Get the latest national insights on how destination marketing is funded—and where it’s headed next. This session unpacks key findings from the 2025 Civitas/U.S. Travel Tax Study, offering a clear view of trends in appropriations, spending and legislative shifts across the country. We'll explore detailed case studies of how unique funding mechanisms have successfully expanded budgets and supported destination growth, with a particular focus on the legislative process. Dive into real-world case studies of creative funding models, including how hotel fees and short-term rental policies are reshaping the landscape. Whether you’re building a stronger business case or planning for long-term growth, walk away with immediate data-driven takeaways to help your destination thrive.
Monday, August 18
-
10:30am - 11:30am
Concurrent Session: Presentation
Concurrent Session: Presentation
-
-
From pandemic pivots to shifting political pressures and evolving traveler expectations, destination marketers know that change is the only constant. In this fast-moving session (yes, the Ross-and-the-sofa meme might make an appearance), hear from three seasoned marketing professionals about the unexpected challenges they’ve faced — and how they’ve adjusted course in real-time. From proving ROI to skeptical stakeholders to reaching new, high-value audiences, this panel offers practical, hard-won lessons on staying nimble while driving results.
-
1:00pm - 1:25pm
Concurrent Session: Take Off Talk
Concurrent Session: Take Off Talk
-
Leisure and business travelers aren’t competing audiences—they’re connected ones. This session shows you how to break down internal silos and reframe your strategy to capture both. Using psychographics and AI, you’ll uncover what motivates your audiences, tailor campaigns accordingly and strengthen your brand’s impact at every touchpoint.
-
1:00pm - 1:45pm
Concurrent Session: Presentation
Concurrent Session: Presentation
-
Travel sentiment is shifting quickly—are you keeping up? New data reveals how Americans are rethinking where they go, why they travel and what they expect from brands and destinations. This session unpacks the latest findings on evolving values, motivations and planning habits—and how to turn them into competitive advantages in a dynamic market. Walk away with real-world insights and actionable strategies to stay ahead of what’s next.
Concurrent Session: Peer-to-Peer Roundtable
Concurrent Session: Peer-to-Peer Roundtable
-
Pre-Registration Required
Driving long-term impact starts with rethinking how we lead and manage our destinations. This roundtable conversation dives into the evolution from traditional marketing to destination management and how culture, leadership and systems must evolve to keep up. Come ready to share, learn and collaborate with others navigating similar challenges, and leave with insights to inspire meaningful transformation at home.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
-
2:00pm - 2:25pm
Concurrent Session: Take Off Talk
Concurrent Session: Take Off Talk
-
Creative teams thrive when leaders protect their most valuable asset—energy. Designed for senior marketing leaders, this session explores how to build a high-impact team culture without burning out your people—or yourself. Tiffany Kerr, a recovering agency workaholic, former big-tech creative and now destination CMO, shares her approach to moving beyond reactive momentum and into intentional systems that foster deep work, strategic clarity and sustainable leadership.
-
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Concurrent Session: Presentation
Concurrent Session: Presentation
-
Every traveler deserves to feel welcomed—and that starts with accessibility. In this eye-opening conversation, accessibility advocate Cory Lee (Curb Free with Cory Lee) and caregiver-turned-entrepreneur Meegan Winters (AbleVu) will share firsthand insights into what makes a destination stand out for travelers with disabilities. Discover examples of destinations already getting it right and walk away with tools to better serve travelers with disabilities, build a reputation for inclusivity and tap into a $50 billion+ market.
-
We see you, DMOs. Sometimes it feels like the sales and marketing teams are playing different games entirely—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this energizing session, we’ll explore real-world strategies to align your teams, strengthen collaboration and drive more impactful meetings marketing that meet your goals. Walk away with fresh ideas and proven tactics to ensure your sales and marketing teams aren’t just on the same page—they’re writing the playbook together.
-
Join Stuart Butler and Adam Stoker, hosts of the Destination Discourse podcast, for a candid conversation on what’s next for destination marketing, from shifting consumer behavior to emerging technologies. In this interactive live session, they’ll explore the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities for today's DMOs—and spotlight the strategies that matter most. With live polling and audience Q&A, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a deeper understanding of how to navigate disruption, push boundaries and lead with impact.