Destinations International’s 2019 Convention, By the Numbers

August 8, 2019

The 2019 annual convention for Destinations International, held July 23-25 at America’s Convention Center Complex in downtown St. Louis, was a success by all accounts. This year’s event featured several new elements, including The Exchange—a stage that featured a rotating schedule of 15-minute sessions covering topics such as tech and data, leadership and management, social media and more.

“Evolve and Elevate” was the theme of the conference, and throughout the program, leaders from DI as well as Destinations International Foundation celebrated those who have demonstrated their commitment toward destination marketing worldwide.

In addition to many insightful sessions, attendees had the opportunity to learn from speakers such as Brian Kelly, founder and CEO of The Points Guy; Sarah Robb O’Hagan, founder and CEO of Extreme Living; and Mark Ellwood, a contributing editor for Conde Nast Traveler, among others.

On Tuesday, some attendees took a swing for charity at a golf tournament at Gateway National supporting the Foundation. That evening, a lively welcome reception sponsored by Explore St. Louis was held at Ballpark Village. In addition to dinner and dessert, it included appearances from the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues mascots, an experience with the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame, a DJ and dancing.

DI partnered with Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis for a giveback opportunity on Wednesday, where attendees filled backpacks with school supplies for families with children in need.

Throughout the conference, a little friendly competition ensued with a step challenge: Participants used their personal FitBits, Apple watches or Garmins to track their steps for the chance to earn prizes like wireless headphones.

The event closed out with a bang at Anheuser-Busch Brewery, a St. Louis original.

Take a look at a recap of the conference, by the numbers:

1,525 Total attendeesDI

13 countries in attendance

5 keynote sessions

4 mega sessions

50 concurrent sessions

6 hotels in the room block

31 industry representatives who received their CDME certification

48 destination organizations honored for DMAP accreditation, renewal and/or reaccreditation

1 DI Destination Organization Leadership Award recipient (Brad Dean!)

$91,000 raised at the annual silent auction

$98,000 overall funds raised throughout the convention including raffles and T-shirt sales

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.