Destination On The Left

Episode 347: This week is the second in our two-part series coming to you from the Destinations International annual convention in Dallas, Texas. I have seven inspirational guests with me to share more about what has helped them be successful in the destination marketing industry and what advice they have for future tourism industry leaders. I also asked each of them to describe the convention in just one word — I think you'll be fascinated by their answers. Joe Marinelli: President of Visit Savannah Julie Gilbert: President & CEO for Destination Door County Kalene Griffith: President & CEO of Visit Bentonville Leonard Hoops: President & CEO of Visit Indy Paige Shepherd: Director of Tourism for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce Paul Nursey: CEO of Destination Greater Victoria Ron Price: President & CEO of Visit Phoenix The Family Feel of the Destinations International Annual Convention My inspirational guests share their thoughts on why connecting with others in the travel and tourism industry is an invaluable part of their professional development. They also share what the word partnership means to them and dive into the importance of collaboration in destination marketing. Joe Marinelli: President of Visit Savannah Joe shares how he would describe the travel and tourism industry to a future tourism professional as a versatile option. He highlights some of the roles you can do, some of the routes your career can take you, and how you can do the job anywhere you want in whatever capacity in smaller towns, in New York City, or even internationally. Julie Gilbert: President & CEO for Destination Door County We discuss how Destinations International has helped Julie move forward in her career with a community-shared values focus. Julie explains how the annual convention allows travel and tourism professionals to come together to discuss what's happening in the industry, what's trending, best practices, and how to better communicate with your community, stakeholders, and municipalities. Kalene Griffith: President & CEO of Visit Bentonville Kalene dives into what the word partnership means to her — particularly how DMOs can act as leaders in our communities and work with others to become experts in a wide range of niches. Our partnerships are how we work together as a group, how we work with other travel and tourism professionals to extend our knowledge base, and the ways we serve our community. Leonard Hoops: President & CEO of Visit Indy We dig into why Leonard chose collaboration as his Destinations International event keyword. Travel and tourism professionals collaborate on ideas and strategies to address issues and make new relationships that go well beyond business-to-business relationships. He shares some of the lifelong friendships he's made through the conference and how they have provided value to his professional and personal life. Paige Shepherd: Director of Tourism for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce Paige shares more about her vast rural destination and elaborates on how events like Destinations International helps her be a better travel marketer by allowing her to build authentic connections with others in the industry. She also shares what partnership means in the context of the Chickasaw Nation and why the success of the communities is the success of the tribe and the destination. Paul Nursey: CEO of Destination Greater Victoria Partnership, to Paul, goes deeper than a transaction, and he shares why it needs to be founded on some principles of understanding the core objectives that you each have and discovering the potential synergy to build a solid foundation for a long-term partnership. He highlights the importance of taking the time upfront, doing your due diligence, being thoughtful, and not rushing into partnerships but ensuring that the collaboration is mutually beneficial. Ron Price: President & CEO of Visit Phoenix Ron and I dive into the importance of building a shared vision, as well as shared values, with the community and its leaders in your destinations. He shares how he communicates with stakeholders in his location to ensure the DMO can collaborate effectively to serve both visitors and locals. He discusses how travel and tourism professionals can fulfill their role as community architects and work collaboratively to find that common ground to move a project forward. I just loved diving deep into the details of how events like the Destinations International Conference can move the needle on careers and professional development within the tourism industry. Our guests, all leaders in the tourism sector, shared invaluable insights on honing their skills, the essence of partnership, the significance of collaboration, and the family-like support of the Travel and Tourism community. I have exciting news! I'm publishing my first book, Stronger Together: Building World-Changing Collaborations that Succeed. I'd love for you to join my very first book launch team to help me reach my goal of 50 Amazon reviews in the month of September. Go here to join: https://nicolemahoney.com/#join! We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 346: This week on the show, we're enjoying another travel conference edition. Join us at Destinations International (DI) as we talk to a panel of distinguished guests from the tourism industry. With decades of combined experience, they delve into the world of careers and professional development in tourism. From the resilience of hospitality professionals to the importance of collaboration and partnerships, we want to share insights gained at DI. Butch Spyridon: President & CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation Catherine Jenkins: Marketing & Communications Manager at Kent County Tourism Corp Cheryl Kilday: President & CEO of Destination Myrtle Beach Darien Schaefer: President & CEO at Visit Pensacola, Inc. Darryl Leggieri: President at Discover Saratoga-Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau Gary Wheat: President & CEO at Visit Macon The Power of Partnerships: Success Stories Shared at Destinations International Each guest answered five questions about the value of events like Destinations International and why coming together with others in the travel and tourism industry makes you a better tourism professional. They share what the word partnership means to them and share the importance of collaboration in their roles. Butch Spyridon: President & CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation On the show, Butch discusses his 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and highlights the resilience and hardworking nature of those in the travel and tourism niche. He also emphasizes the importance of creating bonds and friendships in one's career and establishing a network. Butch also shares why he believes that experiences we enjoy during travel can be more valuable than material possessions. Catherine Jenkins: Marketing & Communications Manager at Kent County Tourism Corp Catherine shares that attending the conference has made her a better professional by providing opportunities to learn from industry experts and peers. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in her success and how the travel and tourism communities provide support for her work. Overall, Catherine describes the DI conference as inspiring and exciting and a place that makes her feel ready to rejoin her colleagues in Kent County and start making plans for the future. Cheryl Kilday: President & CEO of Destination Myrtle Beach We welcome Cheryl back to the show to share her thoughts on Destination International as a place to access data about the travel and tourism industry, talk to the people who developed it, and interact with that information to get a deeper, better understanding than just reading it off of an online article. Cheryl also emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer connection and why building a network and developing relationships at the conference is so helpful. Darien Schaefer: President & CEO at Visit Pensacola, Inc. Darien dives into why partnership is critical to what we do in destination marketing. He talks about the value of working with peer organizations in your destination and elaborates on why it is key to our success to build as many partnerships as we can. Darien also shares that his words for Destinations International in 2023 are beneficial and important. Darryl Leggieri: President at Discover Saratoga-Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau We're always looking to give newcomers to the travel and tourism industry a helping hand, and Darryl shared the advice he would offer. He highlights the importance of the bonds and friendships you create over your career and why establishing your network is so important. Darryl explains why he describes his experience at Destinations International as engaging and why he loves catching up with colleagues on the conference floor. Gary Wheat: President and CEO at Visit Macon Gary and I discuss the power of partnership. He describes how talking to and learning from his counterparts in the travel and tourism community with a shared understanding is therapeutic. As Gary shares his enthusiasm in creating a positive experience for travelers, his deep understanding of the travel and tourism industry is inspiring. Gary explains why his words for Destinations International in 2023 are friendship and validation. From the importance of networking and collaboration to the resilience and adaptability required in the face of challenges like the pandemic, these professionals share their insights and experiences. As they highlight the value of strong partnerships, continuous learning, and making a difference in their communities, it becomes clear that the tourism industry is not just about travel and hospitality—it's about forging connections, creating memorable experiences, and shaping the future of destinations. Stay tuned for the second part of our series, where we will continue to hear insights from travel experts at Destinations International. I have exciting news! I'm publishing my first book, Stronger Together: Building World-Changing Collaborations that Succeed. I'd love for you to join my very first book launch team to help me reach my goal of 50 Amazon reviews in the month of September. Go here to join: https://nicolemahoney.com/#join We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 345: Rachel Brown is the Executive Director of Visit Durango. In her role, she leads the team of tourism marketing and sustainability experts at the award-winning Destination Management & Marketing Organization (DMMO) for southwest Colorado's most visited region. Rachel has over ten years of experience in tourism marketing and has held director positions at Visit Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, and Visit Oakland. She has earned a Global Sustainable Tourism Council Certification, sits on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Tourism Office, and is the Chair of the Marketing Committee for the Colorado Tourism Office. Rachel has always had a passion for travel and tourism and has visited over 40 countries on six continents. