State vs. Local: How to Actually Win Together

Destination marketing works best when states and local DMOs are aligned — but in reality, competing priorities, funding structures, brand ownership and political dynamics often create friction behind the scenes.

This hybrid session will begin with a candid conversation exploring where collaboration actually works, what commonly breaks alignment and how destination organizations can better navigate shared goals around tourism growth, air service, major events, advocacy and destination positioning.

The second half of the session will shift into peer discussion at their tables, giving attendees the opportunity to openly share challenges, compare approaches and exchange practical strategies for building stronger state and local partnerships in increasingly complex environments.

Takeaways: 

• Identify   the most common sources of tension between state and local destination   organizations — and what causes alignment to break down
• Explore governance, funding and collaboration models that support stronger   partnerships around branding, advocacy, air service and major events
• Exchange practical peer-driven strategies for building trust, clarifying   roles and creating more effective long-term collaboration between state and   local organizations