The 2025 Advocacy Summit will convene leaders from across the Destinations International membership to explore the pivotal role of destination promotion in building stronger, more resilient communities. Set in Sacramento, a city known for civic leadership and influence on issues that shape both local and national policy, this year’s Summit offers a timely forum to engage in dialogue, sharpen advocacy efforts and align around a shared vision for community impact.

As organizations in our sector navigate rising public visibility and evolving political dynamics and growing expectations from residents and stakeholders, the Advocacy Summit creates space for candid conversation, peer learning and collective action. This event is designed for professionals responsible for articulating the value of destination promotion and development to elected officials, community partners and business leaders. 

Peer Exchange and Case Studies

Learn from real-world examples of effective campaigns, innovative partnerships and advocacy strategies that demonstrate the economic and social contributions of destination promotion.

Strategic Breakouts

Dive into sessions tailored by organization size and governance structure, addressing core topics including stakeholder management, resident sentiment, public affairs and measuring advocacy outcomes.

New Research Releases

Summit attendees will gain early access and strategic insights from two cornerstone research initiatives designed to inform and elevate advocacy efforts, the Destination Reputation Study and 2025 Resident Sentiment Study.

Collaborative Dialogue

Share perspectives across regions and sectors to address the complex, place-based challenges destinations are facing and surface bold ideas for action.

As our industry steps into a new era of civic responsibility and public engagement, the Advocacy Summit equips leaders with the information, evidence, tools, messaging and relationships needed to influence policy, shape public narratives and elevate the voice of destination organizations. Whether you're building community trust, advancing your destination’s reputation or responding to resident concerns, this gathering offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers, engage decision-makers and move forward with purpose and commitment as a destination brand steward and catalyst for your community.

Join Us for the Tools Symposium

Join us for this pre-conference workshop! Destinations International’s Tools Symposium will bring together destination professionals who are both current users as well as potential new users. This half-day event will provide hands-on insights into key tools, including the Event Impact Calculator and its modules, the Symphony Platform, and the Website Impact Calculator.  This symposium will equip users with best practices, case studies, and actionable strategies to maximize the impact of these sector-leading tools.

Additional registration required. $249.

CDME Courses

Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) courses will be offered in conjunction with Advocacy Summit! CDME is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program prepares senior executives to thrive in a constantly changing environment and focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. Start or continue your professional journey, advance your career and enhance your industry knowledge, skills and professional credibility. Join us for CDME courses, October 18-21, 2025, prior to the start of the summit.

Please note that an approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Courses are only available to those accepted to and committed to completing the program.

Small Destination Scholarships

The Destinations International Foundation is pleased to offer eligible employees of small destination organizations ($3Million or less operating budgets) opportunities for registration scholarships to attend the 2025 Advocacy Summit, as well as one Fall CDME course. Apply for a Small Destination Scholarship.