Fall may be in the air, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early for DMOs to make plans for filling their convention sales pipeline next spring. DMAI’s Destinations Showcase Washington, the meeting industry’s largest one-day event featuring an exhibit hall comprised exclusively of DMOs and industry associations, will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 28, 2012.

Now in its 26th year, the annual event typically brings together more than 1,000 meeting professionals—representing many of the United States’ largest association, corporate, and government meetings and trade shows—along with nearly 200 exhibiting DMOs from across North America and beyond.

The focus is on site selection and a survey of last year’s attendees shows that planners have plenty to offer participating DMOs:

• 91% of attendees expected to book meetings with destinations or facilities that they visited with during Destinations Showcase
• 46% were considering destinations that they had not considered prior to being introduced at Destinations Showcase

Advance discounts are available for DMAI member DMOs who submit their exhibit space application before September 30. Questions? Contact DMAI.

Mark your calendar!
The 2012 Foundation Dinner will take place on Monday, February 27 in Washington DC. So check your calendar and plan to join hundreds of your peers as we honor this year’s Spirit of Hospitality honoree, American Express. Learn more info.