Keith Backsen joined Destinations International in fall 2020 as a consultant to the Strategic Alliances department, helping the organization evolve its industry partnerships with companies across the travel and tourism landscape.

Keith has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and convention industry, having worked in Portland, Dallas, Chicago and Spokane before most recently accepting the Executive Director position with Visit Omaha in July of 2015. As a member of the Omaha Mayor’s cabinet, Keith worked with key city leaders to develop, enhance and promote Omaha as a tourism destination.  In 2013 he received his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) accreditation. Keith is a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and past President of PCMA’s Pacific Northwest Chapter. Keith is also a member of various national and local boards and committees related to tourism and destination development.