DMAI Chair Bob Lander and President and CEO Don Welsh announced the official program for the 2016 Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minn. Building off the “It’s a Brand New Day” theme, the three-day program, running from August 1–3, 2016, promises to inspire, educate and inform.
The DMAI Annual Golf Classic at Town & Country Club will kick-off the event, located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The Classic is open to all attendees and benefits the Destination & Travel Foundation.
Retooled sessions will feature educational tracks focused on marketing, sports, convention sales and more, with expert moderators. The content expands to DMAI’s introduction of the Economic Impact Calculator for Fairs and Festivals and the Global All Stars Innovation Showcase presented by Miles.
"The DMAI team has been focused on building a reimagined, energetic, and engaging 2016 Annual Convention," Welsh said. "We firmly believe that this year's Convention will provide exactly what DMAI members, partners and sponsors want and need to further their business goals."
Abigail Posner, Head of Strategic Planning at the ZOO, Google’s creative think tank for agencies and brands will deliver the Opening Keynote sponsored by PCMA on Monday, August 1.
Throughout the three-day program, DMAI’s executives will recognize and celebrate those whom have demonstrated commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide. Scheduled presentations include: CDME graduates, DMAP honorees, Hall of Fame inductees, Kirkland Award and 30 Under 30 (2016 recipients of the awards will be revealed the week of June 5).
The Opening Celebration sponsored by Meet Minneapolis will take place at the new U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. DMAI’s 2016 Annual Convention is the very first event to be held in the facility, part of a $1.087 billion construction project. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite pro sports team jersey.
Additional speakers will include Jay Baer, the world's most retweeted person among digital marketers, who will lead a General Session on Tuesday, August 2. A New York Times best-selling author, Baer will share how DMOs’ sales and marketing teams can co-exist to drive results and grow destination brands.
Chip Conley, Airbnb’s head of global hospitality will lead a General Session, also on Tuesday, August 2, related to the impact of Airbnb and the sharing economy. Conley will be joined by panelists from domestic and international destinations who have taken the risk to work with Airbnb.
More information about the 2016 convention is available on DMAI’s website.
