Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) has selected James F. Duda for a dual-capacity role, effective October 2, 2006.

He joins the DMAI staff of eighteen to serve as Executive Director of the DMAI Foundation and Managing Director of Destinations Showcase. 

Duda will be responsible for the strategic development and advancement of the Foundation, which works to enhance the destination management profession through research and education.

He will also oversee the management of the popular “Destinations Showcase” tradeshow, a 20-year hospitality tradition held twice annually in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, bringing destination marketing organizations and meeting professionals together for business, networking and education. 

“This past year, Jim’s knowledge and background have been instrumental in the successful transition of ownership of Destinations Showcase from TBA Global Events to DMAI,” said Michael D. Gehrisch, President & CEO of DMAI.

“Jim’s extensive event management experience, creativity and strategic ability are a powerful combination that complements our organization perfectly and will lead both our Foundation and our tradeshow forward.”

Duda has over 16 years of experience in events, entertainment and multimedia. Previously, as Senior Vice President of Exhibitions for TBA Global Events (formerly PGI, Inc.), he helped numerous associations and corporations build better events through solid planning, marketing and execution.

Prior to his experience in the meetings industry, Duda served as COO and co-founder of Reallinx, Inc., a broadband service provider located in Dallas, Texas. He also worked as an account manager for the Synapse Group in Dallas, an Internet marketing company known for its work building the online presence of Hilton Hotels and several other multinational companies. Prior to that, he spent five years as a talent agent for International Creative Management in Los Angeles.