Thought leader in health, happiness, and human potential.

Dr. Kien Vuu, affectionately known as “Doctor V,” is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit having overcome significant challenges as an infant refugee and personal health obstacles later in life. Today, Doctor V champions optimal health, happiness, and human potential, making him a sought-after speaker by Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and association meetings from all industries.

An assistant professor of Health Sciences at UCLA, Doctor V specialized in Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology before seeking additional training in nutrition, personal development, spirituality, and performance and longevity medicine. He also earned board certification from the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. As the founder of Vuu MD Performance and Longevity and #1 best-selling author of Thrive State, Doctor V advises a diverse clientele, including professional athletes, executives, celebrities, and organizations on achieving sustained wellness and peak performance. 

Dr. Kien Vuu

 

 

 

 

Explore the untapped potential of accessible travel within the events industry. This presentation will delve into the significant opportunities accessibility presents for market expansion, fostering innovation, and enhancing customer loyalty. Uncover key insights and actionable takeaways to empower your sales and services teams, illustrating how accessibility can be a powerful competitive advantage. Learn to leverage inclusivity as a strategic asset in event planning, positioning your business at the forefront of a diverse and evolving market.

Arturo Gaona

Chief Partnerships Officer

Wheel the World 

 

 

 

 

Explore the imperative behind the "Destination Organization Community Indicator" project in this session. The project has emerged to meet the critical need for tangible, personalized community indicators that offer reliable insights. DI and Zartico will guide us through their efforts in translating the project from concept to reality, sharing how these indicators directly apply to Sales and Services roles while catering to the unique dynamics of diverse markets. Join us to unravel the innovative solutions provided to answer crucial questions about organizational impact and community well-being.

Andreas Weissenborn

Vice President, Research & Advocacy

Destinations International

Ted Sullivan

Chief Marketing Officer

Zartico

 

 

 

This unique session features an intimate sit-down with DI and ASAE CEOs Don Welsh and Michelle Mason for a captivating fireside chat where these visionary leaders will candidly discuss the current state of the industry, strategic risk mitigation, and collaborative initiatives that pave the way for proactively addressing challenges and building resilience in an ever-changing landscape. Join us for an enriching dialogue where the wisdom of Association CEOs takes center stage.

Don Welsh

CEO

Destinations International 

Michelle Mason

CEO

ASAE

 

 

 

In times of uncertainty and crisis, the power of effective communication becomes the critical link that holds communities and destinations together. Join us for an insightful session where Puerto Rico will share its valuable insights, experiences, and strategies for communicating during times of crisis. This session will delve into the crucial importance of developing a comprehensive communications plan tailored for destinations susceptible to various crises and leave you equipped with actionable tools and strategies to fortify your destination against the challenges that may come, building resilience, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.

Xiomara Rodriguez

Communications Director

 Discover Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

This cutting-edge workshop is designed for leaders who aspire to elevate their teams to new heights of success and fulfillment. Dive deep into the art and science of energetic leadership, mastering the states that define peak performers and cultivating an environment where creativity, productivity, and collective well-being flourish.  In this immersive experience, you'll unlock the secrets to accessing and sustaining high-performance states for yourself and your entire team. Learn the neuroscience-backed strategies to navigate through stress and transform it into a catalyst for growth and innovation. Discover how to instill a culture of joy, gratitude, and resilience, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for triumph.  The workshop is more than skill-building; it explores how to harness the power of energetic states to lead with vision, purpose, and empathy. Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with Dr. Vuu and fellow executive leaders in an interactive workshop that promises to elevate your leadership skills and transform the way you approach your role as a leader through enlightenment, collaboration, and actionable takeaways that will make a lasting impact on your team's success.

Note: This session is exclusively for Destination Sales & Services leaders that hold the title of Vice President and above.

Dr. Kien Vuu

 

 

 

 

 MINT+ the DMO exclusive data coop continues to be the number one tool identified by DMOs for prospecting.  In this flash of brilliance, spend a few productive minutes learning how to use the tools of MINT+ query builder and recommended meetings to identify new business for your destination. 

Terri Roberts

Program Manager

Simpleview

 

 

 

 

Flip the traditional sales model on its head to use storytelling to sell your destination. We'll show you three bright ideas to connect planners to your venues through the power of storytelling. 

Brianna Francis

PR Director

Madden Media

 

 

 

 

The future of booking meetings is now.  For the first time, meeting planners can check availability of group guest rooms, meeting space, F&B, AV, etc, and book that meeting online in real-time.

The Groups360 Team will share data and interesting learning for both hoteliers and destinations on what planner segments are booking online and how to best prepare for how group bookings will be made moving forward. 