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rachel Brown about sustainable tourism and the ways that Visit Durango is supporting sustainability throughout the community. She shares why they created a new organizational structure and moved from being a Destination Marketing Organization to a Destination Marketing and Management Organization. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) need to take action and address sustainability issues Opportunities and challenges faced by DMOs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the need to shift towards a sustainability stewardship approach and the importance of effective communication Rachel shares the benefits of building partnerships and discusses how they got Durango included in the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop The advantages of having an in-house marketing team for a DMO including agility, adaptability, and cost savings Why they transitioned from a destination marketing organization to a destination marketing and management organization, and their triple bottom line approach (planet, people, profit) in destination management Recognizing the Triple Bottom Line Approach Rachel shares how the shift to sustainable destination management has brought so many benefits to Durango. It has helped alleviate the negative impact of over-tourism, ensured the preservation of natural resources, and enhanced the local community's quality of life. By prioritizing sustainability, Durango has become a more desirable destination for socially and environmentally conscious travelers, attracting visitors who appreciate and support responsible tourism practices. Visit Durango also recognized the need to adopt a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic factors. While DMOs have traditionally focused on the profit aspect, Visit Durango is committed to prioritizing environmental conservation, supporting local communities, and creating a balance between the three aspects. Shifting from Marketing to Stewardship Rachel shares more about why Visit Durango launched the Care for Durango stewardship campaign to embrace sustainable destination management. This initiative aims to educate visitors and residents about responsible tourism practices and encourage them to actively participate in preserving Durango's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Creative Partnerships We also discuss how Visit Durango came to be included in the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. Although they initially met with resistance, Visit Durango worked tirelessly to join the group of popular destinations, and their inclusion, along with other local hot springs, has resulted in increased collaboration and marketing opportunities for all. The inclusion in the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop showcases the stunning natural landscapes and the healing power of hot springs and highlights Durango as a must-visit destination in Southwest Colorado. Resources: Website: https://www.durango.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/durango-area-tourism-office/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitdurango Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitDurango Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitdurango/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnkW638LvBVY7BEVjOaUWjg FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterestEmail

Episode 344: Liza Ochsendorf is the Director of Workforce Development for Warren County, NY. She oversees the county operations of WIOA Title programs in the Warren County Career Center and works closely with local and regional partners to address barriers to employment, such as child care, housing, transportation, skill deficits, etc. Her work addressing local industry needs has led to stronger private-public sector partnerships to problem-solve collaboratively for short and long-term solutions to workforce challenges. Her passion for workforce development and economic development is rooted in community collaboration, effective communication, and clear goals and desired outcomes for all stakeholders. Liza has 14 years of experience working in education in Washington, DC, where she oversaw Life Skills programs and was instrumental in implementing restorative practices to build community and improve student outcomes. Liza is a graduate of Syracuse University and resides in Glens Falls, where she serves on the Board of Directors for the Tri-County United Way, the Executive Board for the Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care, the Park Theater Foundation Board of Directors, and is a member of Greater Capital Region Women United. On this Destination on the Left episode, I talk with Liza Ochsendorf, who shares her insights into managing the current workforce shortage. She highlights some of the creative ways that she is helping her community address workforce shortages and the ways she is helping hospitality businesses reach the youth population, improve retention, and help with training to feed the workforce pipeline in the hospitality industry. What You Will Learn in this Episode: The importance of youth involvement in job fairs and workforce development Why we should be rethinking job postings and descriptions to focus on skills rather than only experience How we can embrace AI and automation in the workforce for those tasks that don't need a human touch Ways DMOs can overcome barriers for people with disabilities, justice-impacted individuals, and veterans to enter employment Liza also shares some of her creative strategies for addressing long-term workforce shortages, including incorporating flexibility and hybrid work schedules in roles The Challenge of Long-Term Workforce Shortages Liza highlights the long-term challenge of workforce