The past few years have underscored just how quickly the meetings and tourism landscape can shift. From economic uncertainty to changing traveler expectations, both destination organizations and meeting planners have been navigating unsettled times together.
That’s why annual events like the Destinations International Annual Convention are so valuable. They bring together thousands of tourism professionals from across the globe to share strategies, highlight emerging trends, and spark collaboration.
This year’s convention in Chicago drew a record 2,033 attendees from 27 countries, with discussions centered on three themes shaping the future of our industry: workforce development, community engagement, and responsible tourism.
Labor shortages and turnover remain top challenges, often slowing response times for planners. The convention highlighted workforce training and certification as vital to building resilience—ensuring staff at every level are skilled, supported, and proud to represent their destinations.
Programs like the Certified Tourism Ambassadors (CTA) here in Lansing are a great example of how ongoing training can instill both expertise and enthusiasm across a community.
Another recurring theme was the increasing importance of resident sentiment. Successful meetings and events don’t just bring visitors; they thrive when the host community is supportive and engaged.
For the Lansing area, this mirrors what we’ve seen on the ground. Community support helps us welcome events of all sizes, and our team at Choose Lansing serves as the connector, ensuring planners can tap into both the professional resources and the local pride that make our region unique.
Sustainability and social impact are no longer optional—they’re expected. Attendees participated in service projects addressing food insecurity and supporting local enterprises, underscoring how meetings can leave a positive mark on host communities. For planners, this means working with destinations that prioritize responsibility and long-term impact.
What This Means for Meeting Planners
All of these themes—workforce development, community engagement, and responsible tourism—intersect with challenges that meeting planners continue to face:
- Hotels hesitant to commit to long-term contracts
- Shortened planning timelines
- Staffing gaps and higher turnover
The good news? Partnering with a CVB like Choose Lansing is one of the best ways to navigate these realities. Our team bridges the gap between planners and local partners, helps secure hotel commitments, and provides on-the-ground support to ensure events run smoothly.

Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow as a destination, Choose Lansing remains committed to advancing workforce development, fostering community pride, and promoting responsible tourism practices. These aren’t just industry buzzwords; they’re the foundation for stronger events, a stronger community, and a stronger future for Lansing.
So whether you’re planning your first event in our region or returning for another, know that our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Connect with one of our experts to see how we can simplify your planning process and help you pull off your best event yet!
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