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

Kelly Saling

SVP & Chief Sales Officer

Visit Seattle

Lorne Edwards

Chief Sales Officer

Visit Phoenix

 

 

Great service doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it takes seamless collaboration across teams to truly deliver impact. But breaking down silos and aligning internally isn’t always easy. In this dynamic panel discussion, seasoned services leaders share their experiences, strategies, and best practices for fostering collaboration across departments. From navigating internal politics to building trust and communication channels, discover how these leaders turn alignment into a competitive advantage. Walk away with actionable insights to strengthen cross-functional partnerships and drive success across your organization. 

Brad Weaber (Moderator)

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC

Liana Acevedo, CMP

Director of Destination Services

Visit Richmond VA

Michelle D. Moon, CMP, CTE, CPCE

Vice President of Partners, Experience and Events

Visit San Antonio

Desiree Everett, CMP, CGMP

VP Of Convention Sales and Services

Travel Portland

 

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

Vice President of Sales

Visit Indy 

Gordon Taylor III

Chief Sales Officer

Destination Cleveland

 

Exceptional guest experiences don’t happen by chance, they’re shaped by intentional leadership and operational excellence. This panel brings together experts from destinations of all sizes to explore strategies that enhance service, impact perception, and create memorable experiences. We’ll discuss the shift from the "Golden Rule" to the "Platinum Rule", treating guests how they want to be treated. As service professionals and customers ourselves, this session will explore how that perspective reshapes the way we lead and deliver experiences.

Brad Weaber (Moderator)

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC

Mallori Johnson

Director of Destination Services

Visit Corpus Christi

Monica Coleman

Director of Destination Services

Discover Atlanta

Tiffany Eck, CMP

Associate Director of Destination Services

Visit Denver

 

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.

Todd Brook

CEO

UNCHAINED

 

 

 

 

In this session, we’ll explore the power of real-time, data-driven insights to elevate your destination's performance. Learn best practices to leverage data to identify where demand is coming from and which types of planners are most likely to convert, as well as the pace of demand and the number of bookings. Plus, we’ll share a real-life case study of how Cvent helped a destination successfully position itself as a leading convention and visitors bureau by leveraging data.

Chelsea Kendall

Senior Account Manager, Destination Marketing

Cvent

 

 

 

 

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.

Brad Weaber (Moderator)

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC

Suzanne Thibeault, CMP

Director of Sales

Visit Alexandria 

 

 

 

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.

Jim Knight

 

 

 

 

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.

Melissa Cherry, CDME (Moderator)

Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer/SVP

Miles Partnership

Vail Ross

Managing Director

2Synergize

 

 

 

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

Keenan Medlock

Vice President of Sales

Connect Meetings

 

 

 

After an energizing group brainstorm, take the conversation further with your peers in these interactive, hands-on discussions. Community Connect Labs provide a casual yet purposeful space for convention center sales and services professionals (and those who collaborate with them) to exchange ideas, share experiences, and tackle industry challenges together. These facilitated conversations are designed to help you refine strategies, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen connections with colleagues who understand the unique demands of your role. Come ready with questions, insights, and an open mind. This is where collaboration leads to real solutions.

Anna Nash

Senior Vice President, Market Development

ASM Global

Carrie Yauch

Regional Director of Sales, ASM Global / Director of Sales and Marketing, David L Lawrence Convention Center

 

 

 

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.

Nathan Tollett

Senior Vice President, Convention Sales

Visit Houston

Roberta Tisdul

Senior Director of Destination Experience, Conventions

Visit Indy 

 

 

 

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.

Brad Weaber (Moderator)

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC

 

 

 

 

As events grow in size and complexity, planners often face new challenges when transitioning into convention center spaces. This session, led by ASM Global, will provide practical guidance on navigating this shift successfully. From understanding venue capabilities and considerations to optimizing space utilization and enhancing attendee experience, we’ll explore the key factors that make scaling up seamless. Whether planners are planning their first large-scale event or looking to refine approaches, this session will equip you with the insights needed to confidently support them as they step into the convention center landscape.

Anna Nash

Senior Vice President, Market Development

ASM Global

 

 

 

 

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.

Dustin Arnheim

Senior Vice President, Sales & Services

Choose Chicago

Stephanie Turner

Senior Vice President, Convention Sales and Strategies

New Orleans & Company 

Kelly Saling

SVP & Chief Sales Officer

Visit Seattle

 

 

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.

Rachel Avery

Director of Convention Services & Events

New Orleans & Company

Dianna Waldroup

Vice President of Convention Services

Destination DC

Brian Walker, CMP

Sr. Convention Services Manager

Visit Detroit

 

 

General Service Contractors are often the linchpin between destinations, venues, and planners, ensuring events run smoothly from concept to execution. In this candid fireside chat, industry experts will share their perspectives on the current state of events, the evolving challenges they face, and how deeper collaboration can drive success for all stakeholders. Join us for an insightful discussion on strengthening partnerships, improving efficiencies, and creating more impactful event experiences.

Andrew Ortale

Executive Vice President, Business Events & Destination Experience

Visit Pittsburgh

Bob O’Connell

Senior Director, Business Development

GES

 

 

 

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. 

Maria Grasso, CDME

Chief Sales Officer

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Marci Krueger Sidebottom

Vice President of Sales and Services

Visit Lexington

 

 

 

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.

Roberta Tisdul, CMP

Senior Director of Destination Experience, Conventions

Visit Indy 

Jamie Huckleberry

Director of Destination Services

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

 

 

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.

Michelle Moore, CDME, CMP, HMCC, CHIA

Senior Director of Meetings Sales & Services

Experience Kissimmee

 

 

 

 

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

Visit Richmond VA

 

Navigating today’s complex social and political landscape requires more than well-crafted marketing statements. From LGBTQ+ safety and reproductive rights to cross-border market challenges, destination organizations must equip their teams to engage in meaningful, informed, and empathetic conversations that reflect their true workplace and destination’s culture.

This panel brings together industry experts to explore how internal training, continuous learning, and organizational culture prepare teams for these discussions. We’ll examine what it means to lead at all levels, ensuring staff feel confident and capable of addressing difficult topics with authenticity and grace. This session will explore how true leadership fosters an environment where hard conversations become opportunities for growth, trust, and meaningful connection.

Brad Weaber (Moderator)

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC

Sophia Hyder Hock

Chief Inclusion Officer

Destinations International

Cameron Curtis

CEO

LGBT MPA

Jeffrey Fehr

Client Engagement Manager, Business Events

Destination Canada