One of my favorite facets of this incredible gig as a consultant to one of the most dynamic and impactful community development sectors that exists today, is the opportunity to preach the gospel of Destination Marketing to audiences across the globe. I love sharing stories that open the eyes of those that previously had not considered the importance of a visitor beyond their transitory spending. Those are among my favorite days.
But, just back from the DMAwest Leadership Conference in Rapid City...I gotta say, I have never had so much fun on stage as I did riffing with my friends Berkeley Young and David Holder earlier this week. Visit Rapid City CEO Brook Kaufman cooked up an idea a few months ago to bring three "competitive" sector consultants together on stage at an industry conference...something none of us believe has ever been done.
What a freaking blast. The three of us played off each other (as only friends can do) for two incredible hours, shared truths about horror story assignments (though not by name) and offered tips on how to get consultants to respond to DMO RFPs. I wish we had recorded the session.
Brook and DMAwest...thank you for the opportunity. And, I hope other sector conferences bring this dream together again...if for no other reason than I love hanging on stage with the best of the best.
An absolute honor and thrill to share the stage. So much admiration and respect mixed in with some friendly jabs. Appreciate you beyond words, my friend.
Posted by: David Holder | June 29, 2023 at 21:08
So much fun to share the dias with you, my friend!
Posted by: Bill Geist | June 29, 2023 at 21:31
Well done gents. Great session.
Posted by: John Cooper | June 30, 2023 at 16:54
Thanks, John...great to see you!
Posted by: Bill Geist | June 30, 2023 at 19:22