Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/875690
DestinationNEXT studies were also launched. "Our new name, Destinations International, reflects the new reality that we are so much more than just marketers of our desti- nations," said Sherwin. "We are destination architects, advocates and brand leaders, and our new name truly reflects our more broad and engaging mandate to serve our cities as economic gen- erators." This rebrand was made possible through a collaborative eight- month rebrand process with Miles Partnership, based upon feed- back gathered from stakeholder interviews, and extensive analysis of key operational facets of the Association. "The Destinations International team is proud to introduce our new brand, which was made possible by the collaborative effort of our Board of Directors, the Miles Partnership team and through the feedback of our members," said Welsh. "Our new vision, mission and value proposition represent our commitment to provide our members with what they want and need to be successful." As Destinations International officially launched a new name, four new initiatives were also announced at Annual Convention: • Destinations International announced a newly established partner- ship with the James Beard Foundation (JBF) • Destinations International entered into a strategic partnership with the Destination Marketing Association of Canada, allowing for the sharing of resources and collaboration on educational opportunities. Additionally, the Association will assist with the advocacy efforts throughout Canada. • In partnership with Tourism Economics, the Canadian Model of the Event Impact Calculator (EIC) will be made thanks to a grant from the Destinations International Foundation. • The Defining the Impact of the Weaponization of Travel Study, which was released as a joint effort from the Destinations International Foundation and the PCMA Education Foundation, explores whether travel boycotts and bans work to effect political change, what the long- term damage to a destination's brand is and what the life cycle of a boy- cott is. • Also announced was the release of the DestinationNEXT (DNEXT) 2017 Futures Study, which is a Foundation-funded study that reports on the trends and opportunities that will shape the future of destination mar- keting and management. Milwaukee will host the 68th Women's International Convention/Crusade(, an annual event of the Church of God in Christ, from May 25-June 2, 2018. The announcement was made on June 2nd at this year's convention in Orlando in front of an audience of 10,000 people, with 30,000 viewers live streaming from 80+ countries. VISIT Milwaukee Convention Sales Manager Megan Husband was on hand to thank the group and welcome them to Milwaukee next year. Rich in history and passionate in its beliefs, the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is a Christian organi- zation in the Holiness-Pentecostal tradition based in Memphis, TN. It is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States, with a predominantly African-American mem- bership of more than 6.5 million members. The Church has congregations in more than 80 countries around the world. "The Women's International Conv- ention/Crusade is an opportunity for women of the Church of God in Christ to gather to be inspired and encour- aged. It is also an opportunity for the Convention to recognize and highlight our excellent spir- itual leaders that God has raised up in this region. We believe that prayer and seeking God's will led us to the deci- sion of Milwaukee being the place of the 2018 Convention," says Mother Barbara McKinney, the Administrative Facilitator for the Women's International Convention. According to VISIT Milwaukee President & CEO Paul Upchurch, "We are thrilled to host the Women's International Convention/Crusade. We know the attendees will enjoy touring Milwaukee's vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful lakefront, easy walkability, and friendly hospitality." The convention will be held in the Wisconsin Center and has an estimated economic impact of $12.5 million to the greater Mil- waukee area. MAJOR CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST CONVENTION CHOOSES MILWAUKEE IN 2018 10,000 Attendees to Bring Major Economic Impact B M & T ••• July/August 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7