Greetings and happy Friday.

I hope you all had a relaxing holiday season with family and friends.

I have the pleasure of writing to you today from San Francisco, CA where I had the opportunity to participate in some of the opening events for the eagerly awaited and highly anticipated expansion of the Moscone Center. Congratulations to our friend, Joe D’Alessandro, President and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association, for his passionate and committed efforts over the years to make this expansion a reality. You may click here to learn more about the expansion. To see a photo from one of the opening events, click here.

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It seems like the new year officially kicks off with PCMA Convening Leaders. I know many of you will be heading to Pittsburgh, PA to participate in this exciting annual industry gathering of meeting professionals and industry leaders. Our team will be in attendance and we look forward to seeing you. Make sure to stop by our booth, which will be located on Floor 2 near the Main Stage to say hello, pick up some Destinations International swag and learn more about Destinations Showcase and the Spirit of Hospitality Celebration.

Good luck and congratulations to Destinations International Board Member, Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO of PCMA, and his team as they get ready to kick off their meeting. And I know that Craig Davis, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH and incoming Destinations International Board chair, and his team have been working very hard over the past year to provide the perfect environment for this wonderful conference.

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Now that we are all getting back into business mode after the holidays, I would ask that you all check your calendars to make sure you are confirmed for two important Destinations International events: the Spirit of Hospitality Celebration and Destination Showcase.

Join industry leaders on February 12, 2019 at the Spirit of Hospitality Celebration at Hamilton LIVE in Washington, D.C. A showcase of excellence in the tourism industry, the Spirit of Hospitality Celebration brings together industry leadership to provide funds critical to support the Foundation programs that empower the work of destination organizations globally through research, education, advocacy and leadership initiatives.

We are also looking forward to honoring our Spirit of Hospitality Celebration Award honoree, Samantha Brown. Samantha has been hosting TV travel programs for 18 years. During her time at Travel Channel, she created 10 original international and domestic travel series generating over 170 hours of television. You can learn more and get tickets to support the Foundation here.

Following the Spirit of Hospitality is Destination Showcase, North America's only one-day event connecting meeting planners with CVBs so they can better understand how CVBs are the key to making meetings and events successful. You may learn more about exhibiting here. The early bird rate ends January 7, so sign up today!

We look forward to seeing you throughout 2019 at our upcoming events! Thanks again for your continued support. 

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable weekend. See you in Pittsburgh!

Don Welsh
President & CEO
Destinations International