Tourism marketing pros to convene in Dover in fall 2026
Visit Central Delaware recently announced its selection as host destination for the 2026 Media Marketplace.
Welcoming more than 100 travel journalists and tourism professionals, the annual signature event of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism and Public Relations Alliance will meet from Tuesday to Thursday, Sept. 22 to 24, 2026, at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort in Dover.
Visit Central Delaware will co-host Media Marketplace alongside partners Southern Delaware Tourism, Delaware Tourism Office and Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The multi-day conference connects destination marketing organizations from across the Mid-Atlantic region with vetted travel media including journalists, bloggers and content creators. During the marketplace, destination marketing organizations meet one-on-one with media in roundtable-style appointments to pitch story ideas and highlight their destinations.
Attendees will have the opportunity to choose several curated familiarization tours throughout the conference. The tours will showcase some of Delaware’s signature attractions, outdoor adventures and rich historic connections, and highlight the state’s important role in America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Beyond storytelling opportunities, tours give attendees the chance to cultivate media coverage and build lasting connections while experiencing the best of the host destination.
Together, the partnering host organizations will showcase the state’s diverse regions and ensure all attendees have ample opportunities to experience the entire state of Delaware.
“We are thrilled to be able to host this event with our fellow tourism partners and to work with an amazing organization like MATPRA,” said Pete Bradley, president of Kent County Tourism. “Being able to showcase all that Delaware has to offer to media from all over the U.S. will be huge for our region, especially while celebrating America’s 250th where it all began, in the First State.”
“MATPRA’s members – and the journalists I’ve spoken with – are thrilled that Delaware is hosting the 2026 Media Marketplace,” said Eric Knopsnyder, chair of Mid-Atlantic Tourism and Public Relations Alliance. “The state last hosted our signature event in 2009, making this a special opportunity for many attendees to experience Delaware for the very first time. From its rich history and legendary racetrack to its beautiful beaches and welcoming people, I’m confident that everyone who joins us will come away impressed and inspired by all that Delaware has to offer.”
