Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chairman Gary C. Sherwin, CDME and President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, Inc. and President and CEO Don Welsh today announced additional program details for the 2017 Annual Convention in Montréal July 11‐14.

Chris Gardner, best‐selling author and entrepreneur will deliver the Closing Keynote on July 14. Attendees are guaranteed to be inspired as Gardner will challenge all to achieve their full potential. Gardner’s autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 best seller. He was the inspiration for the critically‐acclaimed movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” in which his character was played by Will Smith. As previously announced, Richard St. Pierre, a passionate builder and social business advocate who believes that creativity is the path to connecting ideas and execution will deliver the Opening Keynote on July 12.

“Don and his team have curated an impressive and impactful program for the 2017 Annual Convention,” said Sherwin. “This can’t‐miss event for destination marketing and management professionals promises to educate and inspire while providing the unique opportunity to connect with and learn from peers and thought leaders from across the industry.”

The multi‐day event kicks off on Tuesday, July 11 with the Annual Golf Classic at Golf des Iles. Attendees are invited to team up with colleagues and friends for an early tee time followed by a luncheon and an auction from which all proceeds will benefit the Destination & Travel Foundation. Foodies and history buffs also have an opportunity to support the Foundation with a culinary walking tour through old Montreal. The four‐hour tour includes stops at historic public squares and significant cultural institutions, and includes tastings along the way at Old Montreal specialties including: Soeurs Grises (3 Brasseurs); Montreal Poutine (Monplaisir) Europea (Maison Faure) and Délices de l’Erable.

“As the development organization for DMAI, the Foundation is dedicated to funding the programs needed to enhance the relevancy of the destination marketing industry globally,” said Destination & Travel Foundation Chairman Joseph Marinelli. “Working closely with the team at DMAI, we are pleased to again present the Annual Golf Classic, and this year will also introduce a new Culinary Tour in Montréal. Member support of programs like this and others gives us the ability to provide the research and programming needed for future initiatives.”

“The DMAI and Tourisme Montréal teams are excited to welcome everyone to Montréal for the 2017 Annual Convention,” said Welsh. “This is an exciting time for the Association as we begin to implement our rebrand to Destinations International. Together with our members, Destinations International will represent powerful forward‐thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people, and excelling tourism to its highest potential. The 2017 Annual Convention is the launching pad for an exciting future.”

The historic Old Port of Montréal is the site for the Opening Celebration beginning at 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 11. Attendees will experience Montréal’s street festival culture along the St. Lawrence River. Food trucks, open bars, performance art against the backdrop of jazz, blues and swing are just a few of the exciting elements to help welcome attendees to Old Montréal.

The Closing Reception on Thursday, July 13 will be held at New City Gas, Montréal’s premier live music destination, beginning at 8:00pm. Originally built in 1859, the New City Gas complex originally transformed coal into gas for lighting Montréal’s streets and buildings.

The 2017 Annual Convention is supported by many sponsors, including: ASAE, Airbnb, Brand USA, Connect, CrowdRiff, CVENT, Expedia, IAEE, IMEX, Lonely Planet, Miles, MMGY, MPI, Northstar, PCMA, Schneider Publishing, Searchwide, Simpleview, STR, Tourisme Montréal, and TripAdvisor.