquiries and best practices in message development and writing
• Personalized simulated experiences to practice messaging and discuss the best course of action for each scenario

Member rate US$199 / Non-member rate US$299
This pre-convention session can be added on during the event registration process.