Almost 2,000 destination leaders and industry partners gathered for continuing education and inspiration at the 2026 Destinations International Annual Conference in Portland, OR last week.
The annual convention hosted by Destinations International (DI)—a global association of destination organizations focused on professional development and industry collaboration—took place at the Oregon Convention Center, the premier conference venue in the City of Roses.
Attendees were treated to an opening reception at Powell’s City of Books (the largest bookstore in the country) and a closing event at Providence Park.
During the conference, attendees had an array of culinary options to experience, from Portland’s 500-plus food trucks to its multicultural restaurants and cultural venues, including the Portland Art Museum, which recently expanded with the opening of the Mark Rothko Pavilion, offering a myriad of spaces for groups to gather. (Look out for Prevue‘s September issue with more about Portland opportunities for your next meeting.)
At the conference, DI celebrated its 800th destination member (Maine Tourism) and recognized more than 70 DMOs receiving their CDME certifications. Education sessions ranged from innovation and AI to community engagement, with ample networking opportunities for professionals to exchange ideas and share best practices.
Planners should note the critical role Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) play in supporting meeting and incentive planners, and how collaborative initiatives enhance the delivery of meetings and conventions.
Prevue sat down with Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, who made it clear: “Meetings and incentives are a vital, predictable segment for DMOs, unlike more speculative market segments, and our organization supports planners through our destination members in some of the following ways.”
Welsh said:
- “Our destination members are strengthened through collaboration, education and inspiration, enabling them to better serve planners. Our Certified Destination Specialist program provides valuable training for DMOs, improving expectations and outcomes that impact planners. The program creates a win-win by aligning planner expectations with DMO capabilities.
- Planners benefit from industry integration. Major industry associations (PCMA, MPI, IAEE and ASAE) are actively involved in Destinations International’s governance and committees.
- “Whether organizing meetings for 25 people or 25,000 people, planners should always engage with DMOs. Services are free, and DMOs possess unparalleled knowledge of current and future city offerings. Whether working with third parties or hotels, planners benefit significantly by leveraging DMO expertise.”
Looking to the future, Welsh said the organization will continue expanding the Certified Destination Specialist program, maintain strong engagement with industry associations through governance and committees, and continue promoting the value of DMOs to planners.
Next year’s conference will be held in America’s Heartland, Kansas City, July 12–14.
For more on DI, visit destinationsinternational.org.
