Virtual Format Spans Multiple Time Zones
Destinations International (DI), the world's largest association for destination organizations, announced its inaugural Virtual Advocacy Day scheduled for May 13, 2026. The first-of-its-kind global event will convene destination leaders, board members, public officials, private sector partners and community stakeholders across multiple time zones for what the organization describes as a dynamic, interactive experience.
The initiative represents a significant evolution in how advocacy is understood and practiced across the destination sector, expanding beyond traditional government relations to engage boards, businesses, community voices and internal teams in supporting long-term destination success. The program is supported by the Destinations International Foundation.
Expanding Advocacy Beyond Economic Metrics
"Advocacy today must reflect the complexity and importance of the role destination organizations play in their communities," said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. "This initiative equips a broader network of stakeholders with the understanding, tools and confidence to champion the value of destination organization – not just in economic terms, but in how they contribute to community well-being and stewardship."
The full-day virtual program will guide participants through a progression from awareness to action, offering practical insights and real-world examples for immediate application within their destinations.
Session Topics and Structure
Key sessions will explore evolving expectations of destination leadership, including governance, funding and accountability. The program will address stakeholder understanding of modern destination organizations, with insights from industry and global partners, and examine impact measurement and the role of AI, expanding conversations beyond economic impact to include community outcomes.
Additional sessions will focus on public and private sector alignment, highlighting how collaboration drives stronger results, and advocacy planning with boards, including working sessions to develop actionable frameworks. The program will also showcase destination storytelling and community connection through case studies from leading destinations, and address sustainable funding and shared responsibility.
Broad Stakeholder Participation
The event is designed to bring together destination organization executives and board members alongside elected officials, hospitality partners and community leaders. Participants are encouraged to engage as teams and extend invitations to local stakeholders, with destinations potentially creating local watch experiences or hosting in-person gatherings to enhance discussion and real-time application.
"This global Virtual Advocacy Day is about shifting mindsets," added Welsh. "When advocacy becomes a shared, continuous effort supported by data, storytelling and collaboration, we strengthen not only our organizations but the communities we serve."
DI represents more than 10,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations worldwide. Registration details and additional information are available online.
Based on reporting by Exhibitor Magazine. Read the original article.