This high-energy and impactful keynote presentation is effectively designed to provide leaders of any level, practical and tactical initiatives to create an iconic business. The program will deliver rapid-fire best practices that any leader can immediately put into practice, starting them down the road to rock star success.

Keynote speaker and best-selling author, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of Rock ‘n Roll and several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International—via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Global Training & Development—to discuss key strategies to implementing initiatives for leading others to produce desired results.

Jim Knight

Keynote Speaker

 

 

 

 

Destinations International and Future Partners unveil new research exploring major societal, geopolitical, and other flashpoints and issues and the role they play in shaping the perception and reputation of our destinations. In turn, affecting how meeting and event planners decide on choosing a destination. This session will dive into these key findings, and help so destinations can proactively manage perceptions, mitigate challenges, and support event selection and attendance.

Myha Gallagher

Vice President, Brand

Future Partners

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing teams must work in lockstep to attract and convert high-value meetings. But today’s planners aren’t just booking venues—they’re seeking destinations that align with their industry’s expertise. This session explores how DMOs can leverage intellectual capital to strengthen marketing campaigns, enhance sales strategies, and create a unified approach to winning meetings. 

Jaimie Hart

VP Marketing Strategy

Digital Edge

 

 

 

 

Building on the latest research from Destinations International and Future Partners, this session takes a hands-on approach to understanding how societal, geopolitical, and other key issues shape the perception and reputation of destinations. Attendees will explore the toolkit designed around the insights from the research. 

Andreas Weissenborn

Vice President, Advocacy and Research

Destinations International

 

 

 

 

In this session, Smart Meetings will unveil key findings from a collaborative white paper with Destinations International, exploring the evolving landscape of risk management in business events. By examining both planner and destination perspectives, this discussion will highlight critical areas of risk mitigation, emerging best practices, and actionable strategies for destinations and venues to navigate today’s challenges effectively. Gain valuable insights to strengthen your approach to event safety, contingency planning, and stakeholder collaboration in an increasingly complex market.

JT Long

Vice President and Content Director

Smart Meetings

 

 

 

 

From skyline-shifting convention center expansions to revitalizing main streets, destinations of all sizes face the challenges and opportunities of growth. This panel discussion brings together destination leaders navigating expansion and renovation projects—whether it’s a new headquarters hotel, enhanced event spaces, or broader community development. We’ll explore the sales strategies that keep stakeholders engaged, the internal leadership approaches that ensure smooth transitions, and the lessons that apply no matter the size of your destination. Whether you're leading a major infrastructure project or refining your destination’s visitor experience, this session will equip you with transferable strategies to grow with confidence.

Lorne Edwards (Moderator)

Chief Sales Officer

Visit Phoenix

Steve Genovesi

Executive Vice President

Visit Austin

Joyce Russell

Managing Director of Sales

Visit Indy 

Gordon Taylor III

Chief Sales Officer

Destination Cleveland

 

The AI revolution is here. Are you ready to harness its power for your destination? In this exclusive executive roundtable, DI educational collaborator UNCHAINED will showcase the AI-driven assets being developed through its collaboration with Destinations International to support destination organizations. Get a first look at the resources designed to help your team navigate AI with confidence, plus three critical AI insights every destination leader needs to know right now. This interactive session is your opportunity to engage directly with an AI expert, ask your pressing questions, and gain practical strategies to integrate AI into your organization’s future.

Kick off the conversation with an industry-wide discussion that brings together Sales, Services, and Convention Center professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping our work today. In this collaborative, shirtsleeve-style session, we’ll identify key themes affecting our industry, laying the groundwork for deeper, discipline-specific discussions in the afternoon. This communal chat is your chance to share perspectives, uncover common threads, and spark ideas that will carry forward into peer-to-peer connections later in the day. Come ready to contribute, listen, and set the stage for meaningful dialogue and action.

Take the conversation beyond the keynote stage in this exclusive, interactive session designed for executive leaders. Join Jim Knight for an intimate discussion on translating leadership insights into tangible strategies. Engage in candid dialogue, ask pressing questions, and explore how to apply key takeaways to drive meaningful impact within your organization. This is your opportunity to move from inspiration to implementation.

After our collective brainstorm session, dive deeper with your peers in these hands-on, shirtsleeve-style discussions. Community Connect Labs offer an informal yet focused space for Sales professionals to engage in peer-to-peer connections, share insights, and tackle real-world challenges together. These facilitated conversations allow you to refine ideas, exchange strategies, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues who understand your unique role. Bring your questions, experiences, and an open mind—this is where collaboration turns into action.

After our collective brainstorm session, dive deeper with your peers in these hands-on, shirtsleeve-style discussions. Community Connect Labs offer an informal yet focused space for Service professionals to engage in peer-to-peer connections, share insights, and tackle real-world challenges together. These facilitated conversations allow you to refine ideas, exchange strategies, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues who understand your unique role. Bring your questions, experiences, and an open mind—this is where collaboration turns into action.

