The vast majority of Destination Marketing Organizations in the United States are independent non-profit agencies...but that doesn't mean other structures can't work. In this edition of DMOU, we talk with Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward on how his office is rockin' it as both a division of Economic Vitality and the City. And (not to be a spoiler), he says it's all about intentional design and intra-agency respect. 

The vast majority of Destination Marketing Organizations in the United States are independent non-profit agencies...but that doesn't mean other structures can't work. In this edition of DMOU, we talk with Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward on how his office is rockin' it as both a division of Economic Vitality and the City. And (not to be a spoiler), he says it's all about intentional design and intra-agency respect.

110: Trace Ward • DMO Success Within a Government Environment

Jack Bonney

It's not a part of the primordial DNA of DMOs, but Community Engagement is an increasingly vital component of our work. Visit Anchorage's Jack Bonney joins the show and shares his philosophies on how to build a rock solid community relations program that is based in the yin and yang of what your DMO can do...and can't. And, from that, building a relationship based on trust, service and admiration can be a beautiful thing.

It's not a part of the primordial DNA of DMOs, but Community Engagement is an increasingly vital component of our work. Visit Anchorage's Jack Bonney joins the show and shares his philosophies on how to build a rock solid community relations program that is based in the yin and yang of what your DMO can do...and can't. And, from that, building a relationship based on trust, service and admiration can be a beautiful thing.

109: Jack Bonney • Engaging the Community

Rachel Brown

A Destination Marketing consultant recently opined that diving into Sustainability and Stewardship carries with it some danger...and we don't disagree. But Durango's Rachel Brown counters with all the reasons her DMO believes they must engage. She discusses how they've adapted the Care for Colorado program on a local level and shifted their budget to Destination Management. Plus a Bonus Round question that features her staff's Team Building initiative. Very cool stuff.

A Destination Marketing consultant recently opined that diving into Sustainability and Stewardship carries with it some danger...and we don't disagree. But Durango's Rachel Brown counters with all the reasons her DMO believes they must engage. She discusses how they've adapted the Care for Colorado program on a local level and shifted their budget to Destination Management. Plus a Bonus Round question that features her staff's Team Building initiative. Very cool stuff.

108: Rachel Brown • The Stewardship Imperative

Victoria Simmons

BVK's Victoria Simmons joins DMOU to share some of the insights from their recent 2023 Trends Report. You'll hear findings that appear to mirror Roy Williams' 40-year Pendulum Theory and how Gen Z will be shaping how travel is delivered for, not just their generation but, all of us. Plus a fun Bonus Round rant on pet peeves in travel. Join us.

BVK's Victoria Simmons joins DMOU to share some of the insights from their recent 2023 Trends Report. You'll hear findings that appear to mirror Roy Williams' 40-year Pendulum Theory and how Gen Z will be shaping how travel is delivered for, not just their generation but, all of us. Plus a fun Bonus Round rant on pet peeves in travel. Join us.

107: Victoria Simmons • Trends to Watch in 2023

Phil Werz

In December of last year, vandals compromised the power grid in Moore County NC, placing hundreds of merchants at a disadvantage during their biggest sales window of the year. In this episode of DMOU, we hang with our friend Phil Werz of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen CVB to hear him tell the story of "Moore Miracles," a program that kept local merchants alive during a trying time. You'll also hear about how his DMO is advocating for additional destinational assets...and his mid-life crisis as a PGA Teaching Pro.

In December of last year, vandals compromised the power grid in Moore County NC, placing hundreds of merchants at a disadvantage during their biggest sales window of the year. In this episode of DMOU, we hang with our friend Phil Werz of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen CVB to hear him tell the story of "Moore Miracles," a program that kept local merchants alive during a trying time. You'll also hear about how his DMO is advocating for additional destinational assets...and his mid-life crisis as a PGA Teaching Pro.

