Partners

Founding Partners

SearchWide Global

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and operates worldwide.

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB's work engages our 800 members, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national, and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of overseas leisure visitors who come to the region each year.

The mission of ConferenceDirect Foundation is to fund charities supporting a wide spectrum of historically underserved or disenfranchised communities. We aim to provide education and life-improvement opportunities to LGBTQ individuals, persons with HIV/AIDS, disabled individuals, the homeless, the poor and hungry, and those affected by COVID-19 and addictions.

Pinnacle Partners

ASM Global is a venue & event management company based in LA, specializing in managing stadiums, convention centers, theaters, and unique venues. Their purpose is to connect the world through inspiration, innovation and imagination. Every day, they realize the potential of the world’s greatest places, spaces and events to create amazing experiences for their guests and exciting opportunities for their team members, while delivering the highest value for their stakeholders.

Freeman is a leading global event agency offering a complete solution for exhibitors, corporate events and trade shows. Freeman provides full service design and production resources for corporate events, exhibit programs, expositions and conventions across North America. Annually, the company produces nearly 4,000 expositions and over 10,000 other events. Corporate headquarters are in Dallas, Texas, and the company has offices in 90 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Destination DC is a private, non-profit corporation with a membership of 1,000+ businesses and organizations that support the DC travel and tourism sector. A contracting arm of Events DC, the organization is funded by a percentage of DC’s hotel occupancy tax, along with membership dues and co-operative marketing fees. Destination DC serves as the lead organization to successfully manage and market Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical communities.

Destinations International strives to make our members and their destinations successful. As the world's largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations, we inform, connect, inspire and educate our members with the goal to drive destination economic impact, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life through travel. Destinations International recognizes and advocates the importance of cultivating a unified travel industry where everyone is welcome, where there is equitable access for all, and to help reshape existing power structures so that systemically marginalized voices and perspectives are heard and valued.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry. U.S. Travel is the leading force that grows and sustains travel and protects the freedom to travel. Their efforts are focused on achieving a shared vision with the industry: Travel is understood as essential to the economy, American jobs, security, image and well-being of the United States and travelers.

The IMEX Group concept launched in September 2001, opening their first show in April 2003 in Frankfurt, and opened IMEX America in Las Vegas in October 2011. IMEX's vision of a world where good business transcends borders and where global meeting planners and suppliers can easily connect, has driven their organization forward. Their aim has always been to be more than an exhibition organizer. They've placed ourselves at the heart of the meetings industry, and designed our shows to help you learn, connect and do business.

As the official, non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles Tourism’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic and community benefits of tourism. Proudly representing more than 1,100 member businesses, tourism is among the region’s top economic drivers, including employment, business sales, and tax revenues. With residents from over 140 countries speaking over 220 different languages, L.A.’s incredible diversity infuses every aspect of the visitor experience – from our innovative and eclectic culinary scene, vibrant arts and cultural community, and unmatched, world-class entertainment options. L.A. is a place of personal freedom that inspires locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the kind of unscripted moments that can only be found here, because #EveryoneIsWelcome in Los Angeles.

Simpleview offers a full suite of services that help DMOs lift their brand and web presence, cutting through the marketing noise and connecting travelers with their destination and partners.

Spectra is a world leader in professional management, hosting more than 15,000 events a year for upwards of 23 million guests across the U.S., Canada and the globe. To deliver the highest quality results, we create customized strategies with innovative, customer-first solutions to help our clients meet their goals. From on-sales to encores, Spectra venue teams are the best in the industry. Supported by senior leadership, our teams help clients maximize budget and operations, optimize sales and marketing, elevate relationships with top promoters and meeting planners, connect with fans and the community, and implement industry best practices to effectively and efficiently host extraordinary live events and entertainment.

NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. Their mission is to maximize travel and tourism opportunities throughout the City, build economic prosperity and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world. A 501(c) 6 private corporation, NYC & Company represents the interests of nearly 2,000 member organizations across the spectrum of businesses and organizations in the City.

Miles is a strategic marketing company focused exclusively on travel and tourism. They work with more than 90 destinations and hospitality businesses to create forward-thinking print and digital content marketing solutions.