shortages, which are not only a result of the pandemic but also due to factors such as the younger generation having fewer children than currently retiring baby boomers. Liza emphasizes that the common narrative suggesting people don't want to work isn't true, as the data shows that the labor participation rate has actually recovered and is currently at its highest point since January 2007. She explains that the pandemic has caused a shift in people's work preferences, with a greater desire for flexibility and hybrid work schedules. As a result, there has been a decrease in people working in public-facing industries and an increase in individuals starting their own businesses. Highlighting Your Skills In response to the workforce shortages in the hospitality and tourism industry, Liza shares various creative strategies implemented by Warren County. These strategies include hosting engaging high school job fairs and providing a hospitality training program. The program, known as PUSH, or "Pathways Up for Success and Hospitality," guarantees participants an interview with a local hospitality business. The county also puts time and resources into retention strategies, encouraging businesses to be great employers and providing opportunities for growth and advancement. AI and Automating Jobs Liza also shares valuable insights on harnessing AI and automation to enhance workforce efficiency and highlights that while AI is not expected to replace jobs requiring human interaction, it can significantly contribute to filling roles where human contact is not essential. This opens up opportunities for streamlining tasks and improving efficiency across various industries. As businesses adapt to these new technologies, Liza encourages employers, particularly in the travel and tourism niche, to explore creative ways to leverage AI for increased productivity. Resources: Website: https://thejoblink.org/ For More Info: https://thejoblink.org/resources/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-ochsendorf-87b809202/ Demographic Drought Report Bureau of Labor Statistics Report We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 343: Tammy Blount-Canavan's career has spanned 30+ years and two countries, including executive leadership at Tourism Vancouver, CEO of the Tacoma Regional CVB, architect and inaugural Chair of the Washington Tourism Alliance, President and CEO of the Monterey County CVB, and now President and CEO of Visit Seattle. Tammy is a Past Chair of Destinations International. Tammy has been recognized as CEO of the Year, one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry, twice as one of the top 25 Most Influential Women in the Industry, Leadership Supplier of the Year in the Meetings Industry, Top 100 Most Inspirational Women in the Meetings Industry, CSUMBs School of Business 2018 Community Leader of the Year, won the Global Leadership Award from Destinations International and IMEX and in 2023 is being inducted into the Smart Women in Meetings Hall of Fame. In this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Tammy Blount-Canavan about some of Visit Seattle's ingenious campaigns, such as rain booths in Arizona and coffee shop takeovers, which embody the unique character of Seattle. She describes how the community built a city-wide selling strategy to expand the conventions market. Tammy also shares some of the community and wider partnerships they're involved in and how they help make the tourism industry successful. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Some of the directions you can go in when you build a career in travel and tourism marketing How Visit Seattle promotes the values of their community when they're out and about at shows Some of the creative ways they share more about their communities' benefits including a rain booth in Arizona and coffee shop takeovers The challenges that COVID-19 threw in Visit Seattle's path and how they have overcome them by collaborating on a city-wide selling strategy How they make partnerships successful by talking about what they want to accomplish, how they plan to get there, and how they make sure stakeholders have complementary skills Innovative Marketing Experiences We spotlight the innovative approach to destination marketing taken by Visit Seattle this week. Rather than solely relying on traditional tactics like purchasing ads and attending trade shows, they put a unique spin on destination marketing by creating fun and memorable experiences at events that underscore their core values. Visit Seattle has a knack for adding creative twists to their campaigns; last summer, they introduced a 'rain booth' in California and Arizona. This structure sprinkled light rain, allowing people to experience Seattle's famous 'cozy season' amidst the summer heat. Participants could even create their own movie posters as though they were in Seattle, sparking conversations about the city's unique charm. In addition to these fresh marketing strategies, Visit Seattle capitalizes on the wealth of local celebrities and athletes who take pride in sharing the story of their city. Their ongoing "I Know a Place" campaign features local residents expressing their love for Seattle and its hidden gems. This not only highlights iconic locations but also unveils lesser-known aspects of the city. Exemplifying Core Values We also discuss how Visit Seattle shares how their core values—innovation, creativity, and inclusivity— not only shape their city but also their marketing strategies. Inclusivity, for instance, is manifested through partnerships with Seattle Bank and Interventionalist, supporting traditionally underrepresented BIPOC-owned businesses. Sponsorships