DCVB’s Bradley Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Marketing

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) has named Laura Bradley, Marketing & Sales Manager for the Door County Visitor Bureau (DCVB), as one of thirty future leaders of the destination marketing industry.

In its fifth year, DMAI’s 30 Under 30 program focuses on identifying and developing the talent of destination marketing professionals, 30 years of age and under, through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership.

“This group of individuals not only keeps destination marketing on the cutting-edge, but is the future of our industry,” commented Michael D. Gehrisch, President & CEO of DMAI. ”The 30 Under 30 program provides this key group with access to new knowledge and tools that are necessary to further infuse innovation into their organization.”

Gehrisch said the program helps spot those up-and-coming individuals that will keep destination marketing on the cutting-edge. “The travel and tourism industry supports nearly 266 million jobs – 1 in 11 of all jobs in the world,” he said. “Recruiting and retaining a diverse group of talent will be critical to DMAI’s mission of protecting and advancing the success of destination marketing organizations worldwide.”

As one of DMAI’s 30 Under 30 award recipients, Bradley has been awarded complimentary registration and hotel accommodations to DMAI’s Annual Convention, the foremost professional development opportunity for individuals working at official destination marketing organizations (DMOs) like the Door County Visitor Bureau. Throughout the year-long program, Bradley will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of professional development and volunteer activities for sustained industry engagement.

“I’m honored to have been chosen for DMAI’s 30 Under 30 program and am excited for the educational and professional opportunities this designation brings,” Laura Bradley said during a recent interview. “The journey to DMAI’s Annual Convention in July will be a great chance to meet the other 30 Under 30 individuals, learn from one another and gain further insight into the tourism industry and destination marketing organizations throughout the country.”

Bradley grew up in New Richmond, WI and relocated to Door County in 2009. She has been the DCVB’s Marketing & Sales Manager since January of 2013. She and her husband currently reside in Sister Bay.

“Identifying and developing future leaders is an important priority, and DMAI has stepped up to the plate in a big way with this initiative,” said Mike Gamble, President & CEO of SearchWide, the founding partner company for the 30 Under 30 program. “The DMO world is an exciting and challenging career path and it is crucial we prepare this group for the complexities of leading these organizations. Having access to industry education and industry leaders will create significant learning opportunities for these individuals,” he said.

Laura Bradley may be reached for interviews at 920-818-1137 or laurab@doorcounty.com.

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