Destinations International Annual Convention: Igniting the Passion for Travel

Destinations International Annual Convention

Client: Destinations International |  Event Type: Association Annual Meeting & Expo

 

Objective

Destinations International, the world’s leading association for destination organizations, brings together convention and visitor bureau leaders each year to align on industry trends, share best practices, and strengthen the global DMO community. For its annual meeting in Chicago, they set out to deliver a  large‑scale experience that balanced meaningful education, collaboration, and connection for more than 2,100 attendees from 28 countries.

To achieve that vision, they sought an event partner they could rely on year after year — one that operated as an integrated extension of their team. They needed a general services contractor with deep association expertise, proven operational consistency, and a collaborative approach that would support long‑term growth while allowing their team to stay focused on their members and mission.

“When I’m able to trust someone to do their job, it makes my job easier…working with Encore and Hargrove has been great.” 

Andrea Lane Crawley
Senior Manager of Meetings and Events, Destinations International

Solution

As Destinations International’s full‑service event partners, Encore and Hargrove worked together to support the growing annual meeting with an integrated, end‑to‑end approach. As the general service contractor, Hargrove played a central role in bringing the annual meeting to life. From early planning through on‑site execution, Hargrove partnered closely with DI to manage the show environment and logistics, ensuring a cohesive and well‑coordinated attendee experience across every touchpoint. Encore led the overall conference production, delivering seamless execution across a complex program that included a general session, mini general sessions, pre‑event programming, certification and education seminars, and a variety of networking experiences.

Through close collaboration, Encore and Hargrove delivered a thoughtfully customized experience that elevated the event while remaining mindful of budget realities. Encore’s event technology solutions set the tone and energized the program, with dynamic lighting design enhancing key sessions, Backdrop Pro scenic elements creating visual consistency, and a live‑feed social media digital billboard encouraging real‑time connection among attendees. Hargrove brought the physical environment to life through custom‑fabricated scenic elements that included a distinctive “wavy” informational wall, a branded photo‑op installation, and additional structures designed to enhance wayfinding, branding, and attendee interaction throughout the venue.

“We know that when we’re working with Encore, whether it’s a meeting for a hundred people in a hotel or whether it’s a couple thousand, the quality and the expertise will be there.”

Don Welsh
CEO, Destinations International
Services Provided
  • Event Production & Management
  • General Service Contracting
  • Design & Fabrication
  • Expo Floor Management
  • Exhibitor Services
  • Graphic Design & Detailing
  • Shipping & Material Handling
  • Onsite Labor & Logistics
  • Show Management Support
  • Encore services include: General Session Production, Lighting Design, Event Technologies and Expo Floor AV Solutions