Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 7, 2006
Contact: Kim Cook
(972) 906-7441
www.iaam.org
DMAI & IAAM Form Group to Unite DMOs & Convention Facilities
The volunteer leadership of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and the International Association of Assembly Managers, Inc. (IAAM) has established a committee to serve as the universal voice to facilitate partnership, provide joint advocacy, and identify common objectives for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and convention facilities.
The focus of the committee, called the DMAI-IAAM Liaison Group, is to enhance the customer destination experience by providing consistency and communication between DMOs and convention facilities.
The 15 members of the DMAI-IAAM Liaison Group held its first meeting in Dallas, Texas on 13 June to discuss issues such as funding and finance sources, joint accountability, opportunities for joint advocacy and best practices. The volunteer leadership of each organization appointed six representatives, a staff liaison and one chair to serve the Liaison Group.
The Liaison Group is co-chaired by Steve Moore from the Phoenix CVB and Peggy Daidakis of the Baltimore Convention Center. IAAM member representatives are: Jeff Blosser of the Oregon Convention Center, Dittie Guise of the Philadelphia Convention Center Authority, Barbara Maple of the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, Jessie Allen of the Orange County Convention Center, and John Christison, CFE of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The DMAI member representatives are: Gerard Tollet of the Greater Houston CVB, Richard Scharf of the Denver Metro CVB, Rick Hughes, CDME of the Kansas City CVA, Dan Fenton of the San Jose CVB, Linda Howell DiMario of the Arlington CVB and Bob Bedell of the Indianapolis CVA. The staff liaison for DMAI is President & CEO Michael D. Gehrisch. The staff liaison representing IAAM is Executive Director Dexter King, CFE.
Both organizations have educational sessions focusing on the topic of cooperative relationships between destination marketing organizations and convention facilities planned at their 2006 annual meetings—DMAI’s 92nd Annual Convention in Austin, Texas (19-22 July) and IAAM’s 81st Conference & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas (4-8 August).
The International Association of Assembly Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly facilities. Members of the association manage public assembly facilities such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to support the industry. IAAM has more than 3,200 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iaam.org.
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