During his time as Chair, Edwards will oversee strategic planning, the direction of DMAI and the organization’s efforts to advocate for tourism worldwide.
“We have an opportunity to impact change in a major way,” said Edwards. “The resources that DMAI provides its members are an invaluable source for all destination marketing organizations (CVBs). With this dedicated team, we will work towards strengthening tourism advocacy through each of the destinations we work alongside.”
Edwards has been with the GDMCVB for 12 years. He also oversees the Des Moines Area Sports Commission (DMASC), which has been under the GDMCVB umbrella since 2006.
He has led convention and visitors bureaus in Illinois, Kansas and Iowa. Edwards has received many awards, from Manager of the Year with Marriott Hotels to being recognized by industry peers at the Upper Midwest Convention and Visitors Bureau 2000 Conference with the Individual Professionalism Award.
He currently serves on numerous boards including the: Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Destination Marketing Alliance, Travel Federation of Iowa and Susan G. Komen Iowa.
DMAI is the world’s largest and most reliable resource for official destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and CVBs. It is dedicated to improving the effectiveness of more than 3,500 professionals from 600 destination marketing organizations in more than 20 countries.
DMAI provides members—professionals, industry partners, students & educators—the most cutting-edge educational resources, networking opportunities, and marketing benefits available worldwide.