enable people to experience these businesses firsthand, with Visit Seattle highlighting them in their campaigns. This demonstrates a proactive approach to diversity, actively working with these businesses to tell their stories instead of merely stating the presence of diversity. Creativity is another cornerstone of Visit Seattle's approach. The city boasts the title of the glassblowing capital of the world, second only to Italy, and hosts an annual festival named Refract, a month-long celebration of local and renowned glass artists. Along with Refract, they organize Cloudbreak, focused on music, and Museum Month, both of which showcase Seattle's vibrant arts scene. Their third core value, innovation, is encapsulated in Seattle's identity as the birthplace of global tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, retail powerhouse Costco, and numerous other innovative ventures. This value traces back to the World's Fair six decades ago that birthed the iconic Space Needle, highlighting the city's longstanding history of groundbreaking ideas. Their commitment to these values is exemplified in events like the recent Pride Parade, reinforcing that inclusivity in Seattle goes beyond words—it is deeply rooted in the population's values. Through these unique approaches, Visit Seattle is not just selling a destination but narrating an authentic story of a community that thrives on innovation, creativity, and inclusivity. Resources: Website: https://visitseattle.org/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blountcanavan/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visitseattle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitseattle Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitSeattle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitseattle/

Episode 342: Kurt Krause currently serves as the President and CEO of Visit Norfolk, joining in 2019. He is responsible for directing the effort to improve the quality of life for all residents through the economic and community benefits of tourism. His history in the hotel industry spans over 37 years, including 21 years with Marriott International, eight years with Aramark, and four years with Gold Key PHR. Arriving in Norfolk in 2014, he led the pre-opening efforts of Hilton Norfolk – The Main, followed by re-opening the historic Cavalier Hotel and Cavalier Beach Club in Virginia Beach. As well as his career in the hotel industry, Kurt served our Country initially as a Loaned Executive for the Transportation Security Administration. As a founding member of the largest start-up of any private or public organization, he was specifically responsible for many of the consumer-oriented deliverables. For his effort in the participation of founding the agency, in addition to the consumer element, he was recognized with the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal by Secretary Norman Minetta in 2002. Kurt then joined his alma mater, Virginia Tech, as Vice President of Business Affairs; responsibilities included Facilities, Personnel, VT Police Department, Department of Environmental Health and Safety Services, Office of the University Architect, and Real Estate Management. On the personal side, after enjoying 20 years of playing amateur baseball (2003-2023), winning two national championships, Kurt found enjoyment on stage, participating in the Hampton Roads Dancing with the Stars, performing with the Virginia Opera, and with Hurrah Players in Annie (2018) and Dames at Sea (2019). On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kurt Krause about how Visit Norfolk is revisiting a successful collaborative campaign from 2020 to see how they can apply those learnings to new need areas. He shares more about the "City with Bite" and how it has led to engagement with the local community in addition to visitors. Kurt also highlights current plans to tell the authentic history of Norfolk through a program called Pathways to Freedom, which tells the story of the Underground Railroad, recognizes the harrowing experiences of those who sought freedom, the individuals and institutions that aided them, and the historical locations that played a part in their journey. What You Will Learn in this Episode: What Visit Norfolk is doing to break through the noise of a crowded travel and tourism market, including a collaboration with Virginia Beach that generated $6 million of hotel business in the summer of 2020 How can we apply insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep us moving forward as DMOs in new periods of need Why those that keep their marketing going and continue connecting with their audience, even when times are tough, recover faster when a crisis hits How the "City with Bite" series started, how they produce and market it, and how they envision making it financially sustainable Kurt shares one of the projects that Visit Norfolk is proud of right now, including how they recognize the city's problematic history and sensitively tell the authentic story of enslaved people in the area The "City with Bite" Initiative Kurt discusses the often overlooked but crucial role residents play in destination marketing. It's not solely about attracting out-of-town visitors but also engaging the locals in the activities and experiences the city offers. He shares more about the "City with Bite" initiative, a restaurant series now in its third season, which was invented to motivate residents to patronize local eateries again. The "City with Bite" series has rejuvenated the local culinary scene and enhanced residents' understanding and appreciation of the visitor economy. One distinctive feature of the "City with Bite" series is