DMAI Annual Convention Reports Record Attendance, Impact

Its 2013 Annual Convention — which took place July 15-17 in Orlando — achieved record attendance, representation and economic impact, Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) reported yesterday, citing the convention’s contribution to the Orlando economy as proof of meetings’ value.

“DMAI’s Annual Convention demonstrates the real value of face-to-face meetings in terms of generating economic impact and jobs at the local level as well as inspiring more creative and productive professionals through education and networking,” DMAI President and CEO Michael D. Gehrisch said in a statement.

All told, this year’s DMAI convention attracted a record 1,325 attendees representing a record 336 destination marketing organizations (DMOs). The meeting — which also achieved a record 1,100 app downloads — generated more than $2 million in direct spending to the Orlando economy, supported more than 1,000 local jobs and generated $172,000 in local tax receipts.

“The record attendance and energy levels generated during the convention reflect the optimism within the DMO industry,” Gehrisch continued. “We had attendees from a record 336 destination marketing organizations at this year’s convention. These organizations realized the value in being part of a community whose mission is to advocate for the professionalism, effectiveness and significance of destination marketing organizations worldwide.”

DMAI’s 2014 Annual Convention will take place July 21-23 in Las Vegas.