Richard Allchild (Moderator)

Head of Sales, North America

IMEX Group

 

 

 

 

As political landscapes shift, so do the factors influencing travel and tourism across the globe. In this timely fireside chat, a leader from the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) will sit down with a destination sales leader to discuss the current market impacts shaped by policy changes, economic trends, and traveler sentiment. We’ll explore key priorities, the evolving challenges facing destinations, and opportunities for collaboration to support the industry in 2025. Join us for a candid discussion on what’s ahead and how destinations can navigate uncertainty while continuing to thrive.

Melissa Riley

Senior Vice President, Convention Sales and Services

Destination DC

Kevin Hinton

Managing Director, Group Travel

U.S. Travel Association

 

 

 

How do we turn today’s students into tomorrow’s industry leaders? Join us for an inside look at how Houston and Indianapolis are paving creative pathways to engage students and develop the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals. Led by CSS Committee Co-Chairs, this session will explore innovative partnerships, hands-on learning experiences, and workforce development initiatives that are shaping the future of business events. Walk away with fresh ideas to implement in your own community and help build a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline for the industry.

Following the insightful discussion on market impacts and industry challenges, this interactive roundtable session offers a space for peer-to-peer connection and shared problem-solving. Join fellow destination professionals to discuss the key takeaways from the fireside chat and contribute your voice to shaping the resources and support needed to navigate evolving industry dynamics. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaborative solutions, and identify actionable strategies to help destinations thrive amid shifting landscapes.

In an industry facing constant change with shifting roles, evolving technologies, workforce challenges and funding battles, resilient leadership has never been more essential. By prioritizing resilience, we not only strengthen ourselves but also empower our teams to adapt, innovate, and thrive. This keynote explores how a new way of leadership can unite teams, boost retention, and drive success in today’s fast-moving landscape of meetings & events. The future is unpredictable, but with the right mindset, we won’t just survive— we’ll thrive. 

Nolan Nichols

Keynote Speaker

 

 

 

 

As you wrap up breakfast, grab your coffee and join us for an energizing and interactive session designed just for sales professionals. In Coffee with Closers, a few industry sales leaders will share candid, real-world stories about challenges they've faced in their roles—and the creative, strategic, and sometimes unexpected ways they overcame them. This informal, engaging discussion will leave you inspired and armed with fresh perspectives to tackle your own sales hurdles. Bring your coffee, bring your curiosity, and get ready to connect and learn.

Don’t rush off—bring your coffee with you and ease into the morning with Coffee with Connectors, a dynamic and interactive session tailored for service professionals. Hear from experienced industry leaders as they share their personal stories of overcoming obstacles in the ever-evolving world of destination services. Whether it’s managing client expectations, navigating event logistics, or fostering stronger partnerships, these real-world insights will spark new ideas and fresh solutions. Start your day with inspiration, connection, and a little caffeine-fueled motivation.

Bring your coffee and settle in for an energizing start to the day with Coffee with Collaborators, where industry experts in convention center sales and services share their firsthand experiences tackling challenges in their roles. From overcoming operational roadblocks to fostering seamless collaboration between teams, these candid stories will offer valuable insights and actionable takeaways. This informal and interactive session is the perfect way to spark conversation, gain fresh perspectives, and set the tone for a day of learning and networking.

Join two destination sales leaders as they take you through key learnings from the newly launched Business Intelligence SALES Training Certificate. This session will provide an insider’s look at the course, best practices, and industry insights uncovered. Whether you're looking to sharpen your sales strategies, better understand data-driven decision-making, or explore how this new industry asset can elevate your team's approach, this showcase will equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead in destination sales. 

Discover how destination organizations can enhance their service strategies with insights from the newly launched Business Intelligence SERVICES Training Certificate. Led by industry experts, this session will break down key takeaways from the course, offering practical applications for improving visitor and client experiences. Learn how data-driven decision-making can optimize servicing efforts, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and drive long-term success. Whether you're in convention services, visitor experience, or partner engagement, this showcase will provide the tools and knowledge to elevate your approach to destination services.

The Destinations International Intellectual Capital Certificate (ICC) Program delivers powerful insights, but what happens after the program ends? This session takes you behind the scenes of an industry leader’s ICC journey, highlighting key takeaways and how they put the education into motion. From real-world applications to unexpected roadblocks, you'll gain candid insights, creative solutions, and strategies to bring ICC lessons to life. Whether you're just starting or refining your approach, you'll leave with a clear understanding of the training available and practical ways to turn those learnings into lasting impact.

The next generation of industry leaders is already shaping the future, but are we listening? This session brings emerging professionals to the forefront, offering their insights on what motivates them, what keeps them engaged, and the challenges they see ahead. Join us for a dynamic conversation on how we can continue to evolve the workforce, empower leadership at all levels, and ensure a sustainable, thriving industry for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session will provide invaluable perspectives on the future of our industry and how we can work together to strengthen it.

Brad Weaber (Moderator)

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC

Kylie Leslie

Destination Services Manager

Visit Phoenix

Brianna Conway

National Account Manager

Visit Indy 

Reed Patterson

Senior Event Services Manager

Richmond Region Tourism