Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Zucchero

As we huddled around our TVs, nervous to venture out in those first few weeks of the then-unknown that was COVID, we began to see musicians creatively utilize streaming technology to entertain and assure us that there would be a better day. While it's taking a lot longer than many of us expected, I think back to a televised event in April of 2020 called "One World: Together at Home" in which Lady Gaga helped curate a fundraiser to support frontline health workers with hours of performances from artists around the world.

It's where Terri and I first experienced Zucchero. It was a moment that we looked at each other and exclaimed, "he's been out there for 50 years. How did we not know this amazing voice?" The song that enraptured us was "Everbody's Gotta Learn Sometime."

Since then, we've been diving into his amazing catalogue of work, including this sensational duet with Sting.

On this Music Friday, we share another duet...this time with Eric Clapton.

Hey Man? How did we miss you over all these years?

Rando Thoughts on the Annual Convention

A week out from Destinations International's Annual Convention in Toronto, we look back and say thank you. Thanks for the camaraderie, the networking and the learning. Thanks for the honor of getting to moderate a killer panel of DMO thought leaders (Brookhaven's Renee Areng, Burlington's Jeff Lawson and Rapid City's Brook Kaufman) that attracted a standing room only crowd of over 300 attendees.

And thanks for the laughs. Best line I heard in another session's Q&A (and, no...I won't say who said it because it could cost them their job) was that they were struggling with managing Board Members who were eligible for carbon dating.

Which I had to laugh again today when I see that there is so much carbon being emitted in our world that carbon dating is no longer accurate.

So...I guess you're stuck with them, dude.

Air Tags for Air Travel

Air Travel has de-evolved into a complete shit show. Cancelled flights. Lost luggage. And having to travel next to self-absorbed assholes doesn't make it any better.

The air travel disaster stories we heard at Destinations International's Annual Convention in Toronto last week made us happy that we chose to drive (even though we were fugged with for an hour at the border...yeah, welcome to Canada, you hoser).

This story has gone viral...and though there are some serious security concerns about Apple's Air Tags, this application makes some serious sense.

Got Money?

As a way to manage inbound tourism, Spain is implementing new rules that will require international visitors to prove they have the financial resources to enhance the Spanish economy.

Visitors will be asked to prove they have at least €100 ($103) to spend in Spain per day, and a further minimum of €900 ($918), or its legal equivalent in foreign currency.

Credit Card balances will also be considered...but what a pain in the ass at border crossings that will be.

I get it...but it also signals that you'd really rather I didn't visit.

So, I guess I won't.

FOLLOW-UP: The Director of the Spanish Office of Tourism says this is not a new policy, it applies to all EU countries...and that such border checks are rare.

Encouraging the Night Economy

As Destination Leadership Organizations have increasingly focused on the culinary aspects of their communities as a defining magnet, the logical next step would be to focus on what's next; when the dining experience is complete. And yet, one of the most frustrating aspects of a DMO's website is often the lack of a meaningful list of after-hour club dates and activities.

I get it. The owners and operators of our nighttime economy don't work the same hours we do...so it's hard to source the information we need to build out our event calendars. But when did easy define us? Nighttime entertainment is crucial to both increasing overnight stays and creating sharable moments online.

Chattanooga was one of the first DMOs to address this issue. The City of Philadelphia just hired a Director of the Nighttime Economy.

If there's action in your town after 8...you should. too.

I'll Do Anything

This Music Friday post honors the moment that Terri and I finally admitted to each other that there was something smoldering there.

Thank you, babe...for all the love, laughs and sensational experiences we've shared.

No one could say it as well as Kiefer. This is "I'll Do Anything."

Oh yeah...and I love you more ;)

And "I Can't Stay Away."

Better TravelMobility

We all have people in our families that struggle with mobility. And, just maybe, these entrepreneurial firms don't have the bandwidth to ramp up faster. But we need them more than ever.

DMOs that understand their role in destination development should learn more about these firms. Because we all need to make our destinations more accessible . 

25 Years Ago Today

While it doesn't seem like yesterday, it certainly doesn't seem like a quarter century since Madison opened the doors on the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace Convention Center. Seven years almost to the day when then-Mayor Paul Soglin unveiled plans for adapting Wright's design into a convention and community center, during which the first two were consumed in a ferocious referendum battle that resulted in a 50.8% win. Walk downtown today and ask people if they voted for it and I'm pretty sure 4 out of 5 would say yes...that is how important Monona Terrace has been to Madison's renaissance.

I was part of the team that strategized and led the effort to get that referendum passed. In the process, I was mentored by two individuals that will, sadly, not be in attendance when those of us that moved this civic project to the goal line gather later this week. They are also, outside of my parents and a handful of professors, the two individuals that taught me life lessons that made me who I am today. Both Morrie Andrews and George Nelson departed terra firma in the past few years, but they were the men that made Monona Terrace happen. To be sure, there were hundreds of us that contributed and the Mayor got the ball rolling...but without George and Morrie, it never would have happened.

As we prepare to celebrate 25 years (and salute these two men), I went back and re-read my eulogies. You should, too.

George Nelson and Morrie Andrews...two guys that changed Madison forever.

Croce

My friend Lee Tasseff (CEO of Destination Mansfield-Richland County) is a regular follower of our Music Friday posts (thank you)...and reached out to suggest this sensational piece that recently ran on CBS Sunday Morning about A.J. Croce...the son of Jim Croce.

So cool that the son has come back to honor his father...while still making his own sensational music.

Thanks for the nudge, Lee :)

And sorry to send you down the rabbit hole again with the Jim Croce link.

Not.

Oooops

Destinations International has been a shining light in opposing the weaponization of boycotts against travel to make a political statement. While the fiscal pain the boycotting state or city inflicts on another can be substantial...it doesn't take into consideration the pain and loss that is also inflicted on hospitality workers (many that may agree with the boycotter's position...but need to score a regular paycheck to survive).

So, it's not with a bit of irony that we see California Governor Gavin Newsom vacation with his family in a State that his State has said is verboten for State-funded travel because Montana's politics don't jibe with California's. Of course, his trip is personal and not funded by the State (though there is some question of who is paying his security detail).

Hey...I couldn't be more pleased that the Governor is spending his money in a State that really needs visitors this year. But, can we stop with the political grandstanding that hurts visitor economies and the people that most need a paycheck?

And, if not for them, because this will always come around and bite you in the butt during the next campaign.