Destinations

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has set in motion ten days of mourning during which much of London will be paralyzed. So how are meeting and incentive groups coping?

Since 1987, South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin has been a convergence of film, music, education, and culture, a global destination for creative people to connect, collaborate and think outside the box. As SXSW expands into Sydney, this annual gathering offers many new and expanded possibilities for groups.

Destination marketing organizations have traditionally focused, as the name implies, on marketing. But today, that is not enough. DMOs must also play an active role in promoting businesses and business sectors, managing political and social issues, and helping combat rising costs.

The rise in gun violence in the U.S. and its impact on public safety was recently addressed by destination organization leaders during a global conference.

Collision attracted 35,000 attendees to Toronto, not without issues. Communication breakdowns between the planning team and security threw a wrench into the sold-out conference’s best-laid plans. Still, the gathering makes it clear that people are willing to travel globally for events when they think it’s worth it. 

Just how close to a war zone would you hold your event? This is the question that is exercising the minds of event professionals in the light of the war in Ukraine.

An effort is underway to make Atlantic City a premier cannabis convention destination. There is talk of a cannabis campus that will grow, cultivate, and sell various forms of marijuana. Can weed do for AC what gambling could not?

Despite the setbacks caused by the Covid pandemic, destinations across the globe are showcasing impressive new multipurpose venues to attract international events and conventions.

Old warehouses and unused industrial spaces are finding new beginnings in so-called second-tier cities. As Baltimore invests in nine massive revitalization projects, the developments are breathing new life into the community while creating opportunities for event organizers to deliver unforgettable experiences at affordable price points.

This report ranks destinations based on representation in international association leadership. It introduces a “harnessing ratio” as an indicator of how well destinations are leveraging their intellectual capital to attract conventions.