Visit Sarasota County’s Nathaniel Sweetman Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Organization Industry

Visit Sarasota County is thrilled to announce that Nathaniel Sweetman has been named one of Destinations International’s 2024 30 Under 30 recipients. To learn more about each honoree, click here.

Nathaniel joined Visit Sarasota County in June of 2021 as the Communications & Public Relations Coordinator. Through his various experiences in Sports Communications, including internships with the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and The IRONMAN Group, VSC found value in adding Nathaniel to their Communications team at a much-needed time. Nathaniel was then promoted to the Sports Commission as the Sports Marketing Coordinator in the fall of 2022, right up his wheelhouse. He’s since served in that role alongside Director of Sports, Pete Harvey, where the two constantly identify and bring various niche sporting events to Sarasota County’s world-class facilities.

“VSC is lucky to have Nathaniel and is eager for him to continue learning and growing in the industry from experts all across the world.,” states Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. She continues, “We appreciate Destinations International for offering this opportunity for young professionals and are thrilled that Nathaniel is part of this prestigious honor.”

Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives. Each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are selected to gain valuable industry networking opportunities and increased thought leadership throughout the year. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and were selected from a competitive pool of 96 applicants.

“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “As our industry moves toward recovery, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry.”

The Destinations International Foundation believes it is important to empower future leaders,” said Ellie Westman Chin, CDME, president and CEO of Destination Madison and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 Program enter its 14th year, and we are thankful for the foundation investors who make programs like these possible for our industry through their contributions. We look forward to engaging with this group of emerging leaders through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders throughout the year and in the years to come.

“We are pleased to honor this year’s 30 Under 30 class of bright and talented young leaders,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Year after year, I am consistently impressed by the caliber of individuals we welcome into this program, representing destinations worldwide. We remain committed to helping our young leaders shape the future of our industry.”

The 2024 30 Under 30 Class Includes:

• Alexandria Eady, Content Manager, Richmond Region Tourism
  America Segura, Public Relations Manager, Visit Corpus Christi
  Andrew Lawrence, Assistant Director, Arlington Sports Commission, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
  Brittany Jones, Marketing Project Manager, Discover Durham
  Caitlin Neal, Marketing Director, Gilmer Chamber/Pick Ellijay
  Catherine Streater, Senior Coordinator, Brand USA
  Cristina Fernandes, Leisure Sales Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
  Fallon Tullier, Research and Technology Manager, Visit Baton Rouge
  Hailey Post, Destination Data Manager, Visit Raleigh
  Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager, Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism
  Jessica VanDeMar, Marketing Manager, Visit Finger Lakes
  Kasmara Freiderich, National Sales Manager, Experience Rochester, MN
  Katie Clarke, People and Culture Coordinator, Destination Vancouver
  Lee Prutsman, Senior Marketing Manager, Visit KC
  Luke Alexopoulos, Senior Public Relations Manager, Visit Eau Claire
  Macy Dolton, Content Marketing Specialist, Destination DC
  Maggie Carter, Creative Marketing Manager, Visit Baltimore
  Martin Garneau    , Senior Manager, Systems Architecture and Application Development, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
  Mary Coryell, Manager, Partner Relations, Discover Lehigh Valley
  Megan Myers, Digital Media Director, Hocking Hills Tourism Association
  Megane Simone, Bid & Communication Manager, Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation
  Millie Stewart, Director of Sales, Visit Ogden
  Nathaniel Sweetman, Sports Marketing Coordinator, Visit Sarasota County
  Orla Moule, Business Events Assistants, Fáilte Ireland
  Samantha Green Ewald, Destination Services Manager, Visit Charlotte/Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority
  Sheridan Powell, Communications Specialist, Visit Colorado Springs
  Sydney Macapagal, Digital Content Strategist, Visit Galveston
  Sydney O'Connell, Marketing Manager, Visit Fort Worth
  Wayne Stewart, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Casper
  Wesley Sosa, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager, Visit Stockton

Now in its 14th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX. For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2024 30 Under 30 class, please visit destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30.

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About the Destinations International Foundation:
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations. In short - DI educates, equips, and empowers our members to grow the success of their destinations and to excel professionally. Membership grants access to a wealth of important industry resources, educational opportunities, and exclusive benefits. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.  

About Destinations International:
Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. Destinations International is about serving destination marketing professionals first and foremost. Together with more than 6,500 members and partners from over 650 destinations in approximately 13 countries, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association that exchanges bold ideas, connects innovative people and elevates tourism to its highest potential. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.

About Sarasota County
Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota County welcomes more than 3 million visitors annually. Within its 725 square miles, the county serves up a diverse menu of cultural and recreational activities and attractions, including award-winning dining, world-class fine arts and performing arts, professional and amateur sports, and the area’s circus heritage. Vacationers can enjoy city life in downtown Sarasota, revisit old Florida in Englewood and Venice, enjoy some of the best beaches in the U.S. on Siesta Key and Longboat Key, or play in North Port’s many parks and waterways. Sarasota County is perhaps best known for its 35 miles of pristine coastline in addition to 6 barrier islands, delivering options for beach getaways that are unrivaled almost anywhere else in the U.S., including Siesta Beach, named the No. 1 beach in Florida, the No. 2 beach in the U.S. and No. 9 in the world in TripAdvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com. Connect via Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

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