Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are facing unprecedented scrutiny at the federal, state, and local levels. From defunded initiatives to outright bans, the evolving regulatory environment has created a chilling effect for many organizations committed to advancing DEI. This timely panel brings together destination leaders to explore the real-world implications of these changes — and what DMOs can do in response.

As more destination organizations turn to outsourcing for critical functions like IT, HR, and Finance, success often hinges not just on the vendor—but on the internal champion who owns the relationship. Without a clear advocate inside the organization, even the best third-party solutions can falter due to misalignment, miscommunication or lack of accountability.

This cross-functional panel will explore:

• The role of an internal champion in ensuring outsourced services deliver value
• How to structure internal ownership when functions are managed externally
• Best practices for managing vendor relationships across departments
• Lessons learned from real-world outsourcing transitions in destination organizations

With perspectives from all three disciplines—technology, human resources and finance—this session will help you better understand the critical role of internal advocacy in outsourced success, and how to ensure every partnership has someone truly championing it from within.

Succession planning isn’t just about preparing for leadership transitions—it’s a strategic imperative that ensures continuity, protects institutional knowledge, and strengthens organizational resilience. In this session, we’ll explore how destination organizations of all sizes can build and implement effective succession plans across all levels of the organization. Learn how to identify critical roles, cultivate internal talent pipelines, and navigate sensitive conversations with confidence. Whether you're facing near-term retirements or building long-term bench strength, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and best practices to future-proof your team and your mission.

With up to five generations in today’s workforce, destination organizations face both challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive, productive, and engaged teams. This session dives into the dynamics of generational differences—how values, communication styles, and workplace expectations vary—and what that means for leadership, operations, and team culture. From recruitment and retention to feedback and flexibility, we’ll explore practical strategies to build cohesion, address generational tensions, and harness the strengths of a diverse team. Learn how to meet your staff where they are—and lead them where you want to go.

Professional development isn’t just a perk—it’s a strategic investment in your organization’s future. In this session, we’ll explore how destination organizations can create intentional, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments that empower staff at all levels. From low-cost development options to structured training programs and certification pathways, we’ll examine what works, what’s scalable, and how to align learning opportunities with organizational goals. Whether you’re building from scratch or enhancing an existing program, walk away with tools to assess your current approach, identify gaps, and advocate for ongoing staff growth and engagement.

I’m Drowning (and My CEO’s Still Talking): A Survival Guide

Ever been in a meeting where the CEO asks for dashboards, forecasts, and policy overhauls — all by next week — and the CFO is just trying to process payroll and close the month? This laugh-out-loud session brings that scenario (and more) to life, then breaks it down with real solutions to move from reactive to strategic without burning out your team. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, a few laughs, and maybe a new appreciation for your finance department. Join CFO by design as they walk us through a funny, but painfully real, scenario unfolding in DMO’s across the globe. They’ll share real examples of organizations, like your own, who have turned the CEO wish list into a reality without adding more workload to the team.

• Kimberly Hill, VP of Operations, CFO by design
• Daniell Gonzalez, MBA, Controller, CFO by design
• Debbie Russell, CFO, Director of Accounting Services, CFO by design