As the host of the DMOU Podcast, it's a little surreal when I'm on the other end of the microphone. But, here's a shout out to The Tourism Teacher, which recently had me on as a guest to talk about DMO Boards.
Tourism Teacher is a podcast that aims to engage and inform those new to the Destination Marketing space and it was an absolute joy to talk with host Andi Jaspersen on this episode.
Thanks for the opportunity to share our thoughts...and we hope you enjoy the show.
PCMA CEO Sherrif Karamat is one of the deepest thinkers in the business events space on the planet. And, not unlike those old EF Hutton commercials, when Sherrif talks, I listen. So, when he said that DMOs were falling behind his members in the adoption of AI at Destinations International’s Annual Conference this summer, that was more than enough to earn an invitation to DMOU. Join us for a fascinating discussion of how he believes AI can reduce the mundane and better connect us to our clients…and where Sherrif believes the future of DMOs lies.
It's just one of over 120 powerful conversations you'll find in the DMOU Vault.
Updating our database the other day and I came upon the staff page of a DMO. Unlike many we see, the staff listing was not hierarchical...but by alpha. And I enjoyed the not top-down approach.
But when I finally reached the CEO's photo and contact information, my appreciation of the egalitarian approach to the staff listing waned. Everyone else had contact information. The CEO...not.
And, I get it. The CEO may not want to deal with 10 random, web-generated inquires a day. But, a walled-off persona speaks volumes to one's accessibility...and the organization's commitment to the community. At least offer a "CEO@" option that someone on staff can review and decide how best to respond.
Let's not forget that someone that could have a serious impact on the community may not have the CEO's contact info...and will leave the website assuming the destination simply doesn't care.
Just sayin'
Given the choice, Terri and I will always opt for a dive bar over a classy one. Thus, we were excited to hear that a Madison institution called The Red Shed will be staying true to its roots when it moves to State Street later this year.
Owner Lynn Dieffenbach says she's "terrified, but excited," and promises, "we're gonna make it as divey as possible."
Hell yeah.
Tonight, the first debate of the 2024 Presidential frenzy will take place in Milwaukee.
That's right. A very red event in a very blue city.
How did this happen? Well, a lot of it was the work of Visit Milwaukee (and you can hear that story with Peggy Williams-Smith on the DMOU Podcast). And part of it was the fact that Wisconsin has become one of 6 or 7 battleground States that will likely determine the next President.
Fascinating back story on how we got here from WFAE.
And let the bold-face lies, personal attacks and and unprofessional groveling begin.
Those that follow this blog (and I never thank you enough) know that I am a fan of the 40-Year Pendulum concept espoused by Roy Williams. It holds that everything...culture, music, politics, support (or not) of institutions operates on a 40-year pendulum, swinging back and forth.
According to Ray, we've just zenithed in one direction and are beginning to transition back...but the next few years promise to be chaotic. And, that means the 2024 Presidential Election.
And, as I watch the predominant messages coming from the GOP...I have an odd reminiscence of the late 60s and early 70s when the "youth vote" changed America. Because what the GOP then supported (the Draft, the War in Vietnam, the War on Drugs and anything "counter-culture") wasn't in the best interests of our newest electorate.
And, here we are (OK, it's 50 years on, not 40)...and the same cultural evolution is occurring. And after decades of 20-somethings generally forfeiting their vote, the GOP has again crossed the line of what tens of millions of young voters believe and with what tens of millions are ready to activate.
I recently saw a quote I can't verify...but it rings true: There is a massive number of voters "who are young people who are not interested in the party of climate denialism, marijuana criminal drug enforcement authoritarianism and anti-choice reproductive tyranny. The GOP has nothing for the young people of America."
Will the GOP recognize this and shift course? Doubtful...as both parties have become cults of personality.
So...will, like they did in the 70s, young voters say, "enough?"
Should be fascinating to watch.
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.
As I noted yesterday, I had the privilege of sitting in on a couple CDME classes last week in Dallas. The assembled DMO pros skewed younger, as many are early in their careers, seeking education and certification.
So...I guess it shouldn't have been a surprise when less than 10% of the hands in the room went up when one of the instructors asked how many in the class had read "Rise of the Creative Class." After all, Richard Florida's breakthrough book was released over 20 years ago. But, that it helped get DMOs to where we are today by opening up the minds of this sector's thought-leaders to consider that we are more than Destination Marketers, I wonder if we shouldn't all go back to see if there are even more nuggets that we may have missed on our first read.
And then, there are other books that may have fallen out of view that deserve a fresh look. Like "Start With Why?" from Simon Sinek (published in 2011). The original "Race for Relevance" (published in 2013), "Blue Ocean Strategy" (originally published in 2004) and the "500 Year Delta" (published in 1997).
I know I'll be going back to these classics (especially 500 Year Delta) in the weeks ahead. Join me?
A new Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey indicates that professional meeting planners, on average, expect a response to their RFP within 4 days. And the reality is fewer than half are seeing that expectation met by hotel sales staffs.
Now, I get that the 24-48 hour response rate in which DMOs used to pride themselves is tougher these days, as many hotel sales staffs are still smaller than pre-COVID levels and response times aren't what they used to be.
But, isn't that the golden opportunity for DMOs that have a focus on securing meetings and events? An opportunity to over-deliver in a present world in which planners are waiting more than 4 days for a response?
Talk about relevance...
Unless you're on a serious afternoon shopping spree...when you you spend the most money? Before 6p or after?
For many consumers, it's after 6p...and yet, that part of our economy is so often overlooked by city leaders. And for law enforcement, it's the part of the day were more vigilance is expected.
This recent article from the VOA should open eyes and suggest that second and third tier communities consider appointed a Nighttime Mayor.
And, if you want to go deeper, check out our DMOU Podcast conversation with 24-Hour Dallas Project Coordinator Bryan Tony.
Recent Comments