About Us
Discover Denton
As the official destination management and marketing organization of Denton, the mission of The Denton Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DDMMO), d.b.a Discover Denton, is to connect with hoteliers, attractions, and events, increase visitor expenditures, and strengthen its communities by advancing economic growth and vitality. We help facilitate tourism-related development, events, overnight stays, and visitor connections in the local economies.
Initiatives
Diversity and Inclusion
Denton is a destination that extends a warm welcome to all visitors, and Discover Denton is proud to be at the forefront of that vision. We support diversity and inclusion efforts, both internally and externally, in our organization and in our community engagement to ensure that individuals of all backgrounds feel respected, heard, and represented.
Structure
Formed as the Denton Destination Management & Marketing Organization in May 2026, the Denton DMMO, d.b.a. Discover Denton, represents the City of Denton. A board of directors that includes representatives from the hospitality industry, the Denton Chamber of Commerce, and members of the community appointed at-large by the board of directors oversees operations and sets strategic direction for the staff.
Funding
Discover Denton is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues generated by overnight visitors staying in local lodging properties. In addition, Discover Denton receives funding through the Denton Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID). For more information on TPID, click here. These tourism-specific funding sources support destination marketing, sales initiatives, visitor services, and programs designed to attract overnight visitors and generate economic impact for Denton.
Meet the Discover Denton Team
Kristi Criswell Executive Director/CEO
Sales
Carly Blondin National Sales Manager
Destination Services
Adrienne Hawkins Director of Destination Services
Marketing
Emily Bain Director of Marketing
Maddie Finn Digital Marketing Manager
Kaitlyn Gelpi Creative Marketing Manager
Board Members
The Discover Denton board members:- GLENN CARLTON - CHAIR
- North Texas Fair & Rodeo
- SETH MORGAN - VICE CHAIR/TREASURER
- Denton County Brewing Co.
- EMILY WRIGHT - SECRETARY
- Homewood Suites
- JEFF PRITTS
- Denton Convention Center/Embassy Suites
- TRACY NGUYEN
- Springhill Suites
- CASEY MARTIN
- Best Western Premier
- JEN PEACE
- Denton Arts & Jazz Festival
- BRITTANY SOTELLO
- Denton Economic Development, City of Denton
- KRISTEN PULIDO
- Main Street Program Manager, Denton Economic Development, City of Denton
- KRISSI ODEN BERRY
- Greater Denton Arts Council
- SCOTT JOSLOVE*
- Texas Hotel & Lodging Association
- HARRY EADDY*
- Denton Black Film Festival
- JOE HOLLAND*
- Denton City Council
- CHRISTINE TAYLOR*
- Assistant City Manager, City of Denton
