Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

That's What it's All About

That a very Blue Milwaukee recently hosted the very Red Republican National Convention says a lot about the city and destination marketing and branding. We discussed this last year on the DMOU Podcast with Visit Milwaukee's Peggy Williams-Smith.

But according to the Mayor, the real reason a city hosts an event like the RNC (not unlike what we also heard from Visit Detroit's Claude Molinari) is all about proof.

Proof that the city could host a national event...which will beget more national events.

Milwaukee rocked the RNC. And that is what it's all about.

The Moment It All Changed

It was 15 years ago this afternoon that the Irving CVB's Maura Gast stood on the stage in Atlanta at the Annual Convention of what is now Destinations International and spoke the words "If you build a place..."

And, in the ensuing 15 years, that video has inspired countless DMOs to re-examine their mandate to include economic development, quality of life and new resident acquisition. It challenged us to, as Rafiki said, "look harder" at our role and responsibility to our community.

I shot that video because the then-DMAI had stopped its practice of recording sessions...and I thought Maura might like a remembrance of her speech. Little did either of us know that I would capture lightning in a bottle that afternoon. And, those words would become mantra for our sector (for more of the back story, go here).

Maura, you changed the trajectory of Destination Marketing forever. And while the Destinations International Hall of Fame now requires a 2-year waiting period after retirement to be considered for induction...I think we all can agree there needs to be a waiver granted in your case. As in, the day after you hang up your skates, you're in.

Thank you for all you've done for our sector. We love you.

You're Kidding, Right?

If you never heard of the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike before, you probably have now. They are the company behind the buggy update that crashed over 8 million Windows operating systems, causing hospitals, governments and airlines to meltdown a week ago, resulting in the biggest IT failure in history. The company reportedly responded by offering $10 Uber Eats gift cards to customers who were affected.

Imagine that you are Ed Bastain, CEO of Delta Airlines, the most severely impacted airline with over 7,000 flights cancelled because of the bug. The financial cost to Delta is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. And, you offer him a $10 gift card?

And then, it doesn't work?

Really?

John Mayall

Called the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall was an exceptional multi-instrumentalist in his own right. But, what he'll probably be most remembered for was his ear for talent. The musicians he invited to join his many band over 70 years is a veritable who's who in music.

Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, Jack Bruce, Andy Fraser, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley, Sonny Landreth, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya...and the list goes on.

John Mayall departed terra firma earlier this week, leaving behind a legacy like no other. And with 39 albums, picking a few gems to say farewell isn't easy. But Music Fridays aren't meant to be easy.

Here are three of my faves as we say god speed to a true legend: Room to Move, So Many Roads (with Gary Moore) and All Your Love (with Eric Clapton).

And you wanna go deep? Check out this concert gem from 1982 at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic NJ featuring Mick Taylor, John McVie, Albert King, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Etta James.

Nice Try

When smoking aboard domestic flights was outlawed in 1990, two enterprising entrepreneurs decided to launch their own "members-only" play to get around the ban. Called "Smokers Express" the plan was to offer flights where passengers could enjoy complimentary cigarettes, premium steaks, burgers and pizza. And, because membership was limited to those 21 and over, Smokers Express promised that flights would be free of "screaming babies."

They never secured enough venture capital to ever get off the ground.

Next Up on DMOU: Scott White

Each year on DMOU, we invite the new Chair of Destinations International to share their agenda for the upcoming year. On this episode, Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Scott White shares his goal of providing a higher level of engagement and mentorship to the generations entering the DMO sector…and talks about how his DMO is engaging members of his community to become part of the hospitality community with a pathway to senior management. And then, there is a Bonus Round Question that explores a fascinating love story. Join us.

Last Week

Our past couple posts have reminisced about our annual industry conference ten years ago when we hung with Robin Zander at MSP and scored an Eric Wahl painting by facing my fears on stage.

Fast forward to last week in Tampa where almost 2000 of our peers gathered to network and celebrate this incredible sector of Destination Leadership. I was honored to facilitate a killer panel featuring Brad Dean, Al Hutchinson and Molly Rawn in CFObyDesign's CEO Lounge. And, I had a bit part in Josiah Brown's standing room only, showstopping breakout on how to effectively communicate with local stakeholders and politicians. Once again...the best session of the conference.

Not to brag...but, for the past couple decades, Berkeley Young and I have been two of the go-to speakers at tourism conferences across the nation. And, we still enjoy the opportunity to share our thoughts with audiences around the country.

But, Josiah Brown is the next big deal in this space. If you have a role in planning your next tourism conference, give Josiah a serious look. 

And, thanks Josiah, for giving me a fun roll in your DI session. Too fun to riff with you, brother.

Ten Years Ago

It was ten years ago yesterday that I serendipitously stood on a stage in Las Vegas in front of 1000 friends and colleagues...in a total sweat. Here's the back story.

Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago tomorrow, Terri and I were headed to Las Vegas for our industry convention. Serendipitously, we ended up hanging with Robin Zander of Cheap Trick.

The story is worth repeating.

 

The Happiest Place on Earth Has a Problem

No...not Disney.

And, it's not Finland.

The country of Bhutan has prioritized happiness since the '70s when the concept of Gross National Happiness (as opposed to Gross National Product) was introduced by former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

While that national mission has been successful, the country's economy is teetering on collapse. There are acknowledgements that the singular focus on happiness may have been a misstep, as 30% of the country's youth are unemployed.

Officials are looking to tourism as a way to generate jobs among the young and jump start the economy...but they are clearly watching the pushback in Europe this summer. "High value / Low volume" continues to be the mantra.

It should be fascinating to see how they make this work.