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Marketing & Communications Summit

[RE]create
February 27-29, 2024 | Salt Lake City, UT

The summit is the preeminent gathering place of marketing, communications and public relations professionals dedicated to helping destination organizations thrive.

Register Now

Join us in the scenic backdrop of Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2024 Marketing and Communications Summit.

This year's summit promises to be the most exciting yet, bringing together seasoned marketing and communications professionals to discuss new ideas that will shape the future of tourism marketing.

Dive into interactive sessions and panel discussions on topics ranging from digital marketing trends to crisis communication strategies, designed to keep you at the forefront of the ever-evolving marketing landscape. Connect with peers, build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and explore the latest marketing tools and technologies during our Marketplace of Ideas.

What's New in 2024

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CDME candidates working at laptops at 2023 CDME courses in Dallas, TX
Content Marketing Workshop

Kickstart the summit with a half-day workshop dedicated to the art of content marketing. During this optional add-on, you’ll learn from industry experts and take away actionable strategies to boost your organization's online presence and engagement.

The workshop is an optional add-on to your Summit registration.

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Breakout session at 2023 Annual Convention in Dallas, TX
Three Concurrent Content Tracks

This year's summit will host three separate content tracks: Marketing, Communications/PR, and CMO Roundtables. Join the sessions that will be most valuable to you in your day-to-day role.

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Roundtable discussion at 30 Under 30 speed networking event at 2023 Annual Convention in Dallas, TX
CMO Roundtables

Our CMO Roundtables provide a unique opportunity for Chief Marketing Officers/Vice Presidents of Marketing & Communications to come together, share insights, and discuss the latest trends in tourism marketing. Engage in high-level discussions to drive innovation in your organization.

Who Should Attend

This summit is tailored for marketing and communications professionals working in the travel and tourism industry, including:

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CMOs, VPs and Marketing Directors

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Public Relations and Communications Specialists

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Content Creators and Social Media Managers

Join us in Salt Lake City, Utah to network, learn, and shape the future of tourism marketing. Register now to secure your spot at the most influential event in destination marketing!

Register Now

Summit Member Rate 
US$995

Content Workshop Add-on 
US$295

Summit Non-Member Rate 
US$1495

Content Workshop Add-on 
US$395

Register Now

Use your Destinations International login to register for the event. Contact us if you need assistance.

Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday, February 27

Content Marketing Workshop (Additional Registration Fee Required)

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Unlock the secrets to a dynamic content strategy with a half-day workshop, designed for destination marketers seeking to elevate their content game. Join Sparkloft Media and Visit Utah for an immersive experience that delves into understanding nimble content strategies, uncovering production efficiencies, mastering in-house content creation, and a practical guided content development excursion.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Understanding a Nimble Content Strategy
    • Explore the foundations of nimble content strategies and learn how to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
    • Gain insights into creating flexible plans that can swiftly respond to content trends and audience behaviors.
       
  • Opportunities for Production Efficiencies
    • Dive into the world of content production and discover time and cost-saving opportunities.
    • Explore tools and techniques to streamline your workflow without compromising quality.
       
  • Creating Content In-House 101
    • Learn the essentials of building an in-house content creation team.
    • Understand the advantages of internal content production and how to effectively manage resources.
       
  • Practical Guided Content Development Excursion in Salt Lake City
    • Put your newfound knowledge to the test with a hands-on content development excursion through the picturesque streets of Salt Lake City.
    • Engage in real-time content creation challenges, guided by industry experts, and receive immediate feedback.
Opening Reception

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcome and Overview

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Keynote

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Looking Into The Future: The DNEXT Futures Study

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Marketing Breakout

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Communications & PR Breakout: Developing Impactful Communication Strategies, PR Plans and KPIs: A Crucial Component of Today’s Destination Integrated Marketing Plan (Part 1)

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

This interactive workshop will focus on the necessities of a comprehensive PR and communications plan, tried and true strategies and tactics, the importance of partnerships/creative ideas plus the incorporation of crisis preparedness. Leveraging the DI Measurement Handbook, we'll delve into the KPIs necessary to help move the needle as well as those that aren’t appropriate for PR. During the workshop, we will share best practices and prepare PR/Comms professionals to develop PR programs that are truly integrated and help leverage their organization's marketing programs.

CMO Roundtables

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Marketing Breakout

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Communications & PR Breakout: Developing Impactful Communication Strategies, PR Plans and KPIs: A Crucial Component of Today’s Destination Integrated Marketing Plan (Part 2)

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

This interactive workshop will focus on the necessities of a comprehensive PR and communications plan, tried and true strategies and tactics, the importance of partnerships/creative ideas plus the incorporation of crisis preparedness. Leveraging the DI Measurement Handbook, we'll delve into the KPIs necessary to help move the needle as well as those that aren’t appropriate for PR. During the workshop, we will share best practices and prepare PR/Comms professionals to develop PR programs that are truly integrated and help leverage their organization's marketing programs.

CMO Roundtables

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Networking Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Marketing Breakout

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Communications & PR Breakout: How Government Officials Can Support Tourism Communicators

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Accurate and streamlined communication is critical to helping a destination shine. This session will focus on ways in which destination organizations can work with city/state officials in a more integrated way to communicate clear and aligned messaging during times of calm and crisis.

CMO Roundtables

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Marketing Breakout

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Communications & PR Breakout

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

CMO Roundtables

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

SummitSpeak: Collaborative Conversations, Where Ideas Snowball Like Utah Flurries

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Welcome to the Open Peer Forum, an interactive and collaborative open forum where ideas converge, experiences are shared, and industry knowledge is collectively shaped. This session is not a monologue, but a dynamic dialogue among peers, designed to foster an exchange of insights, challenges, and innovations.

Thursday, February 29

Wellness Activity (Complimentary Registration Required)

6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Marketplace of Ideas

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Networking Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

General Session

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

General Session

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Networking Break

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

General Session

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

General Session

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Happy Hour

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Attendees by Budget Size

Attendees come from destinations of all shapes and .sizes The summit offers unparalleled opportunity to network with peers facing the same marketing challenges that you are.

  • 18.1%
    Over $10 Million
  • 46.2%
    $2 Million-$10 Million
  • 35.7%
    Under $2 Million

Attendees by Job Level

The summit is an opportunity for all members of the industry to gather and network, regardless of where you are in your career path. Take a look at the breakdown of attendees by job level.

  • 14.3%
    Executive
  • 25.1%
    Vice President
  • 31%
    Director
  • 29.6%
    Entry Level/Manager

Destination & Travel

Hilton Salt Lake City Center
255 S W Temple St
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
+1.801.328.2000

Block Rate: US$189/night + taxes and fees
Cut-Off Date: Monday, February 5, 2024 (or when sold out)

Hotel booking information will be available in your summit registration confirmation email.

40.763803079958, -111.89311134168

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Visit Salt Lake logo

Thank you to our destination hosts at Visit Salt Lake! Take a look at the event microsite for information about Salt Lake curated for summit attendees.

Visit Salt Lake Microsite