Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Next on DMOU: Doug Small

On this week's edition of DMOU, we sit down with Experience Grand Rapids CEO Doug Small and talk about how his community continues to evolve, how his DMO has doubled down on their brand pillars…and how he takes his Board of Directors to travel trade shows so they can experience, first hand, what we do to bring business to our communities. And, a Bonus Round where we geek out on cooking and herbs. Join us.

Next Up on the DMOU Podcast: Tampa's Santiago Corrada

Destinations International has long held that boycotting States over legislation that runs counter to an Association’s values has the unintended consequence of hurting the very people we purport to support. And, Tampa Bay’s selection as this year’s Annual Conference site certainly raised some eyebrows in some quarters. DI has countered by saying this year’s event will serve as a Case Study in showing how destinations can support communities that would otherwise be negatively impacted by a boycott.

On this episode of DMOU, Visit Tampa Bay’s Santiago Corrada joins us to share how his DMO has been connecting convention attendees with unconventional experiences, the kind attendees will be glad they didn’t boycott. Join us.

New on DMOU: Sophia Hyder Hock

On this very special edition of DMOU, Destinations International’s Chief Social Inclusion Officer Sophia Hyder Hock shares the evolutionary shift from EDI to a more inclusive platform in which DMOs can move beyond silos to develop truly welcoming initiatives. We talk about how this concept came to fruition and how DMOs can successfully utilize new resources through the Social Inclusion portal of the DI site. And, you’ll hear how Sophia’s parents elegantly reacted when, as a child, she asked for a baby elephant.

Join us.

Next Up on DMOU: Stacy Ritter

As we kick off a new year of conversations on the DMOU Podcast, we start you off with a bang. Visit Lauderdale’s Stacy Ritter is a force of nature…and has been an unapologetic voice against some of the policies coming from the current State’s political leadership that have caused some conventions and events to cancel bookings in her destination. We talk about how the culture of the community and the DMO simply require no less of a response, as well as discussing her DMO’s work in the DEI space before there was such an acronym. And, on her Bonus Round Question, she shares her experiences as the Florida Chair of the first Obama for President Campaign.

Invest a half hour in this fascinating conversation.

New on DMOU: NYC's Fred Dixon

After a brief travel-induced hiatus, the DMOU Podcast is back with a wide-ranging conversation with New York City Tourism + Conventions' Fred Dixon. As Chair of Destinations International, Fred has laid out an ambitious agenda for his year including DEI and Accessibility, Global growth, Member sustainability and a renewed emphasis on meetings and business events. We discuss these topics and more...including a fascinating (and fun) story of how his DMO partnered with Taylor Swift.

Join us...and it's good to be back.

Priorities Indeed

Over the weekend, I stumbled upon a letter to the editor of the Mountain Express that took issue with the salary of Visit Asheville's Vic Isley:

"Victoria “Vic” Isley’s new contract as the director of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority makes her the highest-paid public official in the county. So now we know conclusively what Buncombe County prioritizes. Now we understand that tourism is more important than education, jobs, roads, DEI, health care or absolutely anything else."

The writer is absolutely correct. Tourism is the most important investment the community can make with its Room Tax collections...because it drives the non-resident revenue that government requires to support education, jobs, roads, DEI, health care and absolutely everything else.

Any other questions, Mark?

Richard Davis

After over 650 Music Friday posts, I know that unknown musicians get very few likes...some are even ignored.

But, when it comes to Richard Davis...I really just don't care.

I had the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the world when I led what is today know as Destination Madison. He was one of the most genuine, grounded and empowering men I have ever known.

And I didn't play. So many of the individuals you will see if you click on the links below are musicians, with whom he imparted his unbelievable gift and effervescent encouragement. But, for me...it was the essence of confidence, compassion and empowerment, regardless of whether you played or not. I loved the all too short moments in his presence.

I get that you likely don't know the man who left us this week; the man who played with Sinatra, Van Morrison and Springsteen, to name just a few. But, I ask that you honor this rare talent by clicking on a few of these links:

His TV Obit on WISC-TV.

A feature on the NEA Masters Series.

And, if you only have time for one, this is the one.

Rest Sweet Prince...you have had such an impact on so many. And I was blessed to have known you.

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.

That's a Wrap

For those that have been missing their daily dose of Zeitgeist, j'excuse. We've been burning on finalizing preparations for and launching the inaugural Board Leadership for Destinations Symposium with our friends from SearchWide Global, Civitas Advisors, CFObyDesign, Fired Up! Culture and representatives from Destinations International. Hosted by one of our dearest friends in the industry, Maura Gast and the exceptional team at the Irving Convention Center, the event exceeded even our expectations when we hatched this egg of an idea in Toronto last summer.

Thanks to the DMOs that joined us on this journey for your faith in our ability to deliver compelling content to your Board members and provide them the opportunity to interface with their peers from across the country, from Mat-Su to Savannah and Newport to Anaheim. And thank you for the closing session encouragement that this was, indeed, an empowering experience for CEO and Board members alike. That was our intent all along.

And, for those that couldn't join us because of scheduling conflicts, know that we'll be announcing future dates in the coming weeks.

Because, this was just too cool of an experience for all of us to not do it again.

For all that joined us in Irving...Thank You.

New on DMOU: Embracing the Night Time Economy

A lot of attention is paid to the 6a to 6p economy...but that has been a disservice to its 6p to 6a sister of the night. 24 Hour Dallas intends to change that...and we talk with the organization's Coordinator, Bryan Tony, on the most recently released episode of the DMOU Podcast.

Chick here to listen...or find us on your favorite podcast platform.