the inclusion of restaurant customers in their episodes. They are invited to share their experiences, reminiscences, and thoughts about the highlighted restaurants, fostering a deeper connection between the local community and the city's gastronomic landscape. Sharing Untold Stories Kurt also shares some of the upcoming projects Visit Norfolk is undertaking that he's particularly proud of. For the last two years, the team has been working on a project based on "Pathways to Freedom," a book by Dr. Cassandra Newby Alexander that narrates the tale of the underground railroad in Norfolk. This venture aims to tell the untold stories of those who braved the perilous journey to freedom, a narrative often eclipsed by more popular accounts like those of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. Through this project, Visit Norfolk aims to shed light on the harrowing experiences of those who sought freedom, the individuals and institutions that aided them, and the historical locations that played a part in this journey. One of the most fascinating things about this initiative is the use of augmented reality (AR) to bring these historical narratives to life. For example, the technology can help recreate the imagery of the tunnels under St. Mary's Basilica, where the enslaved were known to escape. It can also show places such as the slave jail or warehouses that no longer exist. The goal here is to foster an understanding of the city's history and how it has progressed, not perfectly but significantly, towards becoming a diverse and inclusive community. Resources: Website: www.Visitnorfolk.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitNorfolkToday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitnorfolkva/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitNorfolkVA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VisitNorfolkVirginia When This Is Over – VisitNorfolkVA – YouTube Together At Last, Norfolk-Virginia Beach – YouTube Together At Last Review The City with Bite: https://www.citywithbite.com/brothers/ Last Stop to Freedom We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 341: This week the show is at Tap Dance, organized by the Travel Alliance Partners, where the focus is on the power of collaboration, connections, and partnerships in the travel and tourism industry. Through conversations surrounding the Tap Dance 2023 travel conference and real-life experiences, my guests share a deep appreciation for the importance of working together, building strong relationships, and leveraging partnerships to create impactful travel experiences. From creating joint itineraries to forming pod partnerships, this episode explores how collaboration and teamwork can elevate the industry and provide operators with valuable pre and post-trip experiences. Get ready for an inspiring and informative discussion that highlights the transformative power of collaboration in the travel trade segment. Todd Read: Trade and Consumer Sales Manager at SoIN Tourism Timothy Cave: Owner of ITG Travel Stacey Warren: Director of Sales and Marketing at The Maine Tour Connection Micheal Collins: Development Consultant at Nebraska Tourism Division Marlene Kay Smith: Group Sales Manager with Traverse City Tourism Insights from the Tap Dance We hear from five amazing travel and tourism leaders, including Todd Reed, Tim Cave, Stacey Warren, Micheal Collins, and Marlene Smith, who provide insights on the Tap Dance show and partnerships in the industry. Todd Read: Trade and Consumer Sales Manager at SoIN Tourism "Collaboration is the key," according to Todd. He discusses the importance of collaboration and partnerships in the industry and shares his experience of how trust and communication are crucial in building successful relationships with partners. Todd also emphasizes the value of attending travel conferences, such as Tap Dance, to network, exchange ideas, and learn from other professionals in the field. Timothy Cave: Owner of ITG Travel Timothy shares his own experience working with various partners and tour operators in Nebraska, emphasizing the need to go where the operators are and get to know people. He also talks about the benefits of attending shows and networking with others in the same line of work. Timothy believes leveraging partnerships and learning from others is crucial for success in the tour operator industry. Stacey Warren: Director of Sales and Marketing at The Maine Tour Connection Stacey talks about what partnership means to her, and why it's the number one thing you need in this industry. She dives into a partnership she and neighboring DMOs have set up that enables visitors to learn more about Maine and the surrounding region. Stacey also highlights the significance of networking at events like Tap Dance, where industry professionals can learn from each other and exchange ideas. Micheal Collins: Development Consultant at Nebraska Tourism Division I loved hearing more about the collaboration between Nebraska and Wyoming and how they built an itinerary based on the Western heritage of cowboys and Native Americans. He also discusses why his word for Tap Dance is 'wonderful' because of its family feel and commitment to helping travel industry professionals build significant, long-lasting relationships. Marlene Kay Smith: Group Sales Manager with Traverse City Tourism Marlene describes why for her, partnerships are very much a two-way street, which sometimes might benefit one person more at one time, but which always even out in the end. She highlights the importance of respecting one another as fellow knowledgeable professionals. Marlene also talks more about Circle Michigan, a partnership that has lasted 40 years because everyone involved understands that they're better together. I hope you enjoyed the second episode of our special two-part series from Tap Dance, where we dive into the world of this unique travel conference, where collaboration, partnership, and connection are at its core. From intimate conversations and learning from colleagues in the tourism industry to exploring new trends and expanding networks, Tap Dance provides invaluable experiences and professional growth opportunities. I loved that our guests shared their insights on the importance of working together, forming strong relationships, and leveraging partnerships to create successful events and promote destinations. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 340: This week I'm at Tap Dance, the annual travel conference hosted and produced by Travel Alliance Partners. Tap Dance is an intimate show that gives a select group of tour operator partners a chance to build genuine relationships with Preferred Professional Travel Providers. I'm privileged to be able to talk to five experienced leaders in the travel and tourism sector and ask them about how shows like Tap Dance help empower them to do their job better. We also dive into what the word partnership means to them, and my guests offer an example of a partnership that works well for them. I can't wait to share my guests' words with you. Lori J. Solomon: Vice President of Travel and Trade with the Sullivan Catskill Visitors Association Libby Jones: Director of Education at Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial Jim Walter: Vice President of Visit Cheyenne Jill Shorkey: Director of Group Tours for Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau Emily Hamill: Hospitality Coordinator at Old Sturbridge Village Insights from the Tap Dance I am excited to showcase the Tap Dance travel conference in this roadshow series because Travel Alliance Partners, one of my own businesses, is built to support collaboration and connection in the travel trade community. Lori J. Solomon: Vice President of Travel and Trade with the Sullivan Catskill Visitors Association Lori shares more about a collaborative program her organization is part of called Beyond the Big Apple, where they're encouraging travelers to explore the area beyond New York City. She discusses the collaborative effort between the Catskills, central New York, and Hudson Valley and how putting together a two-week itinerary that showcases the best of the region helps domestic and international travelers explore the region. Libby Jones: Director of Education at Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial We dive into what partnership means to Libby and how she loves to work as a team to better achieve their goals. Her organization is a big fan of the phrase rising tide lifts all ships! She also shares more about how the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial are building a locale with the Independent Seaport Museum to make it easier for groups who visit both destinations. Jim Walter: Vice President of Visit Cheyenne Jim tells us how shows like Tap Dance help him be a better travel and tourism professional. He describes how working together and listening to how other people sell their destinations helps you learn and grow professionally. Jim also shares more about the Visit Cheyenne open-air rodeos, their new partners, and how they're attracting a fantastic international audience. Jill Shorkey: Director of Group Tours for Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau I loved how Jill describes partnership as teamwork, listening, and an aligned vision for all of us to be together for the benefit of everyone. She also shares why her word of the show is 'reverence' and how as a first time Tap Dancer, she can feel the synergy with colleagues from all parts of the industry. Emily Hamill: Hospitality Coordinator at Old Sturbridge Village We talk about why networking is beneficial from a business and professional standpoint and why she's enjoying making so many connections with her peers. We also dive into an example of a partnership that's working for Old Sturbridge Village in their collaboration with the Table Three restaurant group that allows their guests to experience fine dining in a historical setting. I hope you enjoyed this first episode of our special two-part series from Tap Dance. We delved into the world of this unique travel conference, where collaboration, partnership, and connection are at its core. From intimate conversations and learning from colleagues in the tourism industry to exploring new trends and expanding networks, Tap Dance provides invaluable experiences and professional growth opportunities. I loved that our guests shared their insights on the importance of working together, forming strong relationships, and leveraging partnerships to create successful events and promote destinations. Stay tuned for the second part of our series, where we will continue to explore the magic of Tap Dance. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 339: Santiago C. Corrada is an accomplished, recognized leader with over twenty-five years of public service experience, with proven success in effectively and efficiently transforming the professional culture of many diverse institutions. His outstanding relationship-building skills result in the resolution of highly complex issues through consensus. Corrada has the demonstrated ability to soundly and fiscally manage a convention center resulting in record surplus revenues. He has consistently elevated organizations to higher levels of productivity by empowering team members and stakeholders. Corrada is an intelligent, articulate, dedicated, loyal individual driven to serve and deliver the highest quality services. