Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

New on DMOU: PCMA's Sherrif Karamat on AI

PCMA CEO Sherrif Karamat is one of the deepest thinkers in the business events space on the planet. And, not unlike those old EF Hutton commercials, when Sherrif talks, I listen. So, when he said that DMOs were falling behind his members in the adoption of AI at Destinations International’s Annual Conference this summer, that was more than enough to earn an invitation to DMOU. Join us for a fascinating discussion of how he believes AI can reduce the mundane and better connect us to our clients…and where Sherrif believes the future of DMOs lies.

It's just one of over 120 powerful conversations you'll find in the DMOU Vault.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Cannabis Tourism

Almost half of American States have legalized the recreational use of cannabis...but many DMOs in those States struggle with ways to promote the advantage they possess against States that don't. On this episode of DMOU, we talk with Brian Applegarth, the foremost expert in the intersection of cannabis and tourism, about how to escape the stigma...and focus on the health, wellness and inclusionary aspects of this amazing community asset. A fascinating episode.

Rearden Metal?

When I read that a team of researchers from the University of Connecticut had developed a material that is five time lighter and four times stronger than steel, I couldn't help but think back to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," in which steel magnate Hank Rearden develops just such a compound. When the government demands he turn over the rights to the process for the good of the country, Hank refuses...setting up a storyline that pits inventors and entrepreneurs against politicians and bureaucrats.

I know a number of people believe liking this book (and the 3-part movie, which maddeningly swaps out actors for each episode) is akin to admitting that one is a Republican (though today's Republican Party looks nothing like what it used to when that "connection" was initially made). I see it as a story about a fiercely independent woman running a railroad in the face of overwhelming adversity. I really don't care what meaning others have ascribed to Dagney Taggert and Hank Rearden and the rest of those that walk away from a world gone awry.

Anyway, good on UConn to do what Hank did (fictionally) almost 70 years ago. Now, when will we get this beaming up thing figured out?

On Artificial Intelligence

Each year at the Annual Convention of Destinations International, we roam the halls asking a single question. This year, that question was how DMOs were beginning to utilize Artificial Intelligence (or AI). On this episode, you'll hear from a handful of DMO pros on how they are using AI to jump start ideation and save time in the composition of written communiques. And, as you'll hear, this is just the beginning for our sector.

A Brilliant Solution to a Northern Problem

Here in the geographic upper tier of the United States, it gets cold in the winter. Sometimes bone-chilling below-zero cold. So, the walk from the parking garage to the airport terminal can be a dilemma if one is traveling south for some warmth.

Let's be honest...an overcoat is only necessary in the two transits between terminal and parking. You don't need it during your excursion to tropical climes. And, stuffing your big-ass coat in your bag once in the terminal is a hassle and could needlessly put you over the weight limit for baggage.

Enter MKE...one of a handful of airports that offers a coat check for frigid passengers to doff their heavy coats before heading to warmer destinations. It's $2/day with a maximum charge of $10 regardless how long you're gone. And, they provide the service in their Summerfest Marketplace retail store...exposing those dropping off their cold weather gear to a plethora of cool local products.

Pretty brilliant, eh?

Phoenix Rising

As we breezed around a corner into the trade show area of last week's Upper Midwest CVB Fall Conference, what to our wondering eyes would appear but our friend Staci Wilken (the former CEO of Visit Kankakee County). 

As we talked about the tumultuous year that she's had, I thought back to a DMO CEO with whom I worked during my days in Madison. When I asked why she abruptly stepped away from what was (at least outwardly) one of the choicest gigs in the Midwest, she replied, "you can only be told "fuck you, you suck" so many times a day before it's really not worth it anymore." And, this was an individual that rarely swore in public.

That's pretty much what happened to Staci at the hand of a micro-group of community "leaders" who wanted her gone...despite the incredible work she had accomplished in her time there. So, she left behind the sickening bullying to recapture her life.

And, like a phoenix, there she was, launching her new venture called Experience Edit, an experience-based management agency. A what, you ask? Check out her Facebook page to get a more nuanced understanding of how Staci can assist you and your organization.

And, welcome to this side of our world, my friend. 

DEI is also Visual

As we noted yesterday, addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is so much bigger than ethnicity and gender. It also can extend to how Destination Leaders address ensuring that visitors with sight challenges are able to enjoy the experiences we offer. 

Travel Yukon has partnered with EnChroma to deploy special glasses designed to help the color-blind among us to see the Northern Lights in all their radiant glory. As the news release from EnChroma notes: "Ten tourism operators in Yukon, and the Yukon Visitors Information Centre, will loan EnChroma glasses to color blind visitors. This partnership will enhance accessibility and inclusion, help attract more tourists and make the visits of those who are color blind more colorful and memorable."

Wanna experience what one man saw? Click Here.

And, for the millions around the globe with colorblindness, this is so very cool.

Admitting Mistakes

Politicians rarely admit their mistakes. Corporations do more often...but still less than we'd all like.

And, while Apple didn't apologize this week for the several head scratching "advancements" they've made to their hardware over the past few years, the new Macbook Pro boasts a positively last-decade feel. Back are ports (no more infuriating dongles), function keys and the magnetized charging port. They've returned to a more traditional keyboard after years of complaints. In the end, they've taken the most exasperating aspects of owning a recent Macbook and relegated them to the dump.

Now we wait for them to ship to see if my pet peeve gets solved. At some point, the development team at Apple thought that it would be a good idea to disable the backlit keyboard until one logs in. Did no one who beta tested this design fail ever try entering a password in a dark environment? I silently swear at whoever cooked up this each evening when, not wanting to disturb those around me, I crack my Mac on the back porch or in the living room.

I'm holding my breath in anticipation.

 

Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism is Back

Earlier this year, on the DMOU Podcast, we hosted Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria to talk about his organization's outsized role in environmental sustainability. In one of our questions, we delved into an event they helped launch in 2018 called Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism.

After a scaled back COVID-driven virtual event last year, the event is back in Victoria as a live event set for January 22-26. If you're a Tourism pro in Canada, you know you must go. If you're from anywhere else, you know you should go.

Size is in the Eye of the Beholder

In my newsfeed this afternoon, I see a story on a proposed $1.3 billion entertainment, event, dining and retail project. I see a proposed $34 million sports complex in the Midwest. And, I see the largest of the three communities getting excited that a new Starbucks could help revitalize downtown.

Sometimes, it's the little things that mean the most.