Rob Stern is a travel and tourism industry professional with more than twenty years of experience. A veteran of five travel industry associations and two travel agencies, Rob has a unique understanding of travel and tourism issues, from both the trade and consumer perspectives.

Stern served as a consultant for Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) for six years, assisting the professional development department with logistics support for their meetings, events, and the CDME certification program. Rob was also called on to assist as research study proofreader, web site content editor, hosted buyer program coordinator, and hall of fame bio writer.

Stern worked full-time at DMAI, from 2003-2010, most recently as their Director of Information Services. He began working there in 2003, assisting the meetings and events and communications departments, later becoming Manager of Online Resources and Meetings. In 2004, Rob shifted his concentration to research and resources, and was named Manager of Information Resources. In 2006, Rob was promoted to Director of Information Services. In 2007, he became co-administrator of myDMAI, the association’s social media tool. He served as the Association’s main point of contact for information, and manager of the resource center content, in an effort to provide members with a 24/7 source of association information, DMO industry research, statistics and work samples. Stern also spearheaded efforts to preserve the association's history, in preparation for the centennial celebration.

Rob left DMAI in 2010 to begin his own leisure travel planning service, RobPlansYourTrip.com. Rob is an active member of the NACTA chapter in Raleigh, and attends the ASTA annual conventions.

Stern's past travel industry experience includes serving as the reservations program coordinator for Historic Hotels of America (HHA), Foundation Activities Coordinator for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), Information Specialist for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), and Member Services Counselor and Travel Agent for the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Rob has been active in his community for many years. In 1998, Rob named Maryland's Millennium mascot, "Terrae 2000," for the Maryland Commission for Celebration 2000. Since 1993, Rob has photographed the National Christmas Tree and/or the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, in Washington, DC. He lent his photos to the National Park Service in 1996 and 2006, for use on their web site, when he learned those years were missing from their collection. Rob also served as an Arlington County (Virginia) election officer, from 2011-2015. In addition, he volunteered for community and arts organizations, when he lived in Northern Virginia.

Stern graduated from the University of Maryland's University College, in College Park, with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Management. He currently lives in Raleigh, and is excited to call the Triangle his home.

In Rob's spare time, he enjoys photography, visiting museums, seeing live comedy, and entering trivia contests.