More Than 1,500 Attend DMAI 2016 Annual Convention

August 5, 2016

Pictured with “30 Under 30″ future destination experts is DMAI President and CEO Don Welsh (center).

The Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Board of Directors and President and CEO Don Welsh August 5 announced final attendance numbers for the 2016 Annual Convention held August 1–3 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. More than 1,500 attendees engaged in general sessions, discipline-focused roundtables and networking.

Throughout the program, DMAI’s association and foundation leadership recognized and celebrated those whom have demonstrated commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide. This year, 42 industry representatives received their CDME certification; 18 DMOs were honored for their DMAP accreditation and reaccreditation; four industry leaders were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the 2016 Class of 30 Under 30 was introduced.

Bob Lander, Austin CVB president and CEO emeritus, turned over the association’s board leadership role to Visit Newport Beach & Company President and CEO Gary C. Sherwin, CDME. In his new role as DMAI Board Chairman, Sherwin will work alongside Don Welsh and the global trade association’s new executive team to transition the organization into a high-performing association focused on supporting its members. Under Sherwin’s leadership, he will spearhead a renewed focus on education, certification, accreditation and advocacy opportunities for DMAI members around the world.

“I am honored to represent our industry and advance educational opportunities for the association’s members across the globe,” said Sherwin. “It’s a new day for DMAI as we work together to recognize and seize those opportunities that will bring value and collaboration across the industry. Today’s travelers are seeking unique destination experiences, which presents a promising opportunity for destination marketing organizations like never before.”

“It really is a new day at DMAI,” said Welsh. “I am honored, thrilled and humbled to represent this team and our industry. The entire DMAI team will continue to meet with, listen to and learn from our members and partners.”

The DMAI Board Officers for the 2016-2017 term are:

Chair : Gary C. Sherwin, CDME, Visit Newport Beach & Company
Chair-Elect: Tammy Blount, FCDME, Monterey County CVB
Immediate Past-Chair: Bob Lander, Austin CVB President and CEO, Emeritus
Secretary/Treasurer: William Pate, Atlanta CVB
At Large: Craig Davis, VisitPittsburgh
At Large: Casandra Matej, San Antonio CVB
Ex-Officio: Chris Thompson, Brand USA

Six members were elected to the Board for to serve new three-year terms:

Loren Gold, Greater Raleigh CVB
Shelly Green, Durham CVB
Bryan Grimaldi, NYC & Company
Robert Joseph, CDME, Visit Montrose
David Peacock, Regional Tourism Organization
Karen Williams, Louisville CVB

Sherwin appointed two additional members to key board roles:

Anja Loetscher, Geneva CVB, representing the global leadership advisory council
Jack Wert, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB and DMAP immediate past president, representing DMAP

The Destination & Travel Foundation chose its 2016–2017 Board of Trustees during the Annual Convention. The Foundation is a supporting organization to DMAI with a mission to enhance and support the destination marketing and travel professions through research, education and advocacy initiatives to move the industry forward.

The Foundation’s officers for the 2016-2017 term are: