Why February 19? 

On February 19, 1896, members of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce joined the Detroit Manufacturers Club at the Cadillac Hotel in the center of the city to form the Detroit Convention and Businessman’s League. They had come together, drawn by a growing awareness that the city was developing a reputation as a convention city – largely due to the rapidly-growing manufacturing sector – and that this brought important commercial and economic benefits. They saw the potential for promoting events in the city to proactively draw more visitors (and business activity) – in other words, what they defined as the new organization’s mission: “hustling for conventions.”  

The Detroit Convention and Businessman’s League was the first organization of its kind in the world. Over the last century, destination organizations have grown into important drivers of economic development for many cities and destinations around the world. Today, there are more than 10,000 destination organizations, which include destination marketing organizations and destination management organizations (DMOs), convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), tourism boards, sports commissions and offices that attract film and media productions to a destination. 

Destination organizations comprise a sector within the broader travel and tourism industry, which are uniquely positioned to serve as catalysts for creating an environment in which a community thrives as an ideal place to visit, live, work, play and invest. Through their work and relationships within the community, they enrich the quality of life for residents, help attract and retain talent, foster culture and community, support public services and grow the overall economy.  

Bottom line: This industry sector is comprised of a group of hardworking, passionate individuals who are deserving of recognition for their contributions.