106: Phil Werz • Saving the Holiday Season

Tracy Kimberlin

Tracy Kimberlin is an innovator. His concept to increase funding for Missouri Tourism was as elegant as it was efficient. On this episode of DMOU, we riff with the recently retired CEO of the Springfield MO CVB on generating new revenues for Destination Marketing and orchestrating the chess board to fund exciting new destination assets. 

Tracy Kimberlin is an innovator. His concept to increase funding for Missouri Tourism was as elegant as it was efficient. On this episode of DMOU, we riff with the recently retired CEO of the Springfield MO CVB on generating new revenues for Destination Marketing and orchestrating the chess board to fund exciting new destination assets.

105: Tracy Kimberlin • An Elegant Funding Model

Bryan Tony

As the Neil Diamond lyric goes, "it's a time to groove." But communities are just starting to get serious about supporting their night time economies. Bryan Tony is the Project Coordinator for 24-Hour Dallas, an organization that is dedicated to representing and enhancing the business and culture of the night. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss how his organization is working with local officials to dispel negative beliefs about the night, provide educational support to area businesses to enhance safety and inclusion and develop programs to highlight businesses that adopt best practices (all critical aspects to creating a magnetic experience for visitors).       

As the Neil Diamond lyric goes, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVDelWHDDKM&amp;t=39s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">it's a time to groove</a>." But communities are just starting to get serious about supporting their night time economies. Bryan Tony is the Project Coordinator for 24-Hour Dallas, an organization that is dedicated to representing and enhancing the business and culture of the night. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss how his organization is working with local officials to dispel negative beliefs about the night, provide educational support to area businesses to enhance safety and inclusion and develop programs to highlight businesses that adopt best practices (all critical aspects to creating a magnetic experience for visitors).

104: Bryan Tony • Thank the Lord for the Night Time

Vail Ross

To kick off the 2023 season of DMOU, we turn to Vail Ross, STR’s Senior VP of Sales &amp; Marketing. And, in this episode she shares her insight into what matters most for hoteliers now as we emerge from the ravages of the pandemic. It’s a fascinating look into one of a DMO’s most important client bases that you won’t want to miss…plus how Vail went from wanting to be a political operative to one of the most quoted hospitality experts on the planet. Join us. 

To kick off the 2023 season of DMOU, we turn to Vail Ross, STR’s Senior VP of Sales &amp; Marketing. And, in this episode she shares her insight into what matters most for hoteliers now as we emerge from the ravages of the pandemic. It’s a fascinating look into one of a DMO’s most important client bases that you won’t want to miss…plus how Vail went from wanting to be a political operative to one of the most quoted hospitality experts on the planet. Join us.

103: Vail Ross • What Matters to Hoteliers Now

Lynn Tillotson

In Maine, all hotel Room Tax revenue (the most common source of public funding for DMOs across the U.S.) is retained by the State. Visit Portland's Lynn Tillotson shares how her DMO has built its programming based completely on private sector investment...and what that meant during COVID. It's a fascinating look at how a business community has come together to power the work of its DMO.

In Maine, all hotel Room Tax revenue (the most common source of public funding for DMOs across the U.S.) is retained by the State. Visit Portland's Lynn Tillotson shares how her DMO has built its programming based completely on private sector investment...and what that meant during COVID. It's a fascinating look at how a business community has come together to power the work of its DMO.

102: Lynn Tillotson • A DMO Without Public Investment

As is our practice at DMOU, we roam the halls at Destinations International events asking attendees a single question. At this year's Advocacy Summit, we asked DMO pros what their "go-to" response was when challenged that Tourism and Destination Marketing aren't critically important to a region's economy and Quality of Life. We offer their responses here to assist you in crafting your next come back.

As is our practice at DMOU, we roam the halls at Destinations International events asking attendees a single question. At this year's Advocacy Summit, we asked DMO pros what their "go-to" response was when challenged that Tourism and Destination Marketing aren't critically important to a region's economy and Quality of Life. We offer their responses here to assist you in crafting your next come back.

