Top 10 Reasons to Attend Annual Convention

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By: David Breisch

We hope to see you at this year's Annual Convention in Anaheim, CA July 10-13! Register here. 

1. Inspirational Keynotes

From TV chefs to global destination leaders, hear about the latest trends in the tourism world. Experience relevant topics to all tracks of tourism marketing - speakers ranging from Airbnb to Brand USA; from artificial intelligence to crisis communication.

2. Learn From Your Peers

Cape Town, Rockford, Columbus, Casper, Pittsburgh. What do all these destinations have in common? They are among the many destinations presenting their best practices for leisure and corporate marketing. Don't miss the industry's leading convention for peer learning. See the entire program here. 

3. Participate in Learning Labs

Experiential learning is the best learning! Join the Destinations International Foundation for three outstanding off-site Learning Labs on Tuesday, July 10: Cultivating Destination Sports CultureCurating Destination Conservation, and Crafting Destination Community.

4. Take Part in the First Family Day

Bring your family to Anaheim and check out the first Family Day on Sunday, July 8! Attend an interactive, all-ages brunch session, participate in an afternoon volunteer project and then enjoy a great Movie Night on the Plaza.

5. Experience Anaheim

Everyone knows about the "Happiest Place on Earth" - but Anaheim is also known for a revitalized downtown, innovative culinary concepts and a booming brewery scene. Take a look at these special deals just for 2018 Annual Convention attendees!

6. Recess in the Business Exchange

There's plenty to see and do during breakfast and lunch. Discover your next big idea with many industry exhibitors.

7. Enhance Your Knowledge During Learning Week

Join us in Anaheim July 7-10 for a few days of extra learning for destination professionals of any level. For those just starting out, take the PDM course Fundamentals of Destination Management and Marketing. For the more advanced, sign up for CDME course offerings - two core, and two electives.

8. Great Social and Networking Events

Get ready for some networking! The opening reception is hosted by Visit Anaheim, Visit Newport Beach and Visit Huntington Beach with awesome California entertainment. Then, don't miss the live band and closing reception at the legendary House of Blues!

9. Get Fit With the Take Carra Health and Wellness Program

Join us for a health and fitness program in honor of our friend and colleague, Jim Carra. Annual Convention will feature various workout sessions including yoga, conscious dance, group drumming and a team 5K fun run/walk. Registration for the 5K can be done as part of your Annual Convention registration. Sponsored by Searchwide and Brand USA.

10. An Excuse to Extend Your Stay

After the last sessions end on Friday morning, the last thing you want to do is hop on a plane and go home. Extend your stay and check out all the great deals that Anaheim has to offer!

About David:

David Breisch is currently the Director of Marketing Technology at Destinations International, where he leads marketing and communications technology strategies across all digital media platforms.

Before joining Destinations International, David spent nine years as the Multimedia & Web Manager for the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau in Illinois and Iowa, leading all facets of digital marketing including website, social media and video production. He has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including: Best Tourism Website from the Illinois Office of Tourism; McDaniel Award for Bureau Innovation from the Upper Midwest CVB Fall Conference; and is a past Destinations International 30 Under 30 honoree.

David is originally from the Midwest where he received his B.A. in Computer Science, Mathematics and Business Administration from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.