The travel and tourism industry has made significant strides in embracing inclusivity, recognizing the growing potential of underrepresented traveler segments. However, efforts to create more welcoming and inclusive destinations also face challenges in today’s volatile political environment. This virtual roundtable session, led by the globally recognized advisory and advocacy firm APCO, will delve into the evolving political landscape and its impact on destinations striving to uphold inclusive practices. Participants will gain insights into designing meaningful engagement models that foster authentic connections with local communities while learning strategies to anticipate, mitigate, and navigate potential crises. IMPORTANT NOTE: This opportunity is only available for Destinations International members. In the interest of keeping the roundtable a safe space and discussions as candid and open as possible, this session will NOT BE RECORDED.

Explore the future of destination analytics with the DI Overnight Room Demand Analyzer (ORDA). Take a deep dive into the tool that is reshaping the way we understand and analyze the actual room demand associated with events hosted in your destination. As the landscape of event planning undergoes significant shifts and the relevance of this tool increases, ORDA provides insights into a world where traditional event history is no longer a reliable guide. This session will explore fundamentals, best practices, and use cases that will equip destinations with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern events landscape and how they approach event analytics.

Accessibility is not only the right thing to do, but it can help your destination connect with a vastly underserved audience. With 1 in 6 people having sensory needs and 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism, it's crucial to foster welcoming and accessible spaces for every individual. This session, organized by DI's Business Operations Task Force, will take a journey to uncover effective strategies for inclusivity by exploring what visitors are looking for, sharing examples of accessibility initiatives and Certified Autism Destinations, and discussing how to leverage effective programs and partnerships that ensure your efforts make a meaningful difference. IMPORTANT NOTE: This opportunity is ONLY available to Destinations International members.