By Holly Woolard, Smart Meetings -- Celebrating the 100th anniversary of destination marketing this week in Las Vegas at the Aria Hotel & Casino, the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) endorsed its 2014-15 board of directors during its annual convention.

Scott Beck, president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake, will take over as board chairman. A DMAI member since 1995, Beck was a key player during the 2002 Winter Olympics as general manager of the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center hotel, which served as a host hotel for AT&T and the European Broadcasting Company. Beck and his team were also the official F&B provider for the Bud World Event that took place during the Olympics at Gallivan Plaza.

“Serving as chair provides me an opportunity to give back to an industry and the people within it who have given me so much,” Beck said. “Yes, it means more meetings, but it also means more chances to learn from these incredible professionals. Being chair at this time is particularly special. We remain relevant as an industry, our centennial this year proves that, but we must look for opportunities to enhance that relevance and provide additional value.”

Robert Lander, president and CEO of the Austin CVB, is chairman-elect and Gary Sherwin, president and CEO of Visit Newport Beach Inc., will become secretary/treasurer. Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick CVB, is immediate past-chairwoman.

The new board members are: Jerad Bacher, CDME, Nasaafir “Let's Travel”; Jay Burress, Anaheim/Orange County VCB; Bonnie Carlson, Destination Bloomington; Kathy Janega-Dykes, Visit Santa Barbara; Evan Smith, Discover Newport; Cathy Tull, CDME, Las Vegas CVA; Brad Weaber, CMP, New Orleans Metropolitan CVB.

“I believe the sustained success of DMAI is a tribute to the remarkable leadership and unique level of collaboration within our industry,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI. “DMAI is an association driven by its volunteer leadership, and we pride ourselves on creating an environment and community where you have much to gain and much to contribute. As we look towards what the future holds for our industry, we are privileged to have such strong leadership guiding the way. There has never been a more exciting time for DMOs and the DMAI community.”

The DMAI membership includes 4,000 individuals from nearly 600 destination-marketing organizations in 16 countries.