Visit Central Delaware is proud to announce that it will be the host destination of the 2026 Media Marketplace, the annual signature event of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism and Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA), from Sept. 22-24, 2026, at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort in Dover. Central Delaware will welcome more than 100 travel journalists and tourism professionals to the region for this event.
Media Marketplace is a multi-day conference that connects destination marketing organizations (DMOs) from across the Mid-Atlantic region with vetted travel media, including journalists, bloggers and content creators.
During Marketplace, DMOs 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 (FAM tours) throughout the conference.
Each FAM tour will help showcase Delaware’s signature attractions, outdoor adventures and rich historic connections – timed to highlight the state’s important role in America’s 250th celebration. Beyond storytelling opportunities, these FAM tours give attendees the chance to foster media coverage and build lasting connections while experiencing the best of the host destination.
“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.”
Visit Central Delaware will co-host Media Marketplace alongside Delaware tourism partners, including the Delaware Tourism Office, Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Southern Delaware Tourism. Together, these organizations will showcase the state’s diverse regions and ensure all attendees have ample opportunities to experience the entire state of Delaware.
“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.”