101: Destinations International Advocacy Summit: The Go-To Rebuttal

DMOU features the brightest voices in the Destination Marketing field, sharing innovative case studies and evolving philosophies.

DMOU: Destination Marketing Organization University

John Lambeth

As the pressure builds on public sector investment into Destination Marketing, smart DMOs are looking for alternative revenue streams...and the most successful strategy for over 200 communities has been establishing Tourism Improvement Districts. On this episode of DMOU, we catch up with the man who has had a hand in virtually all of them, John Lambeth of Civitas. In this wide ranging conversation, John shares the genesis of the concept, how DMOs can begin down the path and some exciting news regarding how the Improvement District movement is seeing expansion to other sectors of the hospitality industry. This is a "must-listen" for anyone concerned with the future viability of DMOs.

As the pressure builds on public sector investment into Destination Marketing, smart DMOs are looking for alternative revenue streams...and the most successful strategy for over 200 communities has been establishing Tourism Improvement Districts. On this episode of DMOU, we catch up with the man who has had a hand in virtually all of them, John Lambeth of Civitas. In this wide ranging conversation, John shares the genesis of the concept, how DMOs can begin down the path and some exciting news regarding how the Improvement District movement is seeing expansion to other sectors of the hospitality industry. This is a "must-listen" for anyone concerned with the future viability of DMOs.

John Lambeth: Tourism Improvement Districts

Jennifer Wesselhoff

When a community pushes back on the industry that is its lifeblood, what is a DMO to do? Jennifer Wesselhoff of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce sits in on this episode of DMOU to share the story of how a DMO that thought it was being responsive to its community found itself using all the wrong measures and all the wrong words. Today, the Chamber is at the vanguard of global sustainability, heralded as a model for international DMOs. Jennifer's story is both compelling and inspirational for all Destination Marketing leaders.

When a community pushes back on the industry that is its lifeblood, what is a DMO to do? Jennifer Wesselhoff of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce sits in on this episode of DMOU to share the story of how a DMO that thought it was being responsive to its community found itself using all the wrong measures and all the wrong words. Today, the Chamber is at the vanguard of global sustainability, heralded as a model for international DMOs. Jennifer's story is both compelling and inspirational for all Destination Marketing leaders.

Jennifer Wesselhoff: Transitioning to Sustainabilty

DMOs have been marketing to meeting planners for years and the opportunity to innovate their approach is huge. Digital Edge, headed by Mya Surrency and Shirley Smith, helps DMOs use tactics to appeal to meeting planners in new and different ways. Mya joins DMOU to discuss a recently developed program focusing on creating partnerships with local economic development offices to develop more targeted group business and create more alliances in-market.

DMOs have been marketing to meeting planners for years and the opportunity to innovate their approach is huge. Digital Edge, headed by Mya Surrency and Shirley Smith, helps DMOs use tactics to appeal to meeting planners in new and different ways. Mya joins DMOU to discuss a recently developed program focusing on creating partnerships with local economic development offices to develop more targeted group business and create more alliances in-market.

Mya Surrency: Expanding Your Meetings Marketing to Incorporate Economic Development

Don Welsh

We are coming up on four years since Don Welsh was named the CEO of the organization today known as Destinations International. In that time, the organization has increased member outreach, professional development options and industry advocacy efforts. In this episode of DMOU, we sit down with Don to discuss what's next...from the revolutionary new joint partnership with Simpleview to create the all new MINT+ meetings database to new services and offerings for small to medium DMOs. If you're a DMO and not a member of Destinations International (or even if you are), this episode is for you.

We are coming up on four years since Don Welsh was named the CEO of the organization today known as Destinations International. In that time, the organization has increased member outreach, professional development options and industry advocacy efforts. In this episode of DMOU, we sit down with Don to discuss what's next...from the revolutionary new joint partnership with Simpleview to create the all new MINT+ meetings database to new services and offerings for small to medium DMOs. If you're a DMO and not a member of Destinations International (or even if you are), this episode is for you.

