Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Next Up on DMOU > TourismIQ

On the newest edition of DMOU, we check in with Adam Stoker, author of Touchpoints and progenitor of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network to get under the hood of a new free online town square for Destination Leaders. It’s called TourismIQ…and Adam walks us through its genesis, its current build out and what users can expect in the near future. Join Us.

New on DMOU: New York State's STR Legislation

When it comes to Short Term Rentals, trying to put the genie back into the bottle has proven elusive for most governments. Initially defended as a property rights play, elected leaders are now grappling with its unintended impact on affordable housing. On this edition of DMOU, we welcome 1000 Island International Tourism Council CEO Corey Fram with a fascinating story of how, after several twists and turns, the New York State Legislature actually passed a bill this session that brings STRs outside of New York City into the Tourism and Community Development eco-system. And, it all came down to framing the issue as not a Tourism or Fairness issue…but as one that cities, towns and villages actually cared about. Plus a Bonus Round question that has me remembering the best moments of “Slap Shot.” Join us.

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.

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.

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.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Lemons to Lemonade with Paul Beachnau

Gaylord is one of Michigan’s top spots for outdoor recreation (and one of our favorite getaways), where this week they celebrate Alpenfest. But in the past couple years, the community has been buffeted by a tornado, a virtually snowless winter and, like most destinations, a serious shortage of available hospitality workforce. Convention & Tourism Bureau Chief Paul Beachnau joins DMOU to talk about the resilience of the community and how his DMO managed their media relationships to emerge stronger than ever. And produced a video with locals for locals to encourage residents to consider a career in hospitality. Plus, a harrowing Bonus Round Question in which Paul shares possibly the worst day of his life. Join us.

The Shifting Imperative

Catching up on some reading over the weekend, I saw a report issued by Travel Advance back in April that identified the top priorities for Destination Marketing Executives.

And it wasn't Room Nites (finally).

By a significant margin it was Destination Brand Awareness.

Hell yeah.

Next on DMOU: Downtown Monopoly

Imagine your town square. Now imagine it as a one-million square foot game board. That’s what Macomb CVB CEO Jock Hedblade and his community have done in transforming Downtown into the world’s largest Monopoly Board. On this episode of DMOU, Jock joins us with the backstory of how a succession of destination wins produced a sensational visitor magnet and has set the community up for future successes. And, the Bonus Round features the story of a home town kid…who came home. Join us.

Reimagine Everything

One of the many things I love about this gig that enables me to criss-cross this country, working with smart people to elevate their DMOs and destinations, is when I witness the adaptive reuse of a long abandoned structure. Touring the first Spooky Nook outside Harrisburg PA back in 2015 was transformational. Having walked through the truly deserving to be demolished Ingersoll manufacturing facility in Rockford IL, it gave me goosebumps when I was able, years later, to walk through the UW Health Sports Factory.

While I haven't witnessed this one first hand, I can't wait. An old bridge that was used to move cattle to stockyards a hundred years ago is about to be reimagined as an entertainment district with an event center, restaurants and a trail that will create 35,000 square feet of public space above the Kansas River.

That's what I'm talking 'bout!

 

The Universal Language

The Portals Project is a way cool movement to shine a light on life in other places. Star Trek-esque portals are currently in place in New York City and Dublin, allowing people in both cities to see each other in real time.

Waving, blowing kisses and dance off challenges are fairly typical. But, as the Irish Times reports, it didn't take long for a New Yorker to flip off onlookers in Dublin.

To which they "enthusiastically" returned the gesture.

Too funny.