2026 Annual Conference
REGISTER TODAY
PRICING // SCHEDULE // HOTEL // PARTNERS // DESTINATION TOUR // GET TO KNOW PLANO // OPENING RECEPTION // DMS INFO
Destinations Texas is the leading state association for destination management professionals. We are proud to provide the strongest educational content and networking opportunities for destination organizations throughout Texas.
Our Annual Conference attracts close to 400 participants state-wide and features presentations by tourism's best thought leaders, break-out educational sessions, shirt sleeve discussions along with endless opportunity to connect and collaborate with your DMO industry colleagues.
- Connect and learn from the strongest tourism leaders in Texas and the US
- Relevant and impactful educational training, regardless of your budget size
- Peer-to-peer exchanges among destination organizations and industry partners
- The destination tour and optional electives need to be added to your registration when you register for the conference.
- The Women's Conference is a stand-alone event, however, you can save $100 by registering with an add-on a ticket to your Annual Conference registration.
- The hotel reservation link will be emailed to you after you register for the conference.
CANCELLATION DATE - FRIDAY, JULY 31st 2025: Our cancellation policy is as follows: Before the cancellation date, you can cancel for a full refund minus a $100 administrative fee. After the cancellation date, we cannot accommodate cancellations or registration transfers.
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Bird Members Only
Registration Ends 6/12/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
|
$745.00 | |
|
Member Registration
Registration Opens 6/13/26 at 12:00 AM CDT
|
$845.00 |
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
|
Women's Conference Add-On
|
1.00 (DMS Elective) | $195.00 |
|
Pre-Conference: Destination Tour in Plano
|
1.00 (DMS Destination Tour) | $65.00 |
|
Pre-Conference: Destination Marketing Principles
|
1.00 (DMP Destination Marketing Principles Class) | $65.00 |
|
DMS Elective - Pictures Make Them Want to Be There
|
1.00 (DMS Elective) | $65.00 |
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
|
Non-Member Registration
|
$1,045.00 |
2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
The Destinations Texas team is hard at work finalizing the 2026 Annual Conference Schedule. Submit your session & speaker ideas here by May 31st.
The Destinations Texas Women's Leadership Conference will run September 1 - 2, 2026 just prior to Annual.
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Women’s Conference Registration
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Women’s Conference – Day 1
5:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Destination Tour // Behind the Screams: Inside Plano's Dark Hour Haunted House
Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano is one of the most acclaimed haunted attractions in Texas, known for its cinematic sets, professional actors, and Hollywood-level makeup and special effects. During this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, attendees will get a rare look at what makes Dark Hour so immersive - from intricate set design and animatronics to costume and makeup artistry. This special experience offers an inside perspective on how one of North Texas’ most thrilling attractions brings its haunting stories to life and continues to draw visitors from across the region.
Light bites and beverages to follow at a neighboring local establishment.
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Women’s Conference - Day 2
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Partner Hall Load-in
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration/Badge pickup
Pre-Conference Optional Add-on sessions and Committee Meetings:
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. First Time Attendee Luncheon (By Invite Only)
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Destination Marketing Principles (DMP)
11:30 a.m. - NOON Team Texas Meeting
Annual Conference Begins
Noon – 1:00 p.m. Partner Hall Open
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Destinations Texas Annual Conference - Day 1 including the Texas Tourism Awards Presentation
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Young Professionals Reception sponsored by Tempest and Destination Bryan (location TBD)
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Opening Reception presented by Visit Plano
Legacy Food Hall - 7800 Windrose, Plano
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration/badge pick up
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Morning Remarks
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Morning Sessions
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch and the Destinations Texas Annual Business Meeting
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Sessions
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Partner Hall Time
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Networking Happy Hour sponsored by Texas Monthly (location TBD)
EXPLORE PLANO ON YOUR OWN – FREE NIGHT AND PARTNER DINNER
Destination Spirit Day: Show Your Hometown Pride!
A celebration of the incredible communities across Texas! We invite all attendees to rep your destination by wearing your hometown-branded gear - shirts, polos, team colors, or anything that proudly shows where you’re from. Let’s fill the conference with our local pride and statewide spirit!
