Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

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!

The Inaugural Concert

While the 'VID clearly played a role in changing up the tired, staid tradition of Inaugural Balls...this week's "Celebrating America" show should be the de facto new tradition, n'est-ce pas?

With the Boss kicking off the evening on a somber tone, the event was capped off by an over-the-top Katy Perry, who thought she was the star...and not the Fireworks of which she sang.

In between, there were sensational performances from the Black Pumas, Jon Bon Jovi (if for nothing more than the timing of the cinematography), John Legend, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake & Ant Clemons and more.

If Music can lead a national renaissance, it doesn't get much better than this on the first Music Friday of a new era.

A Day of Hope

I'm not blind to the fact that roughly 50% of Americans voted for the other side. And, I'm not blissfully unaware that a large number of those that voted for the former President were likely not watching the coverage of this Inauguration Day. But, that's a shame.

Because what was on display today in the nation's Capital was a breath of fresh air. An Inaugural Address that offered inspiration and hope; almost Kennedy-esque and, in retrospect, a stark contrast to the darkness of the last address. An evening devoid of balls and parties in which mere mortals could never picture themselves...but instead, a televised celebration of America to which we were all invited with front line Americans featured alongside some of our favorite performers. And, an evening that concluded with the most bad-ass fireworks display I've ever seen. And, here's to future inaugurations continuing this tradition. Tonight, I feel empowered to be inspired.

Those who know me well, know that I am fiercely independent in my political views. I believe the two-party system is the axis of evil. I believe it prevents us from what we could be as a nation...and that the media prefers the two-party system because it makes their narrative easier, not our country better. Thus, other points of view don't get the air they deserve.

Put another way...do you want Coke and Pepsi as your only choices in life, or do you occasionally hanker for a Mountain Dew?

So here's the deal. As a nation, we test-drove the Trumpian model and found it to be good for the economy but bad for a boatload of other things. So, all I ask is that we test-drive Biden-Harris. A majority of this country's citizens wanted a change. Let's see if they can deliver.

I hope to God that they can...for all of us.

Image Credit: NBC

 

Home Field Advantage

For those who follow sports, there is the belief that playing at home, in front of your team's faithful fans, will give you an edge. And, indeed, home teams historically have had an advantage.

Except in this year of no fans in the stands. As the NFL playoffs progress this weekend, we can look back on the regular season and note that, for the first time in the Super Bowl era, visiting teams won more than home teams. Put another way, this has never happened in over 50 years...and the only rationale is the absence of fans in the stands.

So what does this hafta do with Destination Marketing Organizations? This proves that the more supportive voices (fans) you can assemble at budget time DOES make a difference. The Home Team wins with fans in the stands. 

Cultivate them now...because the reckoning is just around the bend.

Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune

Why So Long?

Like so many things that once worked and have not been revisited, the time between the election and inauguration of a President is clearly too freaking long. When compared to other countries, not even Nigeria and Brazil wait as long for the transition of power. And, democracies we admire transition in less than 30 days.

Why does America wait so long? Because we haven't bothered to examine why the transition is often 75± days. And, the reason is just like every other reason that we cling to old ways. The November to January dance (it used to be March) is because we needed to allow the President to travel to DC in the winter time. As in, by horse. And, all because of a single snowstorm in 1798.

Really? 

This past week has shown that there needs to be a number of updates to the way this nation runs its business that have been simply ignored for decades.

Time to enter the 21st Century?

Yesterday

My parents have lived a marvelous life, sensationally rich in witnessing change. From the Depression to the Dow reaching its highest level in history. From listening to "War of the Worlds" to streaming "Game of Thrones." And from an era in which so many Americans were denied basic rights and respect to where we are today...still not there, but miles further toward justice for which this country should stand.

Yesterday's events in Washington DC is yet another first they can add to their rich bank of experiences. For that, I am grateful.

But, I so wish they didn't have to see it.

A Stateline Power Couple

Managing and marketing destinations that spread across county lines is always a challenge. It becomes even more difficult when that geopolitical line involves States.

The DMOs in the Quad Cities and Fargo-Moorhead have shown how it can be done successfully, paying significant dividends to every community in the region. Other examples around the country haven't been quite as lucky, as players put political grievances ahead of their economies.

But, here's a interesting way to ensure harmony between regional partners (though, I'm pretty sure that wasn't the reason it happened): Michael Wilson has just been named the new Executive Director of the Sturgis MI Chamber of Commerce (and congratulations, Michael). His wife is our friend Phyllis Youga, the Executive Director of the LaGrange County CVB in Shipshewana IN, just miles across the State line.

We can't wait to see what this power couple cooks up in 2021 and beyond.

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.

The Chilling View from the Cliff

I'm sure that our political leaders believe this is all a case of Chicken Little. And sadly, they likely believe the data coming from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is being manipulated to paint a darker picture than reality warrants. Of course, that begs the question: If the AHLA isn't surveying its members, who would? 

The latest intel is scary as shit. 71% of hotels will be forced to shutter in the next 6 months without immediate assistance from local, State and Federal governments. I'm quite sure that the release of the vaccine is causing our elected officials to believe that they've dodged a bullet. Surely, impacted businesses can hold on until Spring, they likely think.

No. Every day that this industry is forced to wait is a death warrant for some of those 71%. The study shows that 71% will fail by June...but how many will close in January and February, typically the slowest occupancy months of the year in North America? 20%? 25%? 

And how many restaurants and retailers, hoping against hope that they'll score enough revenue over the Holidays will wake up on New Year's Day and say "we're out?"

If action doesn't come swiftly, I wonder how many elected officials will have challengers in the next election that have lost everything because of our government's ham-handed response to the virus, have a compelling story to tell and knowledge of what it takes to make an economy hum...and will kick their uncaring partisan asses to the curb.

While it's the last thing I want to see...we'll likely all be better off in that scenario.

We'll Make Our Own Decisions, Thank You

The most recent edition of Destination Analysts' Pandemic-related Travel Sentiment Index dropped earlier this week and, while long-range travel planning has ticked up with the arrival of the vaccines, the interest in short term travel continues to dim, likely based upon the post-Thanksgiving spikes around the country. And, it's about to happen all over again as governments start loosening restrictions. Which, as we look at the last month, is simply insane. But, elected officials clearly believe that, while they may be forgiven for banning Thanksgiving gatherings, they'll be skewered if they touch Christmas.

They really shouldn't be that concerned, of course, as Destination Analysts has found that less than 30% of those altering Holiday travel plans are doing it because of government edicts. Over the past nine months, consumers have deduced that the government simply can't be trusted...which is a true shame for our future.

No, we are basing our decisions on fear and science. 68% say they are changing plans for their own safety. 62% are concerned that they might infect another. And, 56% are concerned about the safety of their family. Me thinks there is something unsettlingly backward about those three numbers...but that just may be me.

What ever your decision this Holiday season, Mask up (and Vax up, whenever you can)...and let's get back to traveling once again.