David O'Donohoe

VP, Engagement

Groups360

 

 

 

 

Many buyers will tell you that service and experience are of the utmost importance when making decisions. Have you ever felt that wasn’t true and people were just making decisions based on rates and space? The Connect team will walk through examples of how CVB and Convention service teams have really moved the needle for their business and changed the way they look at booking meetings and conventions moving forward. There are expensive and soft touches that can make all the difference!

Derek Rodriguez

Senior Vice President

Connect Meetings (Informa Connect)

 

 

 

 

This insightful presentation will delve into the crucial steps convention centers are taking to ensure the safety of attendees. In this session, our experts will provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of convention center security, highlighting the latest measures implemented to create secure environments and the transformative impact of technology within this space. Don't miss the chance to stay informed about the latest trends and strategies in security management within the convention industry.

ML Henry III

Vice President, Security

ASM GLOBAL

Arlette Garibay

Director of Sales

Greater Ontario California Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Ontario Convention Center

 

 

 

Join this session as Tourism Economics takes Executive Sales and Services leaders through an examination of the Catalyst Report, unraveling its intricacies and distilling its wealth of insights into actionable knowledge within Business Events. During this time participants will delve deep into the core findings and key takeaways of this cutting-edge research and gain a nuanced understanding of the report's implications, emerging with the knowledge to drive impactful change within your community and beyond.

Erik Evjen

Executive Vice President

Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company

 

 

 

 

Join our expert panel as they delve into the transformative journey of destination sales and services communications, exploring the nuanced shifts from navigating political 
landscapes to articulating expansive developments and meeting the need of environmental impacts. In an era where the very fabric of how we communicate is rapidly changing, this session offers a deep dive into the evolution of strategies employed by destination sales professionals and draws on real-world experiences of adapting communication approaches. In an interactive dialogue, our panelists will share best practices for crafting narratives and timelines that resonate with diverse customer bases.

Dianna Waldrou

Director of Convention Services

 Destination DC

Leslie Johnson

Vice President of Sales

Visit Milwaukee

Marianne Schmidhofer

Director, Meeting and Convention Services

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

 

Join us for a collaborative journey toward a more accessible and inclusive future with Destinations International and ASAE. This unique session seamlessly blends presentation and interaction at the forefront of accessibility innovation. In this dynamic session, the two leading industry organizations will present their cutting-edge strategies in the realm of accessibility in business events, unveiling the concept for a pioneering Accessibility Playbook that aims to become a pivotal addition to industry-wide guidelines and provide the audience with an opportunity to share their insights and shape the direction of the industry. Don't miss this chance to be at the forefront of accessibility innovation, where your voice matters, and your contributions impact the future of the industry.

Sophia Hyder Hock

Chief Inclusion Officer

 Destinations International

Maunda Land, MBA, CMP, CAE

Senior Director

Conscious Inclusion

 

 

 

Explore the future of destination analytics with the DI Overnight Room Demand Analyzer (ORDA) in this educational session. In this exclusive opportunity, sales leaders will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the tool that reshapes the way we understand and analyze the actual room demand associated with the business events hosted in the destination. As the landscape of event planning undergoes significant shifts and the relevance of this tool increases, providing insights into a world where traditional event history is no longer a reliable guide. This session will explore fundamentals, best practices, and use cases that will equip destinations with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern events landscape and how they approach event analytics. 

Note: This session is exclusively for Destination Sales & Services leaders that hold the title of Vice President and above.

Andreas Weissenborn

 Vice President, Research & Advocacy

Destinations International

Olivia Puglisi

Director of Customer Experience

 Visit Baltimore

 

 

 

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring two seasoned event planners as they provide a comprehensive exploration of the current state of business events through the eyes of industry strategists. This engaging session aims to uncover the unique experiences and challenges faced by business events strategist and shed light on how destination organizations can strengthen their support systems and fortify relationships within the industry.

Michael Jordan

Vice President, Conferences & Events

Retail Industry Leaders Association 

Connie Samuels, MBA, CMP, DES

Director, Events & Education

National Association of Professional Employer Organizations

 

 

 

Dive into the strategic realm of resilience as we explore the imperative for destinations to proactively generate opportunities for financial support toward meaningful community causes. This session will spotlight the innovative approach of Legacy Collective giving circles, showcasing how destinations can navigate industry challenges while fostering positive and lasting impacts through the incoming Business Events. Discover the power of strategic resilience in shaping a resilient and purpose-driven future for communities.

Erin Arnheim, M.A. (Moderator)

Chief Executive Officer

Legacy Collective 

Roberta Tisdul, CMP

Senior Director of Destination Experience, Conventions

Visit Indy 

Michelle Moore, CDME, CMP, HMCC, CHIA

Senior Director of Meeting Sales & Services

Experience Kissimmee 

Kristin Delahunt

Vice President, Destination Services

Discover Atlanta 

 

Step into a unique and unscripted experience with "Executive Connect," an exclusive peer-to-peer mentorship session tailored for executive-level leaders. In this dynamic engagement, executives are invited to carve out time for meaningful connections, candid discussions, and the exchange of invaluable insights. No formalities, no presentations, no scripts – just a rare opportunity for high-level executives to come together, share experiences through table discussions, and delve into the real challenges keeping them awake at night. This is a confidential space for executives to advise and be advised, fostering an environment where collective wisdom thrives.

