Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

We're Number One

In my home State, it was a real source of pride when Playboy ranked the University of Wisconsin as the Number One Party School in America back in the '70s. While most now say it's an urban myth, a friend swears he transferred to Wisconsin after seeing one year's ranking in which the UW was left off the list because the editors felt it wasn't fair to compare amateurs to professionals.

Top Ten and Best of lists are always a consideration when choosing (or avoiding) certain destinations. But a new list has just been released, ranking the Drunkest Metros in America...a list that probably isn't a honor to which most would aspire.

I had a sneaking suspicion when I clicked on the story link earlier this week...that was quickly confirmed. While I learned to drink in College, I perfected the art while living in Kankakee IL, just south of Chicago. And those I left behind when I moved to Madison have apparently stepped up their game in my absence.

Yes...Metro Kankakee is apparently the drunkest place in Illinois (a distinction achieved without the benefit of being a college town).

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Another Role for DMOs

I can't remember when I began to evolve the concept that DMOs should be a community's marketing agency for every potential consumer for every possible reason (not just Tourism). Mid 90s?

Our 2020 position paper solidified our position on the topic...but this recent study has expanded our view even further.

Government needs Gen Z employees, stat. But, Gen Z can often find more lucrative contracts in the private sector...and working in a governmental environment isn't necessarily appealing to many in the cohort.

Thus, government needs to do a better job marketing to Gen Z. But, Government isn't typically known for its prowess in marketing.

Its DMO is.

Just another reason that government needs to broaden its contract for DMO services beyond visitor acquisition to talent acquisition.

And most DMOs are here and ready. Just sayin'

Fairytale of New York

It's supposedly the UK's most played Christmas song each year. And, a subhead on an article reporting the passing of The Pogues' Shane MacGowan defends the song's dark, nasty lyrics as "an anthem of hope."

Apparently the result of a challenge by Elvis Costello that they couldn't write a Christmas hit, I'm pretty sure Elvis thought his bet was a safe one. He was clearly wrong.

The surreal moment this month was that the Kelce Brothers recorded the song for Jason's Christmas album, reworking it to the "Fairytale of Philadelphia." And, that video was reportedly the last thing Shane tweeted before his death.

On this Music Friday, this is the original "Fairytale of New York."

It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the Drunk Tank.
An old man said to me, "won't see another one."

This is 50

Last night marked the 50th Anniversary of the birth of what is today known as Destination Madison, an organization I was proud and honored to lead during the first half of the '90s.

Thanks to Destination Madison for the kind shout out during last night's festivities regarding my part in securing the public referendum vote to build the world-class Monona Terrace Convention Center that served as the jumper cable for Madison's renaissance. 

And having my successor Deb Archer honored for her amazing 25 years at the helm of the organization was a true treat for Terri and me.

And here's to the next 50...

Bigger than the "Big Game"

What does it say when an event that simply picks future winners and losers without a resultant highlight reel is more important than the Super Bowl?

That's what the Mayor of Detroit said yesterday in announcing updated plans to hold the NFL Draft in the Motor City next April. “This is potentially bigger than the Super Bowl,” Mayor Duggan said. “Only 60,000 people can get tickets to the Super Bowl. But for the NFL Draft, hundreds of thousands can get in — and they stay for the weekend.”

That's why Detroit is reportedly changing the playbook from past NFL Drafts and concentrating all its events downtown. According to Duggan, “When you have 300,000 or 400,000 people coming from across America, we want to change the image of Detroit in their minds once and for all. We felt like to do that, we had to build the draft into the city.”

And, ain't that the whole point of events? To change perception of a destination?

Like Detroit did in 1896...when it launched a never-before utilized Convention Sales strategy to land national events to showcase the city to potential investors.

Thankfully Christmas

On Music Friday, we often transition to songs of the Holiday Season on the day after Thanksgiving. But, despite scoring our tree yesterday, it just doesn't feel like Christmas quite yet.

Maybe it's all the shit going down in our world in an age that should be enlightened rather than ignorant. Maybe its just the vagaries of the calendar; so early Thanksgiving is this year (and again on a Thursday to boot, WTF?).

