Marketing & Communications Summit
EXPLORE: A New Era for Destination Storytelling
February 24-26, 2026 | Cleveland, OH
About the 2026 Marketing & Communications Summit
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.
Register by January 29th to receive a discount on your registration fee.
2026 Pricing
Standard Rates | Register through January 29, 2026
*Save $150 by registering early.
DMO Member/Partner Rate
US$1,050
DMO Non-Member Rate
US$1,575
Last Chance Rates | Starting January 30, 2026
DMO Member Rate
US$1,200
DMO Non-Member Rate
US$1,725
Please note, not all partner tiers are eligible for this event. Please consult your partnership agreement or contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
The Summit is Perfect for Marketing Professionals in the Tourism Industry
CMOs, VPs and Marketing Directors
Public Relations and Communications Specialists
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
Already Registered? Share With Your Peers!
Thank you for utilizing our social media toolkit to spread the word about the Marketing & Communications Summit! We're excited to see you in Cleveland in February!
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.
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
Host Hotel: Hilton Cleveland Downtown
100 Lakeside Ave E
Cleveland, OH 44114
216.413.5000
The rates start at $199/night plus applicable taxes and fees.
41.502838684069, -81.695744742329
The hotel booking link will be provided in your registration confirmation email. Please register for the event prior to booking your room. The hotel cutoff date is Thursday, January 29th, 2026.
Exclusive Delta Discounts for Destinations International
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Destinations International.
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4DB. *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.