Hosted in partnership with Visit Savannah, Georgia, and led by Joe Marinelli, president and CEO of Visit Savannah, the summit opened with a welcome from Mayor Van R. Johnson and featured keynote presentations from Richard Kessler, president and CEO of The Kessler Collection, and architect Christian Sottile, who shared insights into the development of the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
This year’s summit came at a pivotal moment for destination organizations and the travel and tourism industry. Attendees engaged in candid conversations about navigating an increasingly complex environment shaped by natural disasters, geopolitical instability and societal issues. These themes were central to several summit sessions, including “Surviving the Storm: Tourism Leadership in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” led by DI Chief Advocacy Officer Jack Johnson, which explored how destination leaders can guide their communities through disruption while staying grounded in long-term vision and purpose.
Fred Dixon, president & CEO of Brand USA, shared an update on developments and trends impacting the destination sector, while Jared Orton, president of the Savannah Bananas, delivered an engaging presentation about the importance of providing a “fans-first” experience through brand authenticity and bold leadership.
Reflecting on the event, DI President & CEO Don Welsh said, “As the industry continues to face real challenges, it was clear in Savannah that our members are prepared to lead with passion, courage and intention. This summit was a reminder that destination organizations are not just able to navigate change but can help shape it.”
The summit included a creative immersion workshop hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) at the historic Lucas Theatre, showcasing how design and culture can shape vibrant, resilient destinations.
DI unveiled its 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 during the summit, celebrating emerging leaders from 30 destinations across four countries and territories. Selected from 91 applicants, the cohort will take part in a year-long professional development program supported by the DI Foundation and founding partner SearchWide Global.
The DI Foundation also held a successful silent auction fundraiser, raising more than $83,000 to support industry initiatives and programs.
The 2026 CEO Summit will take place in Newport Beach, California, USA, March 30 – April 1, 2026. Upcoming events this year include:
- Spring CDME Courses, April 7-8, 2025 (Alexandria, VA, USA)
- Convention Sales & Services Summit, April 9-10, 2025 (Alexandria, VA, USA)
- Visitor Services Summit, July 9, 2025 (Chicago, IL, USA)
- Annual Convention, July 9-11, 2025 (Chicago, IL, USA)
- Summer CDME Courses, July 12-15, 2025 (Chicago, IL, USA)
About Destinations International
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most respected resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful, forward-thinking, and collaborative community worldwide. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
About the Destinations International Foundation
The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination organizations globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. The Foundation is classified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code and all donations are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.destinationsinternational.org/about-foundation.