Destinations International Signals a New Era for Destination Leadership at Annual Convention
Nearly 2,000 destination leaders, convention bureau executives and tourism professionals from 27 countries gathered in Portland, Oregon, for the 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention, where discussions focused on how destination organisations are adapting to rapid technological change while strengthening their role as community leaders.
Hosted by Travel Portland under the theme Solutions for Today. Strategies for Tomorrow., the three-day event examined some of the sector's defining challenges, including artificial intelligence, destination stewardship, workforce development, organisational culture and community engagement.
"The energy, optimism and sense of shared purpose in Portland reflected the very best of our global community," said Don Welsh, president &CEO of Destinations International. "Our members are navigating extraordinary change while continuing to expand their roles as trusted community leaders, advocates and catalysts for economic and social impact. This exceptional Annual Convention gave us the opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and leave better prepared to lead our organizations and communities into the future."
The programme reflected an industry increasingly concerned with balancing economic growth alongside community value. Opening keynote speaker Jeremy Gutsche, founder of TrendHunter.com, encouraged delegates to see disruption and artificial intelligence as opportunities for innovation rather than threats, while former adidas global purpose executive Kathy Varol explored how organisational purpose can strengthen leadership, brand strategy and long-term impact.
To better tailor learning opportunities, Destinations International also introduced new "Learner Journeys", allowing participants to build personalised programmes around five core themes: Solutions, Strategies, Skills, Scope and Leadership & Culture.
New tools focus on workforce and destination strategy
Alongside the conference programme, Destinations International unveiled several new publications designed to support destination organisations in addressing long-term strategic priorities.
Among them were a new series of DestinationNEXT Futures Study Action Briefs, translating insights from the 2025 Futures Study into practical guidance across community engagement, marketing, business events, leadership and business intelligence.
The association also released a Destination Workforce Insights report examining the changing expectations of employers, educators and emerging professionals, together with the Building Tourism Talent Pipelines Guide, developed by the 30 Under 30 Alumni Council to help destinations strengthen recruitment and career pathways across the visitor economy.
The convention also marked an organisational milestone, with the Maine Tourism Association becoming Destinations International's 800th member organisation.
Leadership transition and recognition
During the Annual Business Meeting, Kyle Edmiston, president & CEO of Visit Lake Charles, officially assumed the role of Chair of Destinations International, while Steven Paganelli, VP Global Media & Partnerships at Tripadvisor, became Chair of the Destinations International Foundation.
The association also recognised outgoing Chair Leslie Bruce, president & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, alongside outgoing Foundation Chair Martha Sheridan, president & CEO of Meet Boston.
"Our volunteer leaders are central to the strength and success of Destinations International," Welsh said. "Over the last decade, more than 300 association board directors, more than 225 foundation trustees and thousands of committee and task force volunteers have shared their time, expertise and leadership in service to our industry. We are deeply grateful to Leslie and Martha and look forward to building on their work under the leadership of Kyle and Steven."
The convention also celebrated new graduates of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) programme, recognised accredited destination organisations through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), honoured industry leaders through its annual awards programme and announced a new social impact award inspired by the late John Tanzella, recognising destination organisations advancing inclusion, community engagement and destination stewardship.
Community impact beyond the convention centre
Community engagement formed part of the convention experience itself, with delegates participating in volunteer initiatives supporting organisations tackling homelessness in Portland before the event officially opened.
Meanwhile, the Destinations International Foundation raised more than US$118,000 through its annual silent auction to fund research, education, workforce development and professional advancement initiatives across the industry.
Closing the convention, Welsh reflected on the broader significance of this year's gathering.
"The outstanding work of our members, volunteers, partners and dedicated staff made this convention an unforgettable experience," Welsh said. "After one of our most exceptional Annual Conventions ever, we leave Portland with renewed momentum and an even stronger commitment to helping destination organizations serve as indispensable leaders within their communities."
The association also confirmed that the 2027 Destinations International Annual Convention will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from 12–14 July 2027.
"We're honored to be welcoming thousands of industry experts, leaders and advocates to Kansas City for Destinations International's 2027 Annual Conference," said Kathy Nelson, president & CEO of Visit KC. "We can't wait to share the things that define our community: passion, hospitality and heart."
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