Upcoming CDME Courses
The Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential represents the highest individual educational achievement in the destination organization industry. The CDME program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership, strategic and organizational impact. Through a rigorous curriculum and peer-driven learning environment, participants gain the insight, tools, and perspective needed to lead destination organizations effectively in a dynamic and evolving global landscape. The upcoming CDME courses outlined below provide the next opportunity to engage in this advanced professional development experience.
Quick Facts About the CDME Program
Schedule at a Glance
2026 CDME Course Schedule
Winter CDME Courses
February 21-24, 2026 in Cleveland, OH
Core Courses
February 21-22, 2026
- Destination Leadership - SOLD OUT!
Instructors: Craig Davis, CDME, President & CEO, VisitDallas
Brett Oetting, CDME, Founder & CEO, Oetting Alchemy
- Destination Marketing & Sales
Instructors: Cody Chomiak, CDME, Vice President of Marketing, Travel Manitoba
Tom Loftus, CDME, Vice President of Marketing, Richmond Region Tourism
Michelle Moore, CDME, Senior Director of Meeting Sales & Services, Experience Kissimmee
Elective Courses
February 23-24, 2026
- Destination Economic Development
Instructors: Brook Kaufman, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Corpus Christi
Brett Oetting, CDME, Founder & CEO, Oetting Alchemy
- Destination Organization Financial Management
Instructors: Chris Kipper, CDME, Chief Financial Officer, Louisville Tourism
Michael Zumbaugh, CDME, Chief Financial Officer, Visit Estes Park
Spring CDME Courses
April 26-27, 2026 in Dallas, TX
Core Courses
April 26-27, 2026
- Destination Advocacy & Community Relations
Instructors: Cassandra Gilbertson, CDME, Managing Director, MMGY NextFactor
John Groh, CDME, President/CEO, GoRockford
- Strategic Issues in Destination Management
Instructors: Maura Gast, CDME, Executive Director, Irving CVB
David Holder, CDME, Principal, Clarity of Place
Monica Smith, CDME
Summer CDME Courses
July 18-21, 2026 in Portland, OR
Core Courses
July 18-19, 2026
- Destination Leadership
- Destination Marketing & Sales
- Strategic Issues in Destination Management
Elective Courses
July 20-21, 2026
- Destination Information & Research
- Development of the Destination Experience
Fall CDME Courses
October 17-20, 2026 in Ottawa, ON
Core Courses
October 17-18, 2026
- Destination Advocacy & Community Relations
- Destination Leadership
Elective Courses
October 19-20, 2026
- Human Resources and Culture Transformation
- Elective Course #2 TBD
Planning Your CDME Experience
Before You Register
An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please allow 10 business days for the application to be processed. Courses are only available to those accepted to and committed to completing the program.
Attendance
To receive CDME credit for a course, you must be in attendance for 100 percent of the scheduled course time. If you cannot attend a course in its full entirety for any reason, you will need to reschedule and take the course at a future date.
Travel Planning
Please ensure your travel arrangements accommodate potential delays. Core courses run 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM each day. Elective courses run 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM the first day and 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM the second day. Schedule your return flight for the evening after your final course day.
Questions?
Contact [email protected] if any conflicts arise.
Courses and instructors are subject to change.
Taylor Ruoff Snider manages the development and administration of Destination International’s professional development and certification programs. Taylor has a passion for advancing sustainable travel and tourism education to support and empower destination organizations and industry professionals across the globe. She has over seven years of experience in educational administration, program and project management, research, and content development for prominent industry associations, destination organizations, non-profits, and consulting firms in the travel and tourism industry.