The 2025 Destinations International (DI) CEO Summit in Savannah was a vivid reflection of our industry’s adaptability, community leadership, and relentless pursuit of meaningful progress. Summit planning committee co-chairs Joseph Marinelli, President & CEO of Visit Savannah, and Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, came away with powerful takeaways that resonate far beyond the event itself. 

A First-Class Experience Grounded in Leadership 

Scott White captured the event's tone perfectly:

“Our goal was to ensure that the speakers, content, and experiences were relevant to our audience and would be beneficial to their destinations.”  - Scott White, President & CEO, Visit Greater Palm Springs

Held in the vibrant and walkable city of Savannah, the summit offered a blend of rich local storytelling and forward-thinking content, made all the more engaging through tools like Snapsight, which helped attendees stay present and absorb the moment. “The tool allowed me to focus on the speakers and not worry about taking notes.” 

Marinelli echoed that pride:

“As the host city CEO, I was privileged to co-chair the planning committee… At the core of our planning was a shared commitment to delivering content focused on leadership.”  - Joe Marinelli, President & CEO, Visit Savannah

Case Studies in Community-Driven Development

Among the standout sessions was the story of Savannah’s Plant Riverside District. Both co-chairs praised the insights shared by Richard Kessler, whose redevelopment of the historic power plant into a community asset was a highlight of the summit.

“He asked two questions: What does Savannah need that it does not have? And if you owned it, what would you do with it? His thoughtful process helped remove any resistance, garnered local community support, and developed a project that is now the pride of the community,” said White.

Marinelli added that this transformation, paired with commentary from architect Christian Sottile, demonstrated “how cities can turn overlooked spaces into thriving visitor destinations through collaboration and vision.” 

Entertaining Innovation: Lessons from the Savannah Bananas

One of the most talked-about sessions came from Jared Orton, President and GM of the Savannah Bananas, who showed how embracing fun and reinvention can elevate an organization from local curiosity to global sensation.

“His mantra of ‘listen carefully and respond creatively’ inspired me to integrate that empowerment into our organization,” shared White. “It’s a great reminder to share with our stakeholders and partners.”

The importance of purpose-driven service came through loud and clear. As Orton asked, “Why is the visitor here?” leaders were reminded that understanding visitor motivations is crucial to crafting unforgettable experiences. 

Navigating the Future: Leadership in Times of Uncertainty

Another highlight was Precious Williams’ session on leadership. White reflected on the importance of embracing fear and vulnerability as strengths:

“Our teams are looking to us to act and not overanalyze… As leaders, we are not expected to fully understand AI, but creating an environment that allows the team to embrace it is more important.”

Marinelli explained, “As we move forward, our industry faces an evolving landscape shaped by political, economic, and global factors. Much like the disruptions caused by COVID-19, we must remain vigilant and adaptable in response to emerging challenges. One of the key takeaways from our discussions was the recognition that there are no clear data points to predict the full impact of these changes. Research firms will undoubtedly provide insights in the near future, but in the meantime, we must proceed with caution, strategy, and flexibility.

At Visit Savannah, we are committed to staying agile as circumstances evolve. This adaptability will ensure that we continue to thrive amid changing dynamics.” 

Fostering Social Inclusion and Industry Advancement

Equally important was the discussion led by Sophia Hyder-Hock on Social Inclusion.  

“She emphasized the critical role of storytelling and data collection in demonstrating the value of inclusion in tourism,” White noted. “We must share our examples and continue to highlight the importance of developing barrier-free experiences, advocating for cultural districts, and ensuring our workforce has access to tools to help them advance into leadership roles.”

These are not just social issues—they are foundational to building a sustainable and inclusive tourism economy. 

The Power of In-Person Connection

As both leaders emphasized, some of the most valuable moments happened off-stage.

“The timing of the conference was perfect,” said White. “Having time with DMO leaders from around the world was extremely helpful… these conversations could not be replicated over a Zoom call.” A special breakout with the Canadian DMO leaders “allowed us to brainstorm how to navigate the current environment together.”   

Marinelli added:

“Beyond the formal sessions, the true value of this conference lay in the connections made and the candid discussions shared.”

Whether in structured breakouts or casual dinners, these peer-to-peer conversations continue to shape strategies long after the summit concludes. 

Final Reflections

As the industry moves forward into uncharted territory—amid economic shifts, AI disruption, and evolving traveler expectations—the CEO Summit reinforced the enduring value of leadership grounded in collaboration, creativity, and community impact.

“The CEO Summit is one of my favorite meetings of the year,” White said. “I always come back with a lot of ideas and feel inspired.”

Marinelli concluded with gratitude, “To Destination International and all who participated, thank you for the opportunity, the collaboration, and the continued inspiration. I look forward to what’s ahead for our industry and the lessons we will continue to share together.”