Destinations International’s Marketing & Communications Summit is where travel storytellers, brand builders and strategic communicators come to connect, engage and ignite bold new ideas. In 2026, we’re entering A New Era for Destination Storytelling -- one shaped by AI, advocacy, economic and social disruption and shifting expectations.

This premier annual event brings together marketing and communications leaders from destination organizations of all sizes for bold conversations, peer-driven content and actionable learning. From measuring impact and navigating change to designing campaigns on limited budgets, this year’s Summit tackles the most pressing challenges facing modern destination marketers today.

Join us in Cleveland, the home of rock ‘n’ roll, and crank up the volume on your own destination storytelling!

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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Public Relations and Communications Specialists

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Content Creators and Social Media Managers

Rowing in Sync: Powering Destination Success Through Teamwork and Collaboration

Destination storytelling is a team sport — and this immersive workshop proves it. Hosted at The Foundry, a state-of-the-art indoor rowing facility repurposed from a historic Cleveland foundry, this half-day experience blends movement, strategy and real-world dialogue to explore how alignment — both physical and strategic — powers collective impact.

Attendees will rotate between two unique components: a hands-on rowing session led by expert coaches in The Foundry’s indoor tanks and a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue’s innovative facilities. Then, everyone will come together for a high-energy panel featuring local leaders from destination organizations, cultural institutions, philanthropic partners and the sports community — all sharing how collaboration and shared storytelling can amplify impact and strengthen communities.

Leave with a unique perspective, practical insights and a deeper understanding of how to foster collective impact — within your team, across your partnerships and throughout your destination.

Rowing optional, insights guaranteed!

Key Learnings:

• How teamwork principles from The Foundry’s rowing experience can strengthen collaboration and communication across your team and partner organizations
• Ways to leverage cross-sector collaboration to expand reach and engagement
• Best practices for co-creating content and campaigns that elevate the entire destination
• Approaches to translating marketing success into community and economic impact
• How to align unified messaging across diverse community partners to tell your destination story 

NOTE: Comfortable, athletic clothing and shoes are recommended. Space to store outerwear and a locker room will be available. Transportation provided.

Additional registration for this pre-summit workshop is required. Member Price: $295 | Destination Non-Member Price: $395

CDME Courses

Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) courses will be offered in conjunction with Marketing & Communications Summit again this year! 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 21-24, 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 2026 Marketing & Communications Summit, as well as one CDME Winter course. Apply for a Small Destination Scholarship.