So, I'm splitting the difference...with a holiday song that has the word "thanks" in it.

This is Queen with "Thank God It's Christmas."

And here's hoping your holidays are grand!

Honoring the Positive on Thanksgiving

Sitting here, mindlessly watching the NFL on Thanksgiving (because I guess that's just what one does). And, as I watch the Lions (who, for over 90 years, despite wandering in the cellar of their division for many of those years, have hosted a Thanksgiving game), I find myself thinking back to last Sunday's game with the Chicago Bears (who was their first opponent on Thanksgiving 1934).

The national media was quick to point out that the Bears set an NFL record on Sunday by being the first team in history to have 4 takeaways and command the clock for more than 40 minutes to lose a game. And, isn't that how our culture has sadly evolved. To point out the failures?

Now, maybe the narrative in Detroit was different...but I prefer to view last Sunday's game as the Detroit Lions being the first team in history to come back from four turnovers and possessing the ball less than 20 minutes to win an NFL game. Isn't that the real story?

As we recognize our blessings, our friends and clients (so often, two and the same), we say thanks for another great year. And, to encourage us all to accentuate the positive in the New Year ahead.

60 Years After

60 years ago this day, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in the streets of Dallas. While most of the conversation continues to center on who shot JFK (the government's version was never very plausible), given new life by the Paramount+ documentary, JFK:What the Doctors Saw.

But an interesting article on Politico asks a much more meaningful question; what if JFK had lived? I remember doing a paper in High School on this very subject, having pieced together a number of news articles from the months leading up to his death. It was increasingly clear that the President was seriously reconsidering America's involvement in Vietnam. The author makes the same case...and several others.

It would have been a very different country and world today had who ever killed Kennedy failed.

The Supreme Court's Existential Moment

The greatest tribunal in the world. One of the pillars upon which this country is founded.

And yet, 58% of Americans disapprove of the actions of the Supreme Court.

And now, following the lead of Ohio's historic vote to preserve a woman's right to choose, 11 other States are poised to raise a middle finger to the highest court in the land.

Don't ask how we got here...because we know.

Ask how we get back to center.

Ron & Sam

50 years ago...can it really be that long ago?

It was the Fall of 1973 that session guitarist Ronnie Montrose, who had worked with Van Morrison, Edgar Winter and Herbie Hancock, got his shot and released the self-titled debut, "Montrose."

It landed with a thud, mostly because the label didn't want to cannibalize airplay from their other rock acts like Deep Purple. But the "Montrose" album rocked with more authority than Deep Purple ever did.

Eventually, the world came around, in part because of the lead singer...a guy listed in the credits as one Sam Hagar.

On this Music Friday we look back 50 years to one of the greatest albums of 1973:

The first track that made so many throw their head back and say WTF: Rock the Nation (from a tribute concert for Ronnie).

Then there was the hot, sweet and sticky Rock Candy, done here by Sammy and Daryl's House Band.

And then, a year later, there was Paper Money and I Got the Fire.

Ronnie was an amazing guitarist. Sammy is an icon.

And Sam has just announced dates for 2024.

That means Good Rockin' Tonight.

The New End Around

It's not exactly "new," but that legislators in two States have employed this tactic in as many days shows how brazen several have become because they don't think we're paying attention...or that we won't remember the next time they're up for re-election.

Earlier this week, we shared the boneheaded attempt of a legislator to redirect Room Tax revenue in Ohio to funding jails. We've just learned from some friends in the Buckeye State that she just slipped an amendment into a fast moving bill that would allow communities to increase Room Tax by 2% specifically to fund jail construction.

And, here's why I call it an end around. For those that are not fans of the game of football, an end around is a play that is typically not expected by the defense. In most offensive plays, the Quarterback hands the ball off to a running back or passes the ball to a receiver (or, if you're Justin Fields, you just keep it). An end around is when the receiver doesn't run down the field to catch a pass but, instead, runs laterally behind the QB and takes the ball around the other end of the field. In essence, it's a trick play because defenses generally don't expect it.

