Destination Marketing Association International is again sole owner of the…
Destination Marketing Association International is again sole owner of the “Destinations Showcase” tradeshow. A 20-year hospitality tradition, the show is held twice annually in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, bringing CVBs and meeting professionals together for business, networking and education.
Founded in 1985 by the then International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (IACVB), the association sold the tradeshow in 1996 to PGI, and continued to exclusively endorse the event. Destination Marketing proposed a repurchase of Destinations Showcase to TBA Global Events following its acquisition of PGI this July.
“When presented with the opportunity regain ownership of Destinations Showcase, we were very motivated, recognizing the show’s enormous value to our members as the only industry trade show specifically bringing together destinations with top meeting professionals,” remarked Michael D. Gehrisch, president and CEO, Destination Marketing Association International. “We intend to invest further in the show, as we believe it can be expanded successfully for the benefit of destinations worldwide, including pursuing new partners,” he added.
The operations of the events will immediately be assumed by Destination Marketing Association International. TBA Global Events will be included in future events as a sponsor and exhibitor as part of the sale.
“Resuming full ownership by the association strengthens the show and increases its total brand equity, resulting in a more impactful tradeshow,” commented Craig Davis, director of convention sales, Greater Pittsburgh CVB and Destination Showcase Committee Chairman. “It’s nice that it’s come ‘home’ again,” he further remarked.
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