Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) has named Michele Wisnesck of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau as one of 30 future leaders in the destination marketing industry.
In its sixth year, DMAI’s 30 Under 30 program focuses on identifying and developing the talent of destination marketing professionals, aged 30 and under, through increased access to top-level networking and professional development.
Wisnesck, the bureau’s Director of Interactive Marketing, has been working for the LHVB since February 2011. Her duties at the LHVB include managing and updating www.laurelhighlands.org, maintaining and populating all of the bureau’s social media accounts, tracking website analytics, managing the digital advertising campaigns, and implementing the bureau’s search engine optimization and marketing plans. A Greensburg resident and a graduate of Duquesne University with a BS in Business Administration, Wisnesck is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Media Arts and Technology with a concentration in Website Design and Development at Duquesne.
“I am honored to have been selected by DMAI as one of the 30 Under 30 leaders in destination marketing,” said Wisnesck. “This recognition is a great opportunity for me, and it also highlights the Laurel Highlands on a national destination marketing organization (DMO) level. I am truly passionate about the travel industry and digital marketing. I look forward to interacting with equally dedicated professionals while discovering new and innovative ways to market our destinations.”
Each of the 30 people selected as future leaders of the destination marketing industry were required to submit an essay as to why they should be selected. Wisnesck’s essay highlighted her achievements in destination marketing through website and social media initiatives and involvement with professional DMO groups throughout the country.
"We are very proud of the work Michele does for the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau," said Reneé Seifert, President and CEO of the LHVB. "She is a huge asset to the team who brings a fresh outlook and an energetic approach to all of the work she does for the Laurel Highlands. Michele is always looking to expand her knowledge and bring new ideas that will enhance the work being done by the LHVB."
The honorees will convene for the first time at DMAI’s Annual Convention August 1‐3 in Minneapolis, MN. Recipients will be recognized August 1, immediately following the Opening Keynote featuring Abigail Posner, Head of Strategic Planning at Google.
DMAI received 95 submissions for the 2016 experience, the largest response since the program’s inception in 2011.
“Selecting 30 recipients from a record 95 submissions is no easy task,” said Bob Lander, DMAI’s Chairman. “Our nominating Committee reviewed every submission, and ultimately delivered an impressive roster for 2016. I look forward to recognizing these 30 future leaders who have already demonstrated exceptional potential.”
“Identifying and investing in tomorrow’s leaders is critical for our industry to grow,” said Don Welsh, DMAI President and CEO. “I am confident that the program we have developed for this year’s Annual Convention will inspire and further educate this incredibly talented team of future destination marketing leaders.”
In 2015, the travel and tourism sector supported 284 million jobs, the equivalent to 1 in 11 of worldwide jobs. By 2026, this number is expected to grow to 370 million, which will equate to 1 in 9 of all jobs in the world according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, underscoring the need to develop future industry leaders.
Keep up with Michele's 30 under 30 journey by following her on twitter @michele_LHVB.
Media Toolbox:
Full-color hi-res headshot and bureau logo available here.
About the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau®:
The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. Established in 1958, the LHVB implements year-round seasonal marketing campaigns throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to enhance awareness of the Laurel Highlands as a travel destination, which increases overnight stays, generates jobs and contributes to the economic growth and quality of life for the region.
The visitors bureau and its partners influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose the Laurel Highlands through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services. Destinations within the area include three architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, and Duncan House – Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park and much more.
Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91 and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
About Destination Marketing Association International:
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) protects and advances the success of destination marketing worldwide. DMAI's influential membership includes over 600 official destination marketing organizations (DMOs), also known as tourism boards or Convention and Visitor Bureaus), from nearly 20 countries that command more than US $2 billion in annual budgets. As the world's largest and most reliable resource for DMOs, it provides more than 3,500 individual members - professionals, industry partners, educators and students - the most innovative and relevant educational resources, networking opportunities and marketing intelligence worldwide.
