Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) announced its 2017 “30 Under 30” class, which will convene for the first time at the association’s Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada July 11-14.
“One of the main priorities for our industry today is developing our workforce, and specifically our leadership, for tomorrow,” Destination and Travel Foundation Chairman Joe Marinelli said. “The ‘30 Under 30’ initiative gives us the ability to do both. It has been exciting to watch the enthusiasm of these young professionals as they form a network they can rely on. Attending the Annual Convention will ... deliver the critical insight they will need."
Now in its seventh year, “30 Under 30” is supported by founding program partner SearchWide, and sponsored by IMEX and USAE. The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development and networking opportunities throughout 2017. The honorees originate from a variety of DMOs, including Meet Puerto Rico, Destination DC, Travel Oregon, Visit Wichita and Brand USA.
The program benefits include: complimentary registration and accommodations for three nights during DMAI’s 2017 Annual Convention; complimentary registration for Fundamentals in Destination Marketing, the first course of DMAI’s PDM program; and a year-round development focus, including access to an online community.
The 2017 "30 Under 30" class includes:
- Jose Arana, Marketing & Communications Executive, Meet Puerto Rico.
- Jake Buchheit, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Visit KC.
- Lauren Cleland, Digital Content Strategist, Visit Savannah.
- Kenzie Coleman, Sales Manager, Visit Omaha.
- Jamie Cox, Marketing Coordinator, Visit Franklin/Williamson County CVB.
- Katie Egresi, Graphic Designer, Experience Columbus.
- Kimberly Franz, Marketing Director, Dunwoody CVB.
- Andrea Gardi, Senior Project Manager, Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc.
- Drew Hays, Sports Sales Manager, Visit Wichita.
- Emily Hendricks, Creative Services Coordinator, Visit Saint Paul.
- Kate Herron, Director of Marketing, Experience Grand Rapids.
- Britt Hijkoop, Senior Manager, International PR, NYC & Company.
- Ahmed Ibrahim, Membership Sales Manager, Destination DC.
- Natalie Jamieson, Manager of Research & Data Analysis, Visit Baltimore.
- Cambria Jones, Marketing Specialist, Allen CVB.
- Chandler Jones, Account Manager, Austin CVB.
- Victoria Lightfoot, Public Relations Specialist, Atlanta CVB.
- Roxanne Lombard, Senior Researcher, Cape Town Tourism.
- Wesley Lucas, Communications Manager, Frisco CVB.
- Aime O'Keefe, Senior Web Specialist, Discover The Palm Beaches.
- Sarah Radzanowski, Tourism Product Developer, Edmonton Tourism.
- Kara Reed, Convention Services Manager, Visit Indy.
- Daniel Schwartz, Senior Manager, Tourism, San Francisco Travel Association.
- Brian Screptock, Manager, Partner Services, Brand USA.
- Lauren St Martin, Public Communications Specialist, Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Office of Tourism Development (Visit Pasco).
- Joe Tacynec, Creative Director, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.
- Maranda Tippin, Site Experience Specialist, San Diego Tourism Authority.
- Elena Vizzini, Destination Development Coordinator, Travel Oregon.
- Ivette Wilhelm, Public Relations Manager, Galveston Island CVB.
- Angela Wirkler, Group Sales Manager, Boulder CVB.
DMAI is the largest association resource for official DMOs, CVBs and tourism boards.
