Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Are We Really Celebrating?

This 4th of July is unlike any in our history. And yet, so many of us are racing to congregate in the face of skyrocketing cases of the VID. And others refuse to wear masks, believing in a game show host who believes the virus will simply disappear.

But, has this ever really been a day to celebrate? Yeah, this has been the day we commemorate our independence. But, at what cost?

I'm not, for a minute, saying this isn't a day to celebrate American independence from the Crown. But, this piece in Fast Company deserves your consideration.

And, here's to doing what's right to retrieve our Republic and build a nation of equity.

 

Front or Back?

When we moved into our new neighborhood, we got lots of "looks." After a few weeks, it became clear that our habit (learned from our time in an urban environment) was to keep our garage door closed. In our new rural setting, that was akin to saying we were not open to hanging with our new neighbors.

Which, of course, was further from the truth than even the President can achieve on his worst days. 

We are, by nature and habit, back porch people...and we are out there all the time, inviting neighbors over whenever we see them. But, that's just not the culture here. These are garage partiers. But, our garage is a disaster.

A recent article on Curbed brought it home to me. So, we'll attempt to clean the garage and open the door more often. But, really...

Come around back. It's much nicer.

Well Played, My Friends

Today's issue of the Z-News (our monthly e-mail newsletter) notes the retirement of 7 (count 'em, seven) DMO CEOs in just the past month. That's simply insane...but, it's a sign of the times.

If you didn't receive today's edition (which also features my commentary on the future of Strategic Plans and links to new DMOU Podcast episodes with Visit Jackson's Rickey Thigmen and Visit Bentonville's Kalene Griffith), click here for the web version, and here to never miss an issue.

And, to those stepping away from the Big Chair, congratulations on starting the next chapter of your lives. Y'all done good.

Uncomfortable Conversations

The videos have gone pretty viral...but, on the off chance you haven't seen them, this is must-watch TV.

Emmanuel Acho (a former NFL player and current analyst for Fox Sports) has taken to YouTube and Instagram to help white folk unpack the reasons for black anger in these days of cultural awakening.

His first video is just him. The second is with Matthew McConaughey.

Both are compelling...and worth your time.

As is, I believe, my conversation with Visit Jackson CEO Rickey Thigpen on the latest edition of the DMOU Podcast. You can hear us discuss race, the lack of diversity in the DMO space and more here...and, of course, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The View from Within

There's no possible way I could have read every DMO's statement regarding their position on the events around the country (and world) since the death of George Floyd (and, I've read a bunch).

With all due respect to all the inspirational messages out there, I was taken most by Visit Jackson CEO Rickey Thigpen's missive, published last Friday in the Northside Sun.

It is so worth your read. 

13 Million Views in 4 Days

OK...this is a sure sign that the mental strain of "The Vid" has taken its toll on us all: A 21-minute video about squirrels has gone hyper-viral.

Honestly, everyone I know is busier than they've ever been...but 13 million of us have spent a third of an hour watching squirrels try to best a NASA engineer.

Granted...it's not just squirrels, as it features Mark Rober (a Pete Buttigieg look-alike) with a playful take on science and physics.

If you are not yet one of the 13 million...treat yourself today to 20 minutes of smiles. You deserve it.

Carry on...and carry walnuts.

Losing a Madison Icon

Growing up White in America means we all have some learning to do. It takes time for us all, regardless of race, to understand that one's reality is not a universal reality.

One of my learning moments came months after I took the reigns of what is now Destination Madison in the early '90s. I had posted a job opening in the two local daily newspapers and pretty quickly got a call questioning my dedication to diversity. It was the publisher of Madison's African American magazine, Milele Chikassa Anana.

I was, initially, defensive on the call. I had at least posted the position (not just hiring from my network) and had added the obligatory EOE signature, I said. She replied, "we don't read those newspapers...so how would we know of the opportunity to work with your organization?"

Touche. We advertised every future opening in UMOJA and worked to create content that spoke to her readers.

Madison lost this rare spirit and voice yesterday at the age of 86. She taught so many and touched even more.

Godspeed Mother Milele. I was blessed to know you. And, thank you for that call, painful as it was at that moment. It taught me so much.

Photo Credit: Isthmus

25 Years

It was 25 years ago tomorrow that this grand journey began. 25 years since I handed the reins of what is now known as Destination Madison over to Deb Archer and hung out the shingle for what is now known as DMOproz.

As I sat on my back deck that afternoon with a celebratory cigar and a rocks glass of bourbon, I looked out on a world in which I had no client visits on the calendar. Hell, I had no clients. Just a vision that I could make a difference in communities around the country with the truths I had learned (and the missteps I had survived) in my decade of leading DMOs.

Tomorrow, I will sit on my back deck with a celebratory cigar and a rocks glass of bourbon, and look out on a world in which I, for the first time in 25 years, have no client visits on the calendar. But, I have clients. Nay, I have friends. And, I trust that soon, we'll be back together again, causing some form of destinational mischief.

Until that time, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who have made our lives so rich in experience and camaraderie.  It has been beyond exciting to see so many of our client destinations kick ass. And, in these dark days, you inspire us as you move to provide aid to industry partners. We'll continue to cheer you and, hopefully, return some inspiration from the sidelines through this blog, DMOU and the Z-News.

We are, indeed, blessed to call you friends and to work in an industry that is increasingly being understood as crucial to our economy and Quality of Life. Hell yeah...

The Other Side of Recovery

Terri and I work in the Destination Marketing space, advising DMOs on governance, management, strategy, funding and development. Thus, a lot of what we post on this blog focuses on this side of the hospitality business.

Spero Batistatos (President of the South Shore IN Convention & Visitors Authority) is one of the top DMO CEO minds in our sector. Unlike me, he actually started his career in the "back of the house" at a hotel/theatre complex (where I'm quite sure we met years before we became comrades in arms because I used to introduce a number of acts at the theatre during my turn in FM rock radio).

Over the weekend, my friend penned a fascinating piece on how hospitality businesses need to be planning to successfully emerge from quarantine...from a decidedly "back of the house" mentality.

It is definitely worth your read.

We Stand with Service

Sometimes we get too close to the fire to realize the friends we have and how much we mean to them. I'm sure that's how so many of our peers in the hospitality field feel this week after losing not just hours or jobs...but their connection to their work family.

Sometimes, it's the littlest things that remind us that others care.

Like this video from the South Shore Conventions & Visitors Authority.

Thank you.