This year, one of the meetings and travel industry's key associations, Destination Marketing Association International, celebrates its centennial anniversary. The group was launched in 1914 as the International Association of Convention Bureaus with 14 member bureaus, all in North America. In those simpler times, most of what would later be known as destination marketing organizations were one-person operations.
The association survived and grew through years of economic, political and social change, and today DMAI includes more than 600 DMOs and 4,100 individual members in 15 countries. Following are highlights of the history of this venerable group and the industry it serves.
MILESTONES
1910s
• The International Association of Convention Bureaus is formed in 1914.
• In 1915, convention bureau executives from 18 cities attend the first official IACB meeting, held in St. Louis. The group elects officers and focuses on creating a code of ethics for the solicitation of meetings.
1930s
• During the Great Depression, the number and duration of association-sponsored conventions decline. The focus of IACB turns to helping member organizations attract corporate and sales meetings, which offer more reliable business during this time.
• Joe Turner is elected as the first paid "secretary" (today's role of CEO) of the association, and a "central bureau" or headquarters is established in Cincinnati.
1940s
• During World War II, the U.S. Office of Defense Transportation places a ban on conventions that stimulate travel due to a nationwide dearth of available hotel rooms. The ban ultimately is lifted in 1946.
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• In 1948 the IACB releases its first delegate survey, which reveals an average daily convention expenditure of $24 for a four-day event.
1950s
• Bed taxes are introduced by bureaus, helping to launch a boom in new convention center openings.
CRISIS AND COMEBACK
Michael Gehrisch has served as Destination Marketing Association International's CEO since 2001. Following, he shares the most significant events that had an impact on DMOs and the travel industry during his watch.
• "Sept. 11, 2001, was a life-changing event for citizens and business leaders, including myself. It demanded compassion, worry and a call to action. These were all-around circumstances that we had never experienced. The way the DMO industry rallied around the constituents they served was a testament of the vital role our members play in their communities."
• "The economic downturn and the 'AIG effect' of 2008 were so immediate that they once again caused the DMO industry to rally with its other travel partners. I truly believe the lessons learned about the importance of travel and the economic impact of meetings and conventions were proven during this time. Ironically, the DMAI Foundation was able to raise millions of dollars in 2001 and 2009…a true rally cry on behalf of our members to help the industry recover and prosper."
• "The strength of the current travel environment reflects how robust the economy truly is, as well as the innate desire for people to travel for both business and pleasure."
1960s
• Convention bureaus, which until now have been divisions of chambers of commerce, begin to become separate entities due to increased funding and the influence of convention business.
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• In 1968, IACB headquarters moves from Cincinnati to Champaign, Ill.
1970s
• IACB changes its name to the International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus to reflect members' increasing role in tourism as a whole.
• In 1972, Peggy Flower of the Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau becomes the first woman to serve on IACVB's board of directors.
1980s
• IACVB develops an education certificate program for six disciplines: communications, convention marketing, convention services, finance/administration, membership and tourism marketing.
• The organization's first international meeting is held in Amsterdam.
• Destinations Showcase, a one-day trade show, is launched in 1987. (The show will be sold in 1995 and then repurchased by DMAI in 2005.)
1990s
• IACVB launches its certified destination management executive (CDME) program, which quickly becomes the industry's highest educational achievement.
• In 1995, IACVB headquarters moves from Champaign, Ill., to Washington, D.C.
• The IACVB Foundation is established to provide research and education, as well as to develop resources and partnerships.
TOURISM TODAY
Represents
7.5% of the world's GDP
Ranks
4th in global exports
Represents
9% of the global work force
(266 million people)
Source: DMAI
2000s
• In 2001, Michael Gehrisch is hired as chief executive officer. He remains in that position today.
• In 2005, the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program is launched to establish a standard for destination marketing operations. To date, more than 180 DMOs around the globe are accredited.
• Also in 2005, IACVB is rebranded with the adoption of its current name, Destination Marketing Association International.
• DMAI membership, hitherto restricted to CEOs of member organizations, opens up to all levels of industry professionals. Before long, the number of members increases dramatically, from 600 to 4,000.
• In 2008, the groundbreaking Futures Study, which identifies key needs in the destination marketing industry, is released.
• In 2010, the DMAI Foundation raises $3 million in its capital campaign. A $1 million grant is made by the U.S. Travel Association, leading to the creation of the Destination & Travel Foundation.
2014 and Beyond
• DMAI releases Destination Next: A Strategic Roadmap for the Next Generation of Global Destination Marketing, a research report that charts the landscape for the industry's next century.
This comprehensive study, released during DMAI's 2014 annual convention (which was held July 21-24 in Las Vegas), includes an analysis of global trends and findings of a survey on best "next" practices for DMOs in the century to come.