Don Welsh: The Future of Destinations International

Mike Gamble

Over the past two decades, Searchwide Global's Mike Gamble has seen a significant evolution in what communities and their DMOs expect from their next leaders. On this edition of DMOU, Mike shares the changes he's seen from Board Search Committees over the years and offers suggestions for how DMO pros who are looking for that next opportunity can build their magnetism. Kick off the new year with sage advice from the man that has placed more DMO CEOs than anyone else.

Over the past two decades, Searchwide Global's Mike Gamble has seen a significant evolution in what communities and their DMOs expect from their next leaders. On this edition of DMOU, Mike shares the changes he's seen from Board Search Committees over the years and offers suggestions for how DMO pros who are looking for that next opportunity can build their magnetism. Kick off the new year with sage advice from the man that has placed more DMO CEOs than anyone else.

Mike Gamble: The DNA of Tommorow's Destination Leaders

Jason Fulvi

Craig Davis

What does it take to make the jump to the Big Chair? Two former Number Twos share their experiences as Visit Pittsburgh CEO Craig Davis and Visit KC CEO Jason Fulvi join us for this episode of DMOU. From the importance of mentorship to volunteer engagement in Destinations International, this dynamic duo of DMO Leaders discuss their respective paths to CEO…as well as learning to fly and making the perfect margarita.

What does it take to make the jump to the Big Chair? Two former Number Twos share their experiences as Visit Pittsburgh CEO Craig Davis and Visit KC CEO Jason Fulvi join us for this episode of DMOU. From the importance of mentorship to volunteer engagement in Destinations International, this dynamic duo of DMO Leaders discuss their respective paths to CEO…as well as learning to fly and making the perfect margarita.

Jason Fulvi & Craig Davis: Preparing for the Big Chair

George Tzougros

There are few destination assets as powerful as the Arts in helping to define and magnetize a community...and, for more than just Tourism. George Tzougros (co-founder of the National Creativity Network and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board) joins DMOU for a wide-ranging discussion of how DMOs can more effectively promote and nurture the creative artists and initiatives that exist all around us. You'll also come away with a deeper understanding of how the Arts can create a powerful platform for community development.

There are few destination assets as powerful as the Arts in helping to define and magnetize a community...and, for more than just Tourism. George Tzougros (co-founder of the National Creativity Network and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board) joins DMOU for a wide-ranging discussion of how DMOs can more effectively promote and nurture the creative artists and initiatives that exist all around us. You'll also come away with a deeper understanding of how the Arts can create a powerful platform for community development.

George Tzougros: The Power of the Arts in Place Making

While those of us with Convention Centers always dream of upgrades and expansions...what if that renovation meant your primary asset would go dark for two years? In this edition of DMOU, we hang with Louisville Tourism COO Cleo Battle, who shares that the loss of their Convention Center actually made their DMO better. You'll hear how they adapted their team and approach in response to the closure and how they've evolved into a much more effective agency.

While those of us with Convention Centers always dream of upgrades and expansions...what if that renovation meant your primary asset would go dark for two years? In this edition of DMOU, we hang with Louisville Tourism COO Cleo Battle, who shares that the loss of their Convention Center actually made their DMO better. You'll hear how they adapted their team and approach in response to the closure and how they've evolved into a much more effective agency.

Cleo Battle: Successfully Mitigating the Loss of a Convention Center

Jack Johnson

Destination Marketing has never been more politicized…but recent budget attacks have actually indicated a path forward in the way we communicate the value of what we do. Destination International’s Jack Johnson shares the research behind the new lexicon that DMO pros will need to employ to establish Destination Marketing as a Community Shared Value. You’ll also hear Jack’s take on refining our message from one of logic and fact to one utilizing emotion in order to capture the imagination and support of residents and community leaders. And, to see Jack's presentation on the subject from this year's Annual Convention of Destinations International, click HERE.

