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Join us for a dynamic half-day Destination Tools and Intelligence Symposium, presented in collaboration with Tourism Economics, designed for destination professionals who rely on data to drive decision-making. The event begins with an exclusive fireside conversation featuring Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, and Ryan Sweet, a leading U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. Together, they will provide insights into the current state of the travel industry before transitioning into a discussion around practical tools and strategies to help destinations navigate an evolving landscape. This symposium offers valuable perspectives and hands-on learning, equipping both current and prospective users of our suite of destination tools with best practices, real-world success stories, and strategies to enhance their organization’s impact. Key sessions will cover:

• The Event Impact Calculator (EIC) and its modules
• The Symphony Platform for destination intelligence
• The Website Impact Calculator for measuring digital return on investment

Whether you are experienced in using these tools or exploring them for the first time, this symposium provides a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain practical applications to strengthen your destination’s strategy.

The symposium is an optional add-on session to Annual Convention. Add the session during the registration process.
Cost: US$249

Calling all visitor experiences, services and community engagement professionals - you're invited to join for the 2025 Visitor Services Summit!. This full day of programming (leading up to DI's Annual Convention) offers interactive and immersive sessions designed to discover new and innovative ways to utilize your visitor center as a powerful tool for building brand awareness, re-envisioning the evolving role of visitors centers and fostering community engagement. This year's Summit is the perfect opportunity to partake in peer-to-peer discussions, sharing key learnings from your destinations' challenges/successes and best practices, leaving attendees with inspiration to tackle the year ahead.

Visitor Services Summit is a separate event co-located with Annual Convention. Learn more and register here.
Cost: US$650 members | US$975 non-members

What separates destinations that merely survive from those that truly thrive? One word: Funding. In an era of uncertain budgets and shifting priorities, destinations cannot afford to rely on traditional funding models. The Funding Forum by Civitas brings together the brightest minds in destination management to tackle today's most complex funding challenges head-on. Immerse yourself in case studies from trailblazing destinations that have mastered sustainable funding models, connect with fellow leaders tackling identical challenges, and gain critical insights into legislation reshaping the funding landscape. At this event, you’ll discover powerful advocacy tactics to champion your funding priorities with key stakeholders and policymakers effectively. Confront the most pressing DMO threats head-on as industry experts address the legislative landscape of short-term rentals and the growing trend of redirecting DMO funding toward affordable housing initiatives. Join us as we look at the trends in funding priorities, including the increasing demand for financing sports facilities development. At this one-of-a-kind session, you'll gain the connections, insights, advocacy perspectives, and roadmap needed to secure your destination's financial resilience for years to come—because in today's competitive landscape, innovative funding backed by strategic advocacy isn't just an advantage; it's essential for survival.

The forum is an optional add-on session to Annual Convention that is complimentary to Destinations International members on a space-available basis. Add the session during the registration process.

Join the team at Expedia Group Media Solutions to hear the latest industry insights and traveler trends that are shaping travel marketing decisions. From AI to audience extension and everything in between, these travel advertising experts will show how you can reach your next best traveler, when you need it most.

The session is an optional add-on session to Annual Convention that is complimentary to Destinations International members on a space-available basis. Add the session during the registration process.

The 2025 CSR Activity is an immersive volunteer and learning experience designed to connect attendees with the heart of Chicago’s communities. This initiative blends meaningful service and offers a rich understanding of Chicago’s past, present, and future through the lens of community changemakers.

Additional details available soon. The activity is an optional add-on session to Annual Convention. Add the session during the registration process.

Join us for a celebration of industry accomplishments prior to the Annual Convention opening reception. We will recognize individuals and organizations that are being honored for CDME credentials, DMAP accreditation, Hall of Fame, Destination Organization Leadership Awards, and 30 Under 30.

Chicago’s strength lies in its diversity, woven together by 77 vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own culture, flavors, and stories. Join us at the historic Old Post Office as we celebrate the city’s rich tapestry through food inspired by its diverse communities and a special performance by Chicago’s own Melody Angel. Experience the soul of Chicago—where every neighborhood has a seat at the table.

Justin Wren, Founder, Fight for the the Forgotten, a non-profit that helps the Pygmy people in the Congo.  He is also a speaker, author and former MMA champion who overcame addiction and depression.

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Justin Wren

Founder

Fight for the Forgotten

 

 

 

Andre Norman, Founder, Second Chance University. Andre’s personal experiences have helped him empower companies to have authentic, unvarnished conversations that drive change. To date, he has impacted communities in 25 countries, from North America to West Africa, with his story of perseverance and commitment to social change. Andre has delivered 1,230 speeches and helped 1,720 companies make a positive impact on society.

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Andre Norman

Founder

Second Chance University