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Austin Texas

Marketing & Communications Summit

February 4-6, 2025 | Austin, TX

The summit is the preeminent gathering place of marketing, communications and public relations professionals dedicated to helping destination organizations thrive.

Register Now

About the Summit

Join Destinations International in one of America’s most vibrant cities, Austin, Texas, for the 2025 Marketing and Communications Summit. Benefit from the interaction, information and insights offered by this unrivalled opportunity for personal and professional development tailored specifically to seasoned marketing and communications professionals at destination organizations.

Actively engage during two full days of presentations, immersive sessions and panel discussions on topics ranging from digital marketing trends and DMO rebrands to signature events and influencer content to help you stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving travel marketing and communications landscape. Connect with industry peers, exchange ideas and best practices and explore the latest trends, technologies and tools – all while experiencing Austin’s unique culture.

Social Media Toolkit

Who Should Attend

This summit is tailored for marketing and communications professionals working in the travel and tourism industry, including:

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CMOs, VPs and Marketing Directors

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Communications icon

Public Relations and Communications Specialists

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Content Creators and Social Media Managers

Join us in Austin, TX to network, learn, and shape the future of tourism marketing. Register now to secure your spot at the most influential event in destination marketing!

CDME Courses

Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) courses will be offered in conjunction with Marketing & Communications Summit for the first time! 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, February 1-4, 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 Marketing & Communications Summit, as well as one CDME Winter course. Apply for a Small Destination Scholarship.

2025 Pricing

DMO Member/Partner Rate
US$1,050

DMO Non-Member Rate  
US$1,575

Register Now

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Approved for up to 13 CE credits

The 2025 Marketing & Communications Summit is approved for up to 13 hours of continuing education (CE) credits. Learn about CDME recertification.

Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday, February 4

Registration & Badge Pick-up

12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Visit Austin Hub

12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Public Relations & Communications Committee Meeting (Invitation Only)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Marketing Professionals Task Force Meeting (Invitation Only)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Back-to-School @ UT Austin Immersive Workshop (Additional Registration Required)

2:15 PM - 5:30 PM

It’s back-to-school time in the spring! Join us for a tour of the University of Texas at Austin, one of the world’s leading universities, supporting more than 53,000 diverse students and 3,000 teaching faculty. After "orientation" attend class with renowned Professor John Daly, a leading expert on interpersonal relations and communications, as he reveals the five key steps to successful influence. Whether you are engaging with colleagues, community members or other stakeholders, Professor Daly will provide you with the knowledge and tools to:

  • Construct effective messages
  • Deliver your messages persuasively
  • Differentiate your ideas
  • Overcome resistance

Dr. John Daly is the Liddell Professor in the Moody College of Communication, Regents Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Texas Commerce Bancshares Professor of Management at the University of Texas at Austin. He teaches undergraduate classes on interpersonal communication and MBA classes on social influence and leadership. In addition, he teaches a course on crisis management for the LBJ School of Public Affairs and a master’s level course on leading and managing technical people for UT’s College of Engineering.

He has worked with numerous public and private organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Merck, Pfizer, Bayer, AstraZeneca, USAA, State Farm, Prudential, Union Pacific, Samsung, Kraft, Amazon, Apple, Shell, ExxonMobil, Home Depot, Texas Instruments, Boeing, Lockheed, American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines, 3M and Frito-Lay, among others. In the government arena, Dr. Daly has worked with the White House (Executive Office of the President) designing and implementing a major customer service initiative as well as with numerous federal, state, and county and municipal government units throughout the United States.

Welcome Reception

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 5

Morning Wellness Activity

6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

Registration & Badge Pick-up

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit Austin Hub

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcome & Conference Overview

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Session & Ice Breaker

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

General Session

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions (Marketing, Communications, Executive Tracks)

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions (Marketing, Communications, Executive Tracks)

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Networking Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions (Marketing, Communications, Executive Tracks)

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions (Marketing, Communications, Executive Tracks)

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

General Session

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

General Session

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Thursday, February 6

Registration & Badge Pick-up

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Visit Austin Hub

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Marketplace of Ideas

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Networking Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

General Session

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

General Session

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Networking Break

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

General Session

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

General Session

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Networking Happy Hour

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Attendees by Budget Size

Attendees come from destinations of all shapes and sizes. The summit offers unparalleled opportunity to network with peers facing the same marketing challenges that you are.

  • 18.1%
    Over $10 Million
  • 46.2%
    $2 Million-$10 Million
  • 35.7%
    Under $2 Million

Attendees by Job Level

The summit is an opportunity for all members of the industry to gather and network, regardless of where you are in your career path. Take a look at the breakdown of attendees by job level.

  • 14.3%
    Executive
  • 25.1%
    Vice President
  • 31%
    Director
  • 29.6%
    Entry Level/Manager

Destination & Travel

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Visit Austin logo

2025 Marketing & Communications Summit is proudly presented in partnership with Visit Austin.

Visit Austin Home

Host Hotel: AT&T Hotel and Conference Center
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX 78705
512.404.3600

Hotel booking links will be provided in your event registration confirmation email. Hotel cutoff date: Friday, January 10th, 2025.

30.28219023814, -97.740590388292

DI aims to create a Summit experience that is welcoming to all. The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is an accessible hotel and venue, and more information about their commitment to accessibility can be found here. During registration, you can provide information regarding any accessible or inclusive needs you may have.

Additional Hotel Option

We are also offering at the following property within walking distance from the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin:

AC Hotel Austin-University
1901 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX, 78705
512-473-8920

Starting at $239/night plus taxes and fees | 0.2 miles from host hotel
Visit the Hotel Website