2026 Convention Sales & Services Summit

This year’s Convention Sales & Services (CSS) Summit brings sales, services and executive leaders together for a focused, cross-functional experience built to meet the moment. Guided by the theme EXPLORE: Selling with Insight. Serving with Purpose., the 2026 summit dives into the realities of selling destinations, serving clients and leading teams in an evolving meetings and events landscape.

CSS Summit also offers a dedicated opportunity for convention center sales and services professionals to join their destination peers for two fully days of programming designed to enhance collaboration, align goals and engage in meaningful peer-to-peer conversations. 

Join peers in Dallas for timely insights, practical strategies and purposeful conversations designed to strengthen alignment, elevate the customer experience and drive results you can take home.

Who Should Attend

Sales and Services Executive Leaders

Gain strategic insights and leadership skills to drive your teams to success.

Seasoned Sales Professionals

Sharpen your selling techniques and learn from the best in the field.

Seasoned Convention Services Professionals

Explore cutting-edge trends and innovations in the convention and event services industry.

New to the Industry Professionals

Regardless if you are just starting your career, or making a move from another role into the Destination Organization, the event will provide you with the opportunity to build your network and knowledge.

 

Group/Business Events Marketing and Communications Professionals

Build a more comprehensive understanding of the sales and services obstacles and strategies that will directly support the efforts of securing and executing convention/business events through the organization's marketing and public relations assets. 

CDME Courses

Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) courses will be offered in conjunction with Convention Sales & Services 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, April 26-27, 2026, 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 Convention Sales & Services Summit, as well as one CDME Spring course. Apply for a Small Destination Scholarship.