Created by the Board of Broward County Commissioners in 1987, Visit Lauderdale - previously known as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) - is a governmental agency funded by a portion of the tax on hotel rooms. The Visit Lauderdale team promotes the Greater Fort Lauderdale area as a premier year-round leisure and meeting destination.

Premier Partners

ASAE is the essential organization for association management, representing both organizations and individual association professionals. They believe associations have the power to transform society for the better. Their passion is to help association professionals achieve previously unimaginable levels of performance. They do this by nurturing a community of smart, creative, and interesting people: their members. In short, they are the Center for Association Leadership.

The Calling All Allies Project is an international organizational equity firm that works with companies of all sizes to help them design equitable systems and processes, nurture inclusive environments, and attract and retain top diverse talent. Whether the organization is new to DEI or in need of more intensive support, their team of advisors can support your needs. Their number one priority is igniting workplace unity within your organization. DEI doesn't have to be tough, hard, or awkward.

Visit Baltimore is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that generates economic benefits for the region by marketing Baltimore as an engaging cultural destination for visitors, an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, and as an advocate for the local tourism community. We also work to develop the next generation of hospitality leaders through the Visit Baltimore Education and Training Foundation.

Contributing Partners

MGM Resorts International is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. At MGM Resorts, they know the importance of respecting each other’s differences. They endeavor to embrace and leverage those differences to achieve best-in-class experiences and cultivate stronger ties with their employees, guests, suppliers and community partners. They are committed to taking strong and principled stands on issues of equality and aim to better unify our world.

The Society for Diversity is a leading advocate for bringing inclusion, equity, and fairness to the workplace for everyone. At The Society for Diversity, they advocate for workplace inclusion, equity, and fairness for ALL. Their work impacts the way organizations interact with unique individuals in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

Experience Columbus' vision is to be the leading force in creating and revealing the best of the Columbus experience to the world. Experience Columbus' mission is to sell, market and promote the Destination Columbus experience to visitors. Experience Columbus is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by more than 1,000 partners who invest in the efforts of Experience Columbus and help make Greater Columbus an appealing destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, convention delegates, and residents.

Visit Phoenix is a non-profit organization that promotes the Greater Phoenix community to a global audience of travelers and books conventions into the Phoenix Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Visit Phoenix cultivates and maintains relationships with convention and meeting planners, journalists and influencers, travel agents and tour operators. They produce marketing and brand campaigns promoting leisure travel and meetings, coordinate site visits, conduct media tours and maintain the official tourism website for Greater Phoenix.

Established in 1998, The School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) has a distinguished tradition preparing leaders in the sport, recreation, tourism and hospitality industries. Our innovative approach to learning combined with our location in the heart of Philadelphia fosters transformational education experiences.

The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management encompasses two unique fields of study: hospitality and tourism management (HTM) and recreation tourism management (RTM). HTM is business-based in curriculum and is tailored to meet both industry needs and student expectations. RTM is centered in social science with a strong connection to community, and has been a leading program in this field since the 1950s.

Accor is a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in 5,200 hotels, resorts, and residences across 110 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of brands from luxury to economy, Accor has been providing hospitality savoir-faire for more than 50 years.

Visit Buffalo Niagara was incorporated on March 4, 1987 and is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the administration and operation of the organization. VBN employs a staff of talented tourism professionals dedicated to promoting tourism and accomplishes this by soliciting national, state and regional meeting planners, motor coach tour operators, travel agents and independent consumers. In 2017, $1.8 billion dollars in traveler spending occurred in Erie County, generating $221 million in tax revenue. That’s $578 in tax savings per household in Erie County.

Hero Partners

IAEE is the leading trade association for the global exhibitions and events industry. Over 50 percent of IAEE’s members are directly involved in the planning, management, and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events. The remainder of our membership consists of those who provide products and services to the industry. IAEE values and promotes diversity of membership, in terms of company size, products, and geographical area.