And that's what our Ohio Legislator did. By attaching the amendment to another bill, she eliminated the opportunity for public testimony on the merits of the bill. Those that could explain why this is a sensationally bad idea for Ohio's economy were blocked from offering that side of the argument.

And, it happened this week in Wisconsin, where an amendment to another bill threatened the viability of wedding barns by limiting the number of days alcohol can be served. The measure, supported by the Tavern League and large event venues, never got a hearing...because it was an amendment. Thus, small business owners were never provided the opportunity to plead their case to legislators who are generally supportive of small business. All they heard was big business saying this measure ensures public safety (what a bunch of horseshit).

As a political operative, I can appreciate the elegance of an end around.

But it's a shitty way to run a State's economy.

The Conversations in Which Urban DMOs Must be Engaged

The Plague emptied our downtown cores. There is a general belief today that downtowns continue to struggle. And, without our downtown cores, destinations will struggle to position themselves as viable choices for visitation, residency and investment.

But, a new study offers some hope. And, if local leadership still doesn't respect the power of the Visitor Economy, check this out: Across the 26 cities studied, visitors comprised two-thirds of people downtown, underscoring the importance of developing downtown attractions. While local variations influence a city’s recovery, the report notes that “in general, cities that have strong overall recovery rates tend to have a robust leisure and hospitality industry."

Like we've been saying...

Is It the Beds?

Another reason why the Destination Marketing Organization sector needs to stop saying "heads in beds," stat.

Misguided legislators have long advocated for Room Taxes to go towards alleviating homelessness. But of course, we both are in the business of beds. Makes (im)perfect sense.

Now, a legislator in Ohio is suggesting a change in Room Tax statutes to allow revenue collected from overnight stays in hotels to be used to fund...wait for it...a new County Jail.

It's the Beds. Gotta be. How else would someone who has at least something going on (as she managed to get elected) come up with such a boneheaded suggestion?

A Jail benefits residents. As such, its funding should come from a County's General Fund. Tourism Taxes were levied, often with the support of the hotel community, for the purpose of enhancing the economy, increasing Quality of Life and creating jobs. And don't try to say that locking up bad guys and gals improves Quality of Life. That dog don't hunt.

Redirecting such revenues to house criminals does none of those things. And, my guess is that County Supervisors won't use General Fund revenues to do that either.

So where does that leave a local economy?

Bueller? Bueller? 

Image: The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield (home to "Shawshank Redemption")

Short Term Rentals & the Housing Crisis

The basic tenets of Supply and Demand would certainly support the concept that transferring homes and apartments into Short Term Rentals would cause remaining housing prices to increase. To be fair, Airbnb responds: "There are a number of complex factors driving today's housing affordability crisis — from growing income inequality, to decades of exclusionary zoning, and even changing location preferences post-pandemic, including the rise of remote working from home — but many experts agree the primary driver of the affordability crisis is chronic underproduction of housing, not short-term rentals. Unfortunately, short-term rentals, which in most cities make up a tiny portion of local housing stock, have become a convenient but misguided scapegoat for a housing crisis that started long before the founding of Airbnb."

Rebuttal accepted...but then, there is what has happened in Irvine CA since that community banned STRs: Within two years of the ban, long-term rents decreased significantly; roughly 60,000 rental units in the city saw a 3% rent decrease, on average.

It's a fascinating read in the ongoing conversation of how to balance the needs of all sides.

Image Credit: Tristen Rouse / St. Louis Public Radio

Bob Welch

Shuffle is a wonderful thing. Artists that have dropped from consciousness re-emerge to remind us of their amazing talent and gifts.

That happened this week when Bob Welch shuffled forward. Songwriter, vocalist and guitarist for Fleetwood Mac in the years before they exploded, he had a brief moment as a solo artist in the late '70s. Before the split, my favorite Welch-Mac track was "Hypnotized."

His first solo effort was an album called "French Kiss." The hit was "Sentimental Lady," followed by "Ebony Eyes." I always believed this was where Fleetwood Mac would have gone if not for the introduction of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham to the mix.