Destination Marketing has never been more politicized…but recent budget attacks have actually indicated a path forward in the way we communicate the value of what we do. Destination International’s Jack Johnson shares the research behind the new lexicon that DMO pros will need to employ to establish Destination Marketing as a Community Shared Value. You’ll also hear Jack’s take on refining our message from one of logic and fact to one utilizing emotion in order to capture the imagination and support of residents and community leaders. And, to see Jack's presentation on the subject from this year's Annual Convention of Destinations International, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwrmWZgzmMU&amp;list=PLr_n2qbBF7sgv-B6LRqa0Ihmb_2_yxL9k&amp;index=13&amp;t=0s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Jack Johnson: Destination Marketing as a Community Shared Value

Julie Saupe

In our work with DMOs throughout the Americas, we rarely experience the organizational culture we experienced in our work with Visit Anchorage. So naturally, we needed to understand how this Team was so different. On this episode of DMOU, Visit Anchorage CEO Julie Saupe shares what she believes to be the "secret sauce" behind the staff culture over which she presides. From recognizing staff for the little things to breaking from conventional wisdom on being cool with staff working remotely, Julie suggests some interesting thoughts on way to cultivate a staff culture that rocks. Plus, in the Bonus Round, you'll hear her experience in watering the roof of her first DMO.

In our work with DMOs throughout the Americas, we rarely experience the organizational culture we experienced in our work with Visit Anchorage. So naturally, we needed to understand how this Team was so different. On this episode of DMOU, Visit Anchorage CEO Julie Saupe shares what she believes to be the "secret sauce" behind the staff culture over which she presides. From recognizing staff for the little things to breaking from conventional wisdom on being cool with staff working remotely, Julie suggests some interesting thoughts on way to cultivate a staff culture that rocks. Plus, in the Bonus Round, you'll hear her experience in watering the roof of her first DMO.

Julie Saupe: Developing a Sensational Organizational Culture

Julie Pingston

DMOs often talk about making their destinations “Visitor Ready,” but what about those prospective visitors that are unable to experience our communities due to sensory or developmental issues? On this edition of DMOU, the Greater Lansing MI’s Julie Pingston walks us through how a sensory-friendly theatrical performance of “The Lion King” led to a complete re-thinking of how the Organization would reach out to this previously under-served market. And, you’ll learn how they have engaged over 850 individuals in the community to be trained to assist these individuals.

DMOs often talk about making their destinations “Visitor Ready,” but what about those prospective visitors that are unable to experience our communities due to sensory or developmental issues? On this edition of DMOU, the Greater Lansing MI’s Julie Pingston walks us through how a sensory-friendly theatrical performance of “The Lion King” led to a complete re-thinking of how the Organization would reach out to this previously under-served market. And, you’ll learn how they have engaged over 850 individuals in the community to be trained to assist these individuals.

Julie Pingston: Developing a Sensory Sensitive Destination

Monica Smith

While most in the Destination Marketing sector signed up because we loved Sales, Marketing and our communities, being adept at politics is becoming more important with each passing year. Monica Smith, CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, joins DMOU to share her experiences in communicating the value of Destination Marketing and the Visitor Economy to elected leaders...from the nation's Capital to back home in Georgia. In this episode, you'll gain common sense insights into working with legislative leaders (and members of their staff), finding common ground on which you can agree and why taking your message to Capitol Hill is such a powerful move.

While most in the Destination Marketing sector signed up because we loved Sales, Marketing and our communities, being adept at politics is becoming more important with each passing year. Monica Smith, CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, joins DMOU to share her experiences in communicating the value of Destination Marketing and the Visitor Economy to elected leaders...from the nation's Capital to back home in Georgia. In this episode, you'll gain common sense insights into working with legislative leaders (and members of their staff), finding common ground on which you can agree and why taking your message to Capitol Hill is such a powerful move.

Monica Smith: Achieving Success on Capitol Hill...and at Home

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