Destinations International 2025 Annual Convention – Shaping the Future of Travel and Tourism
Dates: July 9 – July 15, 2025
Venue: McCormick Place, West Building, Chicago
Expected Attendance: 2,000+ travel and tourism professionals
The Premier Convention for Destination Leaders Worldwide
The global tourism and travel industry will once again come together in one of America’s most iconic convention centers—McCormick Place, Chicago—for the Destinations International 2025 Annual Convention, happening from Wednesday, July 9 through Tuesday, July 15.
This high-level gathering is one of the most anticipated events in the destination marketing and management world. With over 2,000 attendees expected, the convention is designed to bring together destination professionals, policy advocates, marketers, executives, and global thought leaders for a week of collaboration, education, and networking.
What is the Destinations International Annual Convention?
Organized by Destinations International, the convention is the flagship event for the global community of destination organizations, including Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and tourism boards. The convention serves as a platform to explore the evolving role of destinations, emerging tourism trends, and innovations in destination branding, community alignment, visitor management, and equitable tourism development.
If your organization is involved in promoting cities, regions, or countries as destinations, this event is tailored for you.
Why You Should Attend in 2025
🌍 Learn from Global Experts
Over the course of seven days, attendees will have access to workshops, panels, and keynote presentations featuring industry leaders and disruptors. Topics typically include:
- Sustainable and responsible tourism strategies
- Destination advocacy and policy planning
- Data-driven decision-making for DMOs
- Community engagement in tourism
- Future of travel branding and marketing
🤝 Build Global Networks
With more than 2,000 tourism professionals attending from around the world, the convention offers unmatched networking opportunities. Meet peers, establish international partnerships, share best practices, and connect with those facing similar challenges in the travel industry.
📍 Explore New Tools and Technologies
Visit the on-site exhibition zone to explore the latest in tourism tech, digital tools, destination intelligence platforms, and marketing services. This is where suppliers and vendors demonstrate innovations that can elevate your destination’s visibility and operational efficiency.
🧠 Engage in Interactive Learning
Attendees can choose from breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, certification programs, and leadership workshops. Whether you’re a senior executive or an emerging professional, the agenda is designed to offer tailored learning tracks.
Event Venue: McCormick Place, West Building – Chicago
McCormick Place, located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, is one of North America’s largest and most advanced convention centers. The West Building, known for its modern design, high-capacity halls, and advanced amenities, provides the perfect backdrop for a high-caliber, international convention.
With its lakefront location, close proximity to downtown Chicago, and world-class hotel access, McCormick Place offers both functionality and a memorable experience for attendees.
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for professionals and organizations in:
- Destination marketing & branding
- Tourism policy and government relations
- Convention & visitors bureaus
- Economic development and tourism strategy
- Travel trade and international tourism
- Event and conference planning
- Hospitality and travel tech
Registration Details
Interested participants can register via the official Destinations International convention website. Early registration is highly recommended, as the event typically sees full capacity due to its global relevance.
👉 Register here: Destinations International 2025 Registration
Registration Includes:
- Full access to all sessions and keynote talks
- Entry to exhibition and networking lounges
- Workshop and breakout session access
- Daily refreshments and event materials
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your time in Chicago by exploring the city’s top attractions—from Millennium Park and Navy Pier to The Art Institute of Chicago and world-renowned dining experiences. The city’s hotel infrastructure and public transport make it easy for out-of-town guests to navigate and enjoy their stay.
Final Thoughts
The Destinations International 2025 Annual Convention is more than just a gathering—it’s a vision-setting event for the future of global tourism. For those responsible for shaping the way destinations are experienced, remembered, and sustained, this is the must-attend event of the year.
Make sure you’re part of the conversations and collaborations that will drive tourism into the next decade. Join the movement this July at McCormick Place.
