Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Boycotts and Cancellations

A few years ago, North Carolina and Indiana infamously passed "bathroom bills" and quickly lost major sports events and future corporate investment. Both States ultimately backed off...but the damage was done to their national reputations.

Today, it's Georgia. After passing a law that many believe will restrict voter rights, Major League Baseball has pulled this year's All-Star Game from Atlanta. Will Georgia legislators blink?

Don't get me wrong, I abhor restricting voting rights for any citizen of this country. But, does pulling the All-Star game hurt the citizens of Cobb County more than the clearly teflon politicians that passed this tone-deaf measure? Will they back down as other States have done? Or does this reaction inflict further pain on a travel industry that has been decimated this past year?

I caught this interesting take yesterday from WSB Radio in Atlanta. Yeah...lots to unpack here.

The law still sucks...but, if Georgia legislators won't budge, who gets hurt?

The unintended consequence, indeed.

10,000

When we relaunched DMOU (Destination Marketing Organization University) as a podcast in the Summer of 2019, I'm not sure we had a goal in mind...other than to share compelling stories from people in and around the Destination Marketing space. It's what we love to do; shining a light on people who are making a difference.

But, waking up this morning to the fact that, overnight, DMOU passed the 10,000 download mark? That's cause for humble celebration.

Thanks to the over 50 guests over the past year and a half that have taken time out of often brutal schedules to share their truths. You inspire us...and we're thrilled to give your voices wings. And, to those that have powered the downloads, thanks for valuing what we've created.

And, if you've yet to listen, the entire library of conversations is available here, as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other audio platforms...including our latest episode with Visit Alexandria's Patricia Washington.

Here's to 20,000!

Missing a Market?

As Americans over 65 are increasingly in line for their vaccinations across the country, one could make the case that they may be the first back out on the road.

Indeed, TravelAbility's Jake Steinman said as much in an article he posted earlier this week, adding that this cohort is also sitting on 70% of this nation's discretionary spending power. They're also more likely to require special accessibility features in hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Sounds like a perfect time to start re-imagining how we all serve this growing market. To get you motivated, check out our conversations with Jake, Greater Lansing's Julie Pingston and Visit Mesa's Marc Garcia on DMOU podcasts.

Time to Step Up

We were honored last Fall to be invited to be a contributor to a video series developed by BVK that addressed the need for DMO transformation. Clearly, we've been singing that song for years...but it was cool to have an accomplished agency like BVK embrace our ideas.

The first three videos in the series are out...but we really want to direct you to the opening salvo from Erin Francis-Cummings from Destination Analysts. They recently surveyed over 240 DMO executives and found that 95% recognize the need to transform to meet changing realities. But, less than half believe they can...or are willing to exert the effort.

Erin's episode is a must-see...if for no other reason to realize that you are not alone. And, that you should not shy away from the knowledge that change is required...and you're just the DMO pro to do it.

And, DMOproz is here to assist.

Auld Lang Syne

On the last day of a truly horrible year, we have nothing but hope as we look to the next. And, Terri and I wish you a new year full of truth, promises kept and generosity to all.

On this final Music Friday of 2020 (a day early), this adaptation of the classic New Year's toast rings particularly sincere. It's from the Hudson WI-based band called Yam Haus...with stunning videography of this year in the Twin Cities by JayBird Studios.

This is a 2020 version of "Auld Lang Syne."

What a gift to be alive, indeed.

And, One More Thing

In yesterday's post, we referenced a stunning report from PGAV and H2R that was eerily prescient upon its pre-VID completion.

In regards to NET promoter scores regarding diversity, there's this: "People of color are largely less satisfied with their attraction visits; and the younger an American is, the more likely they are to represent a more diverse lineage. It is possible that some attractions are not reflecting these populations proportionately in their leadership and boards, and are therefore not adapting their content, messaging, and attractions/interests to meet these populations’ interests and styles."

It's just one of the reasons, along with Searchwide Global and Destinations International, we penned a position paper on the imperative of Board Diversity.

Oh yeah...and one more thing. Vote like your life depends on it.