“We are excited to bring the greatest minds in the travel and tourism industry together for this annual event,” said William Pate, Destinations International chair and CEO of the Atlanta CVB. “The event promises to provide networking and inspiration for every professional across the industry.”

More than 1,600 travel and tourism leaders from around the world are expected to attend the event, which will offer a selection of 50-plus education sections across disciplined-focused tracks held at America’s Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis.

“Each year we strive to inspire our members and partners over the course of the convention and provide them with relevant content to bring home to continue to ensure the success of their destination,” said Don Welsh, Destinations International president and CEO.

In an effort to explore new options for evolving this annual convention, a group of team members from Destinations International and staff from Explore St. Louis participated in a one-day workshop with Greg Bogue, chief experience architect for Maritz Global Events, in January.

Through this learning lab, they shaped a strategic framework for the event that included evaluating what has worked well in the past, along with ways to enhance the experience for attendees. This helped define this year’s convention theme, “Evolve and Elevate.”

The 2019 convention will also include a few schedule changes, such as opening with a keynote presentation before the welcome reception on the first evening. Destinations International has also added in more variety of education in four dedicated time blocks, and the ending of the program will allow guests to explore the city of St. Louis.

Early-bird registration rates apply through April 15. To learn more or to register, go HERE.

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