Destinations International Announces Class of 2026 for “30 Under 30” and “Rising Industry Professionals” Programs
Destinations International Announces Class of 2026 for “30 Under 30” and “Rising Industry Professionals” Programs. Annual programs provide valuable educational and networking opportunities for future destination leaders.
NEWPORT BEACH, Ca., US – Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading and most trusted association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), today announced its “30 Under 30” and “Rising Industry Professionals” classes for 2026. The initiatives are supported by the DI Foundation and founding program partner SearchWide Global.
Destinations International is committed to supporting the professional development of the next generation of industry leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through a competitive annual process, individuals are selected to participate in a year-long professional development experience featuring industry education, networking and mentorship opportunities. The 30 Under 30 program is open to staff of DI member organizations; the Rising Industry Professionals is open to staff of DI partner organizations..
“The 30 Under 30 and Rising Industry Professionals programs are a critical initiative directly aligned with the mission and vision of our association and foundation,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “The destinations sector and travel and tourism industry continue to offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities, and it is more essential than ever that we identify, support and elevate our future leaders. We are proud to welcome the Destinations International 30 Under 30 and Rising Industry Professionals Classes of 2026.”
“The Destinations International Foundation believes it is essential to support and empower emerging leaders in our industry,” said Martha J. Sheridan, president & CEO of Meet Boston and chair of the foundation. “We are grateful to our foundation investors and partners who make impactful programs like this possible and look forward to engaging this impressive group through professional development, education, and meaningful industry connections.”
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“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s 30 Under 30 and Rising Industry Professionals honorees,” said Mike Gamble, chairman & CEO of SearchWide Global. “These emerging leaders embody the bright future of our industry through their exceptional energy, innovation and passion. We are incredibly proud to support them on their leadership journey.”
30 Under 30 Class of 2026
- Aaron RoddyPDM, Content Manager, Discover Albany
- Abby TinglePDM, TMP Social Media & Website Manager, Discover Monroe-West Monroe
- Abigail WaldronVisitor Center Manager, VisitLEX
- Alex HilsePartners in Tourism Manager, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
- Allyson EnnisDigital Media Manager, Delaware Tourism Office (A Division of the Delaware Division of Small Business)
- Amie DiehlTMP, FEP, Social Media & Content Manager, Visit Haywood
- Anna Grace AgniniEnvironmental Resource and Ecotourism Program Manager, Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing
- Belen Alvarado novelSustainable Tourism Specialist, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Breanna MartinezSTS, SDLT, PDM, Sports Development Manager, Visit Corpus Christi
- Cameron CaldwellPDM, CSM, Digital Marketing Manager, Visit Dallas
- Carla BonillaCHDM, Web Content Manager, Discover Puerto Rico
- Christians MillerSenior Partnerships Manager, Destination DC
- Clara RooksTMP, Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager, Explore Gwinnett
- Daniel CabreraPDM, Digital & Multicultural Marketing Management, Visit Oxnard
- Dylan HammonConvention Services Manager, Destination Cleveland
- Emily TremeDirector of Association Sales, Visit Lake Charles
- Erin HofenerMarketing & Communications Coordinator, City of Broken Arrow/ Visit Broken Arrow
- Genevieve AndreaPDM, Marketing Manager, Destination Cape Breton
- Hayden PigottManager, Social Content, Brand USA
- Jenna TheriotMembership Events and Sales Manager, New Orleans & Company
- Julie BicknellPDM, CTA, Social Media Specialist, Discover The Palm Beaches
- Julie MadsenCommunications & PR Manager, Visit Ventura
- Kaelynn BallMarketing and Communications Manager, Visit Howard County
- Kate HertzContent Specialist, Visit Colorado Springs
- Maggie DuffyManager, Marketing Content, Discover Halifax
- Marijah PruittTDP, Assistant Manager, Member Services, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
- Mykenzie Johnson, CMP, SEPC, Senior Manager, Destination Experience, Visit Franklin
- Oakley SwintTravel Trade Coordinator, Visit Salt Lake
- Patrick LaskeMarketing Manager, New York City Tourism + Conventions
- Paula CintronCTA, Destination & Convention Services Specialist, Visit Seattle
To learn more about each honoree, click here.
Rising Industry Professionals Class of 2026
- Aviva NorthPDM, Associate Principal, Coraggio Group
- Hannah LesterAccount Manager, Miles Partnership
- Kory ChinnDevelopment Manager – Web, Simpleview, a Granicus Company
- Micaela NardinoSpecial Projects Manager, Tourism Economics
To learn more about each honoree, click here.
Both programs are being supported by the DI 30 Under 30 Alumni Council, led by cochairs Amanda Eckelbarger, CDME, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Erin White, CDME, Director of Strategic Development, Envisionit.
The Destinations International Foundation also acknowledges the support of USAE for the “Anne Daly Heller USAE 30 Under 30 Scholars Fund,” which provides ongoing educational opportunities for program participants.
For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program, click here, and for Rising Industry Professionals, click heree.