But, the tracks that always stop me in my tracks are the closing songs on both sides of the LP. On this Music Friday, I offer up "Lose My Heart" and "Lose Your Heart."

And...yeah. I did.

Always Me

You know the people who always laugh too loud? There were four last night at a corner table at dinner in Downtown Madison. I chalk that up to too much alcohol that afternoon...so, we're good.

But then, across the street at the Overture Center for Craig Ferguson? Right behind me. A guy who spent the fifteen minutes prior to showtime telling his friends what a connoisseur of comedy he was and how many shows he'd seen. He then proceeds to laugh the loudest in the hall, as if to prove he is the connoisseur he claims to be.

But, it's all wrong. He misses the nuance. He doesn't get Craig. He laughs at all the wrong moments...and as loudly as possible, apparently attempting to say, "I'm a connoisseur" when real connoisseurs merely nod and chuckle, appreciating the art behind such a stream of consciousness.

I'm not saying that there weren't bust-a-gut moments during Craig's monologue...but the connoisseur missed most of them. And, why do they always sit near me?

He's in Milwaukee tonight (Craig, not the connoisseur), Evansville on the 9th and Richmond VA on the 12th.

Treat yourself.

 

 

The $550 Tickets in the Front

Been hearing a lot of noise regarding the Eagles' upcoming tour regarding ticket pricing. One post suggested that a band that built its core on working class kids (and that has only one original member) should be ashamed that center section floor tickets start at $550. And yet, they'll get their price.

It reminds me of one of my favorite live album toss-offs between songs. It was the 1969 live album from Three Dog Night, playing the notoriously un-acoustic LA Forum. Early on in the concert, one of the Dogs was heard to say, "what's that back there? You say you can't hear back there?"

To which another Dog said, "See? You should have gotten the $5.50 tickets in the front."

What a long strange trip it's been...

On this Music Friday we offer up a few tracks from each. While never a hit, my all-time favorite Three Dog Night song was a cover of  Homer Banks', "Ain't That a Lot of Love."

And, from the Eagles, I gotta go with a rocker and a ballad: "Already Gone" and "Hole in the World."

$550 seats, indeed.

 

New on DMOU: NYC's Fred Dixon

After a brief travel-induced hiatus, the DMOU Podcast is back with a wide-ranging conversation with New York City Tourism + Conventions' Fred Dixon. As Chair of Destinations International, Fred has laid out an ambitious agenda for his year including DEI and Accessibility, Global growth, Member sustainability and a renewed emphasis on meetings and business events. We discuss these topics and more...including a fascinating (and fun) story of how his DMO partnered with Taylor Swift.

Join us...and it's good to be back.

Pushing Back on Extremism

Destinations International has been fairly vocal in its opposition to travel band and boycotts. While some have been successful in reversing political policy initiatives...they all hurt the very residents and workers that depend on a robust visitor economy. 

Many of this blog's regulars will remember Charles Jeffers, a DMO pro that served, for a time, at Destinations International. He currently serves as the interim executive director of the American Occupational Therapy Association, an organization that is poised to welcome 10,000 attendees to its next annual convention...in, of all places, Florida.

Check out this op ed piece on why they're coming to Orlando. It's an angle that clearly supports the concept that we can do better than boycotts.

Is it a Swedish Thing?

There are two destinations that can always be counted on to take current affairs...and turn them into Tourism Marketing Gold. And, oddly enough, they both bear Swedish roots. Of course, there's Sweden...and then there is Rockford IL, where their Swedish immigrant roots run deep.

Rockford has had a run, capitalizing on Wisconsin Senators fleeing to the city across the Illinois border to block a Senate vote. And, then there was the time that Forbes magazine called Rockford miserable. Classics both.

And Sweden has had their share of moments...best exemplified by their current video. When President Biden confused Sweden with Switzerland...it was just t0o delicious an opportunity for Sweden to point out the differences between their two destinations.

Is this a Swedish thing? Because it so works.