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Partner Hall
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Small DMO Breakfast invite only
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Morning Remarks and Wall of Wine Drawing
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Morning Keynote
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Shirtsleeves Sessions
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. DMS Elective Course (optional, pre-registration required)
Course Title: "Pictures Make Them Want to Be There"
CONFERENCE ENDS
2026 Annual Conference Hotel Information
Marriott at Legacy Town Center | Trinity River Ballroom
7121 Bishop Road
Plano, TX 75024
(972) 473-6444
$225 ROH single/double rate
**Room Block closes Monday, August 10th, however we anticipate our block selling out before then.
Surrounded by scenic parks and water features, the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center is a luxurious Plano hotel conveniently located within walking distance to upscale shopping, fine dining, and entertainment. On-site amenities at this modern and comfortable hotel in Plano, TX include a beautiful outdoor heated pool and fitness center.
Enjoy breakfast at Copper Creek, or Rustic Jewel for lunch or dinner or a drink after work. Relax and refresh in the hotel's spacious guest rooms with luxurious Revive bedding and plenty of flexible workspace.
ROOM RATES: Our discounted group room rate is $225 single/double. As in years past, we anticipate our room block will sell out prior to the cutoff date of Monday, August 10th.
PARKING: Parking is available in the garage, which is a part of the hotel. For all registered guests and local attendees, self-parking is available at $20.00 daily. Valet is available for $30.00 daily. These prices include in-and-out privileges.
ROOM CANCELLATION: Reservations must be cancelled by 11.59 pm local hotel time 3 days prior to arrival date. Please note that hotel will assess a fee equal to one night's room/tax USD if you must cancel after this deadline.
2026 Annual Conference Event Partners
ANNUAL 
2026 Destination Tour
Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5:15pm-9pm // Behind the Screams: Inside Dark Hour Haunted House
Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano is one of the most acclaimed haunted attractions in Texas, known for its cinematic sets, professional actors, and Hollywood-level makeup and special effects. During this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, attendees will get a rare look at what makes Dark Hour so immersive - from intricate set design and animatronics to costume and makeup artistry. This special experience offers an inside perspective on how one of North Texas’ most thrilling attractions brings its haunting stories to life and continues to draw visitors from across the region.
Transportation will be provided. Light bites and beverages to follow at a neighboring local establishment.
**This Destination Tour counts as credit towards the DMS Program
2026 Annual Conference Host Destination
We are so grateful to Visit Plano for being our host and presenting sponsor.
Plano, offers a unique blend of charming small-town atmosphere and modern city conveniences. As a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, you can expect Plano to be a city with a wide range of travel options.
PLAN YOUR TRIP // GETTING AROUND // VISITOR GUIDE // THINGS TO DO
2026 OPENING RECEPTION
Wednesday, September 2nd // 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Legacy Food Hall
7800 Windrose Ave.
Plano, TX
**Additional details to come!
2026 DMS Graduates will be honored and recognized at the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 2nd.
DMS Candidates will have the following opportunities to earn credits at the Annual Conference:
- September 1 - 2: Women's Conference - elective
- September 1: Destination Tour
- September 2: Destination Marketing Principles (DMP) Course (runs at the same time as Women's Conference, so you will have to choose one.)
- September 4: Additional DMS Elective Course: "Pictures Make Them Want to Be There" (runs as the same time as shirtsleeves.)
Friday, September 4th 10:00am - 12:30pm DMS Elective: "Pictures Make Them Want to Be There"
Your city is stunning. Your events are electric. Your venues are gorgeous. And none of that matters if you don't have the images to prove it. But not every event gets a photographer. Sometimes the best person for the job is the one who's already there — and that’s you.
Together you’ll learn why the best camera is the one you already have, and how a few simple techniques are all that stand between a forgettable snapshot and an image that makes people say "I need to go there."
Come ready to learn, and leave ready to capture. No experience required. No excuses accepted.
Course Led by Stacey Brooks, Founder & Lead Photo Ninja at SeePink, Inc.
Learn more about the Destination Management Specialist Program
Thank You to our Presenting Sponsor
Interested in speaking at one of our events?