Visit Aurora is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Aurora, Colorado and acts as the primary liaison between meeting planners and hotel partners. As Aurora’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Visit Aurora’s mission is grounded in showcasing Aurora as a premier destination for meetings, business, and leisure travel.

Glacier County Montana

Montana’s westernmost region beckons. Grand landscapes and small-town hospitality make for authentic experiences and unforgettable moments.

Founded in 1978 as Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Association, Travel Portland is a private not-for-profit Destination Marketing and Management Organization. Travel Portland generates travel demand that drives economic impact for Portland.

The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau is a sales and marketing organization whose sole focus is on strategic marketing of customized "wow" experiences for the meetings and conventions industry. Established in 1945 to promote the Greater Cincinnati area as a convention and leisure destination, The Cincinnati USA CVB is made up of four primary departments: Sales, Marketing, Services and Membership.

DMO Proz

With over 25 years consulting Destination Marketing & Management Organizations (DMOs), Convention & Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), Chambers of Commerce, State and Regional Tourism Organizations, DMO PROZ works with DMO CEOs, Staff, and Boards of community development organizations dedicated to increasing the Visitor Economy and the quality of life in their regions. Their expertise focuses on creating collaboration between people, organizations, and elected leaders.

Explore Brookhaven provides professional tourism leadership and expertise for the Brookhaven destination. Their mission is to enhance the image, perception and success for tourism activities and economic opportunity in the city of Brookhaven. Explore Brookhaven is a nonprofit, 501(c)6 organization, contracted by the City of Brookhaven, Georgia. Also known as the Brookhaven Convention & Visitors Bureau, we the organization began doing business in 2019.

Explore Minnesota is a state tourism promotion agency and pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state's tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state's tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations.

Friend Partners

Vladimir Jones is Colorado’s original independent, integrated advertising agency, with offices in Denver and Colorado Springs. They treat every client engagement as a long-term partnership, wherein they believe in all of its opportunities and prepare for all of its challenges. And they extend this same grace to their team, building them up for what’s next and being a relief in times of stress.

The DMC Network is the meeting industry's only fully member-owned community of destination management companies (DMC's) operating in 100 destinations across North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Europe.

International CHRIE (ICHRIE) is a non-profit professional association, that provides programs and services to continually improve the quality of global education, research, service and business operations in the hospitality and tourism industry. ICHRIE, an inclusive, collegial association, values creative, ethical and progressive action and improvement of global hospitality and tourism education and research.

The Delaware Tourism Office is part of the Division of Small Business Development and Tourism, a division of the Delaware Department of State. Moments of excitement, joy and relaxation await in Delaware. Where it’s in the softness of a countryside vineyard, in a blossom-scented path along grand estates or being whisked away to a sun-splashed beach oasis, you can find experiences that spark a renewed sense of adventure and the moments we’ve been waiting for that bring us closer together. Delaware has three distinctly different regions, each with its own style, character, and wide range of possibilities. It is the kind of destination that delivers the excitement we crave, but also the quiet joys of shared discovery.

The Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association is among the most active and successful trade associations in Delaware, impacting legislation of concern to the entire lodging and tourism industry. We represent hotels in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in the State of Delaware. DH&LA activities give hoteliers the opportunity advocate to their elected officials. We support scholarship programs throughout he state and continue to help promote tourism in Delaware!

ACTFL provides vision, leadership and support for quality teaching and learning of languages, ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 13,000 language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry. Since its founding in 1967, ACTFL has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in meeting the changing needs of language educators and their learners. It is where the world’s educators, businesses, and government agencies go to advance the practice of language learning.

The PA Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns mission is to elevate and grow the bed and breakfast industry in Pennsylvania by providing support, guidance, and education to innkeepers; building strong relationships with key industry leaders; and lobbying for state laws and codes that fairly deal with the needs of innkeepers and guests.

Founded in 1973, and headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, The Materials Research Society is a growing, vibrant member-driven organization of over 13,000. It includes people from over 90 countries around the world—from the richest of nations to developing countries.

Partnership Opportunities

Tiered partnership opportunities are available.

For more information about TDM’s mission and how to get involved,
please contact Greg DeShields at gdeshields@tourismdiversitymatters.org