Themed "Achieve Excellence: Right Here. Right Now," over 570 destination marketing professionals, educators, students, and industry partners from over 245 destinations registered for the convention, held 21-23 July 2010 at the Westin Diplomat.  In addition, over 300 individual exhibitors and sponsors participated in the convention.  Over 100 DMO industry providers exhibited on a sold out Business Exchange tradeshow floor, up 9% since 2009.
  
"This year we extended our social responsibility reach by striving to reduce our waste impact and taking time out to support an important social cause," said Michael D. Gehrisch, DMAI president & CEO. "To help us 'green' our event, DMAI encouraged our attendees to bring tote bags from home, and reduced our overall paper use by taking a majority of convention information online with DMAI's new mobile site.  Additionally, attendees were given the opportunity to be socially responsible by volunteering with Feeding South Florida and assisting local citizens as part of the association's official day of giving."
  
"In a challenging year for all industries, DMAI and its members have great work to show when we think strategically and get creative, such as creating three initiative-focused committees to further delve into relevant issues," said Dan Fenton, 2009-2010 board chair and CEO of Team San Jose.  "I'm proud of what we have accomplished this past year and truly look forward to continuing that success.  It's great to come together and not only gain feedback from the past year but get energized about what is ahead."
  
Also at this year's event, host destinations were announced for the association's 99th and 100th Annual Conventions.  "As the association representing destinations around the world, DMAI could have selected any number of outstanding cities to host their conference and we're thrilled that they chose Orlando," said Gary Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County CVB, Inc.  "We're also honored to host the world's great destination marketers and industry representatives in 2013. We certainly plan to roll out the orange carpet for everyone and to showcase all that Orlando offers from its acclaimed attractions to new accommodations, shopping, dining and cultural options." 
 
For its 100th Annual Convention, a major milestone for the association, DMAI has chosen Las Vegas, Nevada.  "The partnership between DMAI and Las Vegas dates back more than five decades and we are honored that DMAI has chosen us as the host destination for the centennial convention," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president & CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  "I can think of no better place than Las Vegas to host such an important milestone event for the industry.  Both DMAI and Las Vegas have been at the forefront of marketing the trade show, convention and travel industry."
 
View photos from DMAI's 96th Annual Convention