For readers in the Destination Marketing world, the flurry of activity that accompanied new CEO Don Welsh as he took the reigns of Destination Marketing Association International at the beginning of the month certainly signaled that there was a new sheriff in town. As I criss-crossed the country on speaking and consulting gigs these past few weeks, those clients and friends that didn't attend the association's CEO Forum were quick to query, "what do you think is coming next?"
I would chuckle, wink and say, "I certainly don't know...but, I know it's gonna rock."
The reason I could be so sure? Don was going to go out and land people with DMO experience to revitalize the organization. As I said a number of months ago, there was a time where professional association management was clearly needed at DMAI. But, that day has passed.
Skift's Gregg Oates scored an interview with Don while at IMEX last week in Frankfort in which the picture is becoming clearer and the impetus to become part of the DMAI family more obvious. If you're in the DMO industry, it's a must read, as it goes well past the title subjects in providing a marvelous insight into how the organization is poised to evolve.
Even if you're not, yet interested in a view of how the CEO of one of the largest DMOs in the country evolved in his attitude toward Airbnb? That's in there, too.
Comments