Committees & Task Forces

Destinations International (DI) and the Destinations International Foundation (DIF) are powered by the generosity and expertise of our volunteer committee members. Together, we co-create tools, research, accreditation oversight and industry best practices that help destination organizations thrive worldwide.

Volunteer to Serve on a Committee or Task Force

Volunteer opportunities for 2026 committees and task forces are open now through October 17, 2025!

This exclusive benefit is open only to DI members and partners in good standing, with terms running January–December. Don’t miss your chance to add your voice, share your expertise, and make an impact in 2026!

Submit the Committee Interest Form

Who Can Serve

  • Any DI destination member or partner in good standing is eligible.
  • DI Committee terms run January–December (one-year appointments).
  • Appointments are accepted year-round; our open call runs each September–October.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We design committee work so everyone can participate—across time zones, locations, backgrounds and roles. Meetings and deliverables are structured to be welcoming, flexible and equitable. All are welcome to serve.

What to Expect

By joining a committee, members agree to:

  • Engage actively: Attend scheduled virtual meetings, come prepared, contribute thoughtfully and complete assigned follow-ups. Missing two consecutive meetings without advance notice to DI staff and co-chairs may result in surrendering your seat.
  • Align with the mission: Support DI/DIF priorities and help amplify the value of our tools, resources, content and member benefits.
  • Collaborate professionally: Engage respectfully with peers, listen actively, embrace diverse perspectives and maintain confidentiality for discussions and materials unless otherwise approved.
  • Represent the community: Serve as an ambassador for DI/DIF. When possible, participate in DI events and virtual opportunities to connect. Members are encouraged—but not required—to invest in the Foundation at a personally meaningful level.
  • Meet committee-specific needs: Some committees have additional responsibilities or deliverables; DI staff and co-chairs will communicate these clearly.

Acknowledgement

All committee members will be asked to review and acknowledge the Committee Service Expectations & Commitment as part of committee onboarding.

Professional Development

CDME designees can earn two (2) credits per year toward recertification by serving on a DI committee.

Please contact Chelsea Welter, Managing Director, Foundation Strategy & SVP, Board Relations and Governance for more information: [email protected].

Standing Committees

Destinations International has the following standing committees per the Association’s bylaws.

  • Advocacy Committee - Recommends partnerships, best practices and resources to communicate the value and impact of destination organizations to their leadership, stakeholders and community. Working with staff, assists in the prioritization and development of advocacy related content and resources for Destinations International members.
     
  • Audit Committees (Destinations International and Destinations International Foundation) - Oversees the annual audit and monitors the process in which the financial practices are carried out by the Association and Foundation.
     
  • Awards Committee - Recommends recipients for the Hall of Fame Award, Destination Organization Leadership Award, and Destination Organization Award for Global Impact.
     
  • Canadian Destinations Leadership Council - Represents Canadian membership within Destinations International and provides strategic guidance to the Association for how the Association can best serve our Canadian members.
     
  • Convention Sales & Services Committee - Reviews and develops strategies and best practices to deliver the value proposition on why its critical to work with CVBs when planning meetings and events.
     
  • Development Committee (Destinations International Foundation) - Committee shall have the responsibility for the strategic planning, development and implementation of the Foundation's annual fundraising and development initiatives and goals.
     
  • Finance Committee - The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the association's budget, financial statements and financial practices of the association on a monthly basis.
     
  • Global Leadership Committee - Advises the Association on strategies for development and growth of its leadership role worldwide while serving as ambassadors in areas where membership is in need of development.
     
  • Governance and Nominating Committee - Advises for ongoing board development, leadership development, board and board member assessment, board education, and for ensuring that the board is equipped with proper guidelines and structure to do its work.
     
  • Governance and Nominations Committee (Destinations International Foundation) - Advises for ongoing board development, leadership development, board and board member assessment, board education, and for ensuring that the board is equipped with proper guidelines and structure to do its work.
     
  • Grants Committee (Destinations International Foundation) - The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Foundation shall annually analyze the present composition of the board of trustees.
     
  • Marketing Committee - Focuses on the sharing of knowledge, identification of issues and the development of marketing solutions as they relate to the professions involved with the business operations of a destination organization.
     
  • Membership Committee - Provides input on strategies to increase membership engagement and involvement and identifies means to measure membership satisfaction and priorities.
     
  • Organization Accreditation Program Committee (DMAP Board) - Serves as the governing board for the destination organization industry's highest organizational achievement, known as the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP).
     
  • Professional Credential Program Committee (CDME Board) - Professional Credential Program Committee (CDME Board) - Oversees the policies and procedures that govern the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program.
     
  • Professional Development Committee (Annual Convention Program Planning Committee) - Creates, provides and reviews session proposals and curating Annual Convention concurrent session content that is engaging, relevant, and valuable to the industry.
     
  • Public Relations & Communications Committee - Focuses on advocating for and advancing issues as they relate to the profession across the travel and tourism sector.
     
  • Social Impact Committee - Leads strategic planning and programmatic initiatives that will impact structural social change for the benefit of destination organizations and their communities globally.

Advisory Councils & Task Forces

In addition to the standing committees, the Chairman of the Board, with the approval of the Destinations International Board of Directors, can appoint other committees, advisory councils or task forces that are felt to be necessary.

  • Business Operations Professionals Task Force - Focuses on the sharing of knowledge, identification of issues and the development of solutions as they relate to the professions involved with the business operations of a destination organization.
     
  • Community Connection Professional Task Force - Focus on the sharing of knowledge, identification of issues and the development of solutions as they relate to community engagement and destination development. The task force will work with Destinations International to advance relevant content and professional development.
     
  • Small Destination Organization Sub-Committee - Reviews the current benefits and programs offered by Destinations International from the perspective of organizations with budgets of $3 million or less.

Additional Volunteer Leadership

Destinations International maintains additional advisory groups of professionals for the purposes of advancing the Association's work in different segments of the industry.

  • Advisory Leadership Board - To provide strategic insights and support workforce development, retention, and leadership growth, while enhancing DI’s mentorship program and addressing industry challenges.
     
  • European Stewardship Council - A volunteer group of champions who support Destinations International to “set the agenda” for Europe. Create cohesion, content and thought leadership while driving membership growth. 
     
  • Large Market Roundtable - Enhances Business Events Strategy by providing guidance on the top issues that are impacting the convention sales cycle and overall CVB sales production in the largest markets within the US and Canada.
     
  • Partner Advisory Council - Provides guidance regarding programs, activities and policies affecting the supplier community, for the greater benefit of the entire organization.
     
  • Planner Influencer Board - Contributes to the Association’s overall business events strategy by helping define the key elements CVBs need to deliver on their promise of helping make events successful.
     
  • State Tourism Association Task Force - The State Tourism Association task force is an appointment only volunteer group, compromising of Executive Directors from US State Tourism Associations who are members of Destinations International. 
     
  • 30 Under 30 Alumni Council - The 30 Under 30 Alumni Council supports the growth and evolution of the Destinations International Foundation's 30 Under 30 program. Council members assist in the development of professional development opportunities, organize networking opportunities, facilitate mentorship connections with the current class, and help drive educational content and thought leadership for the tourism industry at large. Participation on the Council is limited to 30 Under 30 honorees from the classes of 2011-2023.