Skift Meetings Forum Video: Connecting with Destinations to Inspire Delegates

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September 30th, 2024 at 11:02 AM EDT

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In this video from Skift Meetings Forum 2024, Melissa Riley, senior vice president of sales and service at Destination DC, explains why planners should work with DMOs to produce the most engaging events possible.

This content was created collaboratively by Destination DC and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

In this video: 

  • Sense of place: A look into why meetings should transcend the conventional venue experience, aiming to create emotional connections through the host city’s unique culture, history, and local figures.
  • Destination as inspiration: A discussion about how the political landscape of DC plays a pivotal role in events, offering event planners access to influential individuals and opportunities for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions that resonate beyond the conference.
  • Teamwork makes the dream work: An exploration of how collaborations, such as Destination DC’s partnerships with NATO and the American Institute of Architects, can help integrate local experiences and small businesses into events, enriching delegates’ experiences while positively impacting the community.

Given the changing expectations of today’s attendees, events should foster emotional connections and inspire attendees. One of the most effective ways to do so is by creating authentic experiences in host cities so attendees leave with a sense of the city’s vibrant culture and the inspiring figures that embody it. This approach enhances the event, enriches the participants’ experience, and leaves a lasting positive impact on the community.

In this video from Skift Meetings Forum 2024, Melissa Riley, senior vice president of sales and services of Destination DC, joins Kate Anderson, creative content strategist, SkiftX, for a conversation about the benefits of event planners partnering with host DMOs such as Destination DC. Washington, for instance, has a unique political landscape and historical significance that planners can leverage to create powerful experiences that enhance their meetings.

This content was created collaboratively by Destination DC and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX

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