Interview with David Rome: ADMEI 2016 President

Share This

David Rome has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry in his home town of New Orleans, LA. He first honed his skills at the New Orleans School of Cooking and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. He got his start in the DMC industry 13 years ago when he started at BBC Destination Management. Since then he has served as the 2011-12 President of the Gulf States Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, earned his DMCP and CMP certifications, and in his spare time teaches Hospitality Management at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. His commitment to the DMC industry is inspiring and we are thrilled to see what his ADMEI Presidency brings in 2016!

So David, how long have you been involved with ADMEI?

I became an ADMEI member when I began working in the DMC industry with BBC 13 years ago. I got more involved with my committee work in 2010 when I joined the Nominations Committee. Three years ago I joined the board and began work on the Economic Impact Study with then President Liz Keyser, which was my first big accomplishment with ADMEI. I then moved into the role of VP of Administration in 2014 and then the President-Elect in 2015.

Why is ADMEI important to the DMC industry?

The Association of Destination Management Executives gives DMCs a common voice to share with our partners, clients, and the greater hospitality industry. It unites the industry as a whole and helps us establish best practices, industry solutions, and friendships. The relationships I’ve built with fellow ADMEI Members have been influential in how we run our company, how we treat our employees, and how we work every day. I believe whole-heartedly that DMCs should maintain integrity in their work with clients and with each other. ADMEI helps us create and uphold those important ethical practices.

What is your favorite ADMEI memory?

We have a blast when we are together! My favorite memories are having drinks in San Antonio along the River, Dressing to the nines for the Awards Gala in Vegas, and of course staying out way to late at the Annual Meeting in New Orleans!

What is your most proud accomplishment with ADMEI?

Working on the production the Economic Impact Study was a great accomplishment. I was happy to see Liz and the Board’s commitment to the industry and to help show the impact of DMCs in the United States.

What are you looking forward to doing as president?

I’m excited about ADMEI’s growth opportunities not only in North America, but internationally. We are at 24% International Members and plan to grow that to over 35% within the next year. I am super excited about having our first European location for our Annual Meeting in 2017. Barcelona will be the perfect spot for it and am thrilled that we have five ADMEI members in Spain that will be helping us plan the meeting.

What do you hope to achieve this year as President?

1) Create Accessible Education: I’ve challenged the board to make accessible education the primary goal for ADMEI in 2016. I want to have complimentary and accessible education built into the ADMEI Membership to help DMC newcomers all the way up to owners. These opportunities will focus on created DMC communities. We are working on some higher level education opportunities as well.

2) Expand Our Global Reach: On that same note, we also want to continue to grow our membership! These new education opportunities will increase that membership value.

3) Spread the Word: Finally, to be the voice of the DMCs we have to be heard. I want to inspire our members and board to attend as many industry events as possible, and to share our message and ADMEI spirit. As the leaders of our industry we must make an effort to share our knowledge and partner with similar associations throughout the world to make an impact.