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Destinations International's 2026 Annual Convention

In a remarkable gathering from July 21-23, 2026, Destinations International (DI) hosted its Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, uniting nearly 2,000 professionals from 27 different countries. This event highlighted the resilience and innovation of destination leaders across the globe, showcasing the ongoing evolution in travel and tourism amidst dynamic changes in the industry.

The convention, held at the Oregon Convention Center, was characterized by its theme, "Solutions for Today. Strategies for Tomorrow." It aimed to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence, community engagement, and workforce development that are shaping the future of destination organizations. Attendees participated in educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, which fostered collaborations and knowledge sharing among professionals striving to improve their communities and organizations.

Keynote Highlights
A notable moment during the event was the keynote speech delivered by Jeremy Gutsche, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of TrendHunter.com. Gutsche inspired leaders to embrace disruption and view artificial intelligence as a vehicle for fostering innovation and growth. Additionally, Kathy Varol, the former head of global purpose at adidas, illuminated the significant link between purpose-driven leadership and organizational impact.

New Learning Opportunities
DI introduced a new framework called Learner Journeys, offering participants the chance to customize their experience based on various essential themes: Solutions, Strategies, Skills, Scope, and Leadership Culture. This personalized approach to learning ensured that attendees left with actionable insights tailored to their unique roles and challenges in the field.

Milestones and Achievements
The 2026 convention was not just a learning platform; it also celebrated significant milestones for DI. The Maine Tourism Association proudly became the 800th member organization, marking a significant growth trajectory for the association. Additionally, the event spotlighted new publications and resources designed to assist member organizations in translating industry findings into effective strategies for implementation, particularly focusing on areas such as community engagement and workforce priorities.

Among the notable highlights was the recognition of distinguished professionals during the Annual Recognition Ceremony. Four individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame, including industry stalwarts like Jack Berry and Virginia Haley. Moreover, awards for leadership were presented to various contributors, including Susan Freeman, the first Canadian to receive such an honor.

Social Impact and Community Engagement
The convention didn't overlook the importance of social impact, as a new award was introduced to acknowledge leaders who promote community engagement and cultural inclusion. Volunteer opportunities were also integrated into the convention, allowing attendees to participate in local service projects. This initiative fostered a deeper connection to Portland's community issues, particularly in addressing homelessness, inspiring participants to return home with a commitment to similar advocacy.

Looking Ahead
As the convention closed, discussions turned to the future, with the next Annual Convention scheduled for July 12-14, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri. Plans for upcoming events, including the Global Leaders Forum in Geneva and other educational initiatives, promise to continue the momentum generated in Portland.

In closing, Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, reflected on the pivotal role of the organization's members in navigating challenges and opportunities within the tourism industry. "Our members embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation necessary to lead their communities forward," he noted, affirming the need for ongoing dialogue, learning, and shared purpose as the industry evolves.

This year's gathering in Portland certainly set the stage for the future of destination leadership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation as cornerstones for the years to come.