Executive Edge: Don’t Just Defend Your Budget, Go on Offense!

By invitation only. Learn more.

In today’s competitive tourism landscape, securing stable and sufficient funding is not only a financial necessity but a strategic advantage that enables DMOs to deliver long-term value and enhance marketing effectiveness. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, so too must the approaches DMOs take to protect and grow their funding sources.

This session will explore the foundational elements of funding stability and provide actionable strategies for strengthening your destination’s competitive position. Topics include protecting current funding, mastering funding advocacy, and diversifying revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Participants will also receive updates on recent funding legislation, including diverting funding as well as legislation strengthening funding, such as Washington State’s 2025 legislation to establish a committee to develop sustainable industry funding. In addition, we’ll highlight success stories from destinations that have effectively safeguarded and grown their funding through targeted advocacy and forward-thinking.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore successful funding advocacy approaches that influence policy and legislation.
• Gain insight into recent legislative developments.
• Discover how innovative funding models and stakeholder collaboration can foster long-term sustainability.