Note: This session is exclusively for Destination Sales & Services leaders that hold the title of Vice President and above.

This session explores evolving talent trends across generations, focusing on the nuances shaping tomorrow's workforce. Delve into adapting to new work environments, supporting organizations in acquiring and retaining top talent. From diversification to mental health, discover nuanced needs and evolving skills that transcend boundaries, offering a roadmap for building an innovative and inclusive global workforce. Join the conversation bridging generational gaps and embracing transformative shifts in the skills landscape.

Dr. Berkita Bradford

Associate Professor & Department Chair

Department of Hospitality Administration at North Carolina Central University

Nicole Newman

Vice President

SearchWide Global

 

 

 

Discover the possibilities of mentorship and casual knowledge exchange during our exclusive "Mentorship Table Time" session. Seize this distinctive opportunity to partake in personal table discussions with experienced sales and services leaders. This laid-back gathering offers a space for open conversations, enabling participants to gather insights, seek advice, and establish valuable connections with industry experts. Whether you're a newcomer to the industry or your role, or simply seeking to connect with a peer for mentorship, this is your moment to create meaningful connections and enhance your professional journey.

The sales and services arena has undergone significant changes in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, reshaping the interactions between businesses and local communities worldwide. Destination leaders now possess a nuanced understanding of both fleeting adjustments and lasting transformations. In this engaging session, we'll explore the intricacies of the DestinationNEXT 2023 Futures Study, uncovering its practical implications for sales and services professionals. This global survey serves as a valuable tool, offering insights that empower industry leaders to navigate the dynamic visitor economy, proactively stay ahead in the rapidly evolving realm of business events, and formulate effective strategies.

Cassandra McAuley

Managing Director

NextFactor

 

 

 

 

Discover the transformative power of AI in destination Sales and Services. Learn how AI can empower your teams and revolutionize your approach, from prompt engineering to personalized daily task support. Explore real-world applications and gain actionable insights to safely embrace AI's potential and position yourself for success in the evolving landscape of destination sales and services. (Session description brought to you by AI)

Todd Brook

Chief Executive Officer

EnvisionIt Agency 

 

 

 

 

The immersive Community Connection Lab is designed for sales and services leaders to connect with peers and navigate a technological transformation for their team through shared thought leadership. Facilitated by industry experts, this session will empower the attendees to shape a powerful technological roadmap. Engage in discussions around budget constraints, bandwidth challenges, and discover pragmatic tech solutions to enhance your workflow. This isn't your typical tech talk – it's a collaborative exploration of the evolving tech landscape, providing you with practical insights and strategies to navigate the changing tides of technology in your professional journey. Participants will leave this session with a high-level understanding of the AI tools available and the methodical steps that they can take to reimagine the use of these twos in the everyday tasks associated with the roles represented within their teams. 

Brad Weaber

Principal

Brad Weaber Consulting, Inc
 

Richard Allchild

Head of Sales North America

 IMEX Group

 

 

 

The immersive Community Connection Lab is designed for sales professionals to connect with peers and navigate their technological transformation through shared thought leadership. Facilitated by industry experts, this session will empower the attendees to shape a powerful technological roadmap. Engage in discussions around budget constraints, bandwidth challenges, and discover pragmatic tech solutions to enhance your workflow. This isn't your typical tech talk – it's a collaborative exploration of the evolving tech landscape, providing you with practical insights and strategies to navigate the changing tides of technology in your professional journey. Participants will leave this session with a high-level understanding of the AI tools available and the methodical steps that they can take to reimagine the use of these twos in the every day tasks associated with their roles. 

Mya Surrency

Co-Founder

Digital Edge  

Terri Roberts

Program Manager

Simpleview

 

 

 

The immersive Community Connection Lab is designed for services professionals to connect with peers and navigate their technological transformation through shared thought leadership. Facilitated by industry experts, this session will empower the attendees to shape a powerful technological roadmap. Engage in discussions around budget constraints, bandwidth challenges, and discover pragmatic tech solutions to enhance your workflow. This isn't your typical tech talk – it's a collaborative exploration of the evolving tech landscape, providing you with practical insights and strategies to navigate the changing tides of technology in your professional journey. Participants will leave this session with a high-level understanding of the AI tools available and the methodical steps that they can take to reimagine the use of these twos in the every day tasks associated with their roles. 

Melissa Cherry

Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and SVP

Miles Partnership

JT Long

Vice President and Content Director

Smart Meetings