Destinations International Opens 2026 Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon; Welcomes 800th Member
Destinations International Opens 2026 Annual Convention in Portland and Welcomes 800th Member
Maine Tourism Association milestone reflects continued growth of the global destination organization community
PORTLAND, Ore., USA (July 22, 2026) – Destinations International, the world's leading membership association for destination organizations and convention and visitor bureaus, today opened its 2026 Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, and announced that the Maine Tourism Association has become the association’s 800th member organization.
The milestone reflects the continued growth and expanding reach of Destinations International, which brings together destination organizations of all sizes to exchange ideas, access research and professional development and strengthen the positive impact of travel and tourism in their communities.
“Welcoming the Maine Tourism Association as our 800th member is a meaningful milestone for Destinations International and a powerful reflection of the strength of our global community,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Every new member brings valuable experience, ideas and perspectives to our association. Together, our members are advancing the work of destination organizations, strengthening communities and demonstrating how travel and tourism contribute not only to economic vitality but also to greater connection, understanding and quality of life.”
“We are proud to join Destinations International and especially honored to be recognized as its 800th member organization,” said Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association. “Membership will connect our team and Maine’s tourism industry with a global community of destination professionals, new ideas and valuable resources. We look forward to learning from our peers, sharing Maine’s perspective and working together to advance a strong, sustainable visitor economy that benefits our businesses, residents and communities.”
The 2026 Annual Convention, taking place July 21-23 at the Oregon Convention Center, brings together nearly 2,000 destination leaders and industry partners from around the world for education, professional development, networking and conversations about the issues shaping the future of travel and tourism.
Hosted in partnership with Travel Portland, the convention is organized around the theme “Solutions for Today. Strategies for Tomorrow.” Programming explores innovation, artificial intelligence, destination stewardship, community engagement, organizational culture, workforce development and other priorities facing destination organizations.
Keynote speakers include Jeremy Gutsche, New York Times bestselling author and founder of TrendHunter.com, who will address AI, disruption and the future of leadership, and Kathy Varol, former head of global purpose at adidas, who will share insights on purpose-driven leadership, organizational impact and brand strategy. New Learner Journeys allow attendees to customize their convention experience across five areas: Solutions, Strategies, Skills, Scope and Leadership & Culture.
The convention began Tuesday evening with Destinations International’s annual recognition ceremony honoring outstanding leadership, service and global impact across the travel and tourism industry. The ceremony celebrated the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, Destination Organization Leadership Award recipients, Spirit of Hospitality Award honoree Amir Eylon of Longwoods International and Global Impact Award recipient Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Hall of Fame inductees included Jack Berry, formerly of Visit Richmond VA; Virginia Haley, CDME, formerly of Visit Sarasota County; Tracy Kimberlin, CDME, formerly of Visit Springfield; and Ernest Wooden Jr., formerly of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. Destination Organization Leadership Awards were presented to Susan Freeman of Meet PEI; Maura Gast, FCDME, of Visit Irving Texas; Dave Herrell, CTA, of Visit Quad Cities; and Melvin Tennant, CAE, of Meet Minneapolis.
Additional convention highlights include peer-to-peer discussions, industry research, practical tools and strategies, partner programming and opportunities to experience Portland’s culinary, cultural and neighborhood offerings.
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Tim Smith is a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience across government, industry, agency, and association sectors. He has held senior roles at Delaware North, APCO Worldwide, and Edelman, and served abroad as a U.S. diplomat promoting trade and investment. As Vice President of Communications, he leads strategy to elevate brand, support the association’s mission, and engage global stakeholders. Tim is active in civic and professional organizations and has served on multiple boards. He lives outside Buffalo, New York, with his wife and has three grown children.