Bonnie Carlson is the 2022 chair of MPI’s International Board of Directors. For the past 36 years, she has held the position of president and CEO of the Bloomington, Minnesota, Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Carlson’s career in the tourism industry spans more than 45 years and she is a leading pioneer in the travel and tourism industry at the city, state and national level. She has been a constant force in destination marketing through her leadership, dedication and innovation.

She is frequently recognized for her longtime commitment as a leader in crafting and supporting policies and initiatives for the city and Minnesota’s travel industry. Tourism is significant to the City of Bloomington, with hospitality being the No. 1 industry, employing more than 24,000 people in hotels, restaurants, attractions and the renowned Mall of America.

Carlson is very active nationally in the travel industry. In addition to her work on the IBOD, she serves on the U.S. Travel Association Board of Directors and is a past chair of International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (IACVB), currently Destinations International, being elected the second female chair of the board for IACVB in 2001/2002. She has also served on several industry foundation boards including Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

She remains active locally and is a past member of the Minnesota Lodging Association Board of Directors and served on the Explore MN Tourism Council for 11 years after being appointed by the Governor of Minnesota in 2004. She was a member of the United States National Tourism Organization Board, which was created from the White House Conference on Tourism. She is currently the co-chair of the board of the newly formed Minnesota Sports and Events organization.

During her career she has been the recipient of many industry awards and was inducted into the Minnesota Meetings + Events Hall of Fame and honored with their Lifetime Achievement Award. She received the Excellence of Tourism award from Explore Minnesota Tourism, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Minnesota Lodging Association and received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Upper Midwest Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

Carlson was named one of 25 Women in Business Industry Leaders by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal. She was also presented with the Spirit of Hospitality Award at the Bloomington Diamond Services Awards.

She enjoys family time, grandchildren, golf, walking, reading and cooking.