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Santiago Corrada about his leadership philosophy which includes fostering relationships, building a great team, and being a role model. We also discuss the importance of welcoming diverse audiences, and Santiago shares in detail how Visit Tampa Bay welcomes people of all abilities. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Santiago's atypical journey from high school principal to destination marketer Why Santiago firmly believes that leadership is something that should benefit a team rather than stifle them Why they decided to create a Tampa-based cookbook and how it supported an underappreciated sector of their community Santiago's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how they support individuals with impediments to travel at Visit Tampa Bay What they're doing to tell their story in a thoughtful, deliberate way and how they're ensuring that the local community members are great hosts to visitors What Santiago is looking for when he's building his destination development plan and some of the important factors he likes to incorporate Leadership at Visit Tampa Santiago Carrera discusses leadership philosophy and why he enjoys being a mentor and leading by example at Visit Tampa Bay. He shares how his unusual journey into destination marketing has helped him understand the importance of engaging his own team and the wider community in their visitor attraction initiatives. Santiago also shines a little light on the need for effective marketing and leadership in making a location stand out. Focusing on what they're doing at Visit Tampa Bay, he mentions how his team's efforts led to recognition from Time Magazine, money.com, and Forbes and how they helped put Tampa on the map as one of the best places in Florida to live and visit. Santiago believes that Visit Tampa Bay's unique branding and collaborative approach differentiates their destination from other typical Florida destinations. Shaping Your Own Narrative In our talk on all things creativity and leadership in destination marketing, Santiago expanded on his viewpoint, explaining that the goal isn't just about making Tampa or Tampa Bay stand out amongst competitors; it's all about shaping the narrative your own way. He also gives a few examples of some of the innovative and creative approaches in marketing and sharing the uniqueness of their location with the world. Committed to DEI Santiago's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a cornerstone of his leadership strategy. As one of the few Latino leaders of a DMO in the country, he has always prioritized diversifying his team, board of directors, and the portrayal of diverse, multicultural groups in their marketing imagery. It was, therefore, important to Santiago and his team to include imagery in their campaigns representing individuals with travel impediments. Visit Tampa incorporated ambassadors and influencers who have travel impediments into their video creation and campaigns. This inclusive initiative has added another layer to their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, enriching their marketing strategy and further differentiating their destination. Resources: Website: https://www.visittampabay.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBay Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitTampaBay Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/VisitTampaBay We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Episode 338: Since 2001, Debra Ross has been publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, America's online resource for families who want to know about all of the opportunities for kids in their local area, and (since 2016) of BeyondTheNest.com, for grownups who want to know about arts, culture, and recreation where they live. This web network has regional sites in 45 cities in the US and Canada, with (as of Feb 2023) 15 million visitors per year (85% parents, 15% grandparents, 82% women) and 750,000 recipients of a free weekly e-newsletter telling recipients what's happening locally for kids, teens, and families. Debra's expertise is in community visibility and cheerleading, data analytics, and information resource management. She is Co-Chair of the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force for the 2023 annular and 2024 solar eclipses and Chair of the Rochester Eclipse Task Force 2024. Named after the iconic Angela Davis, Angela Speck likes bright colors, is a nerd at heart, and has wanted to be an astronaut since she was five years old. Originally from Yorkshire (England), she went to college in London, where she was able to pursue her childhood dreams by majoring in astrophysics. After a brief stint as an r&d technician in a Lancashire company run by crazy new-age hippies, she returned to London and completed a Ph.D. in astronomy. After a postdoc at the University of Illinois and 17 years on the faculty at the University of Missouri, she is now the Chair of the Physics & Astronomy Department at UT San Antonio. She has also been the co-chair of a national task force on solar eclipses since 2014. Throughout her career, she has pursued research and teaching of astrophysics and continues to share her passion for all things extra-terrestrial. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Angela Speck and Debra Ross about how they are preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse. We discuss how destination marketers can share information about eclipse events locally and nationally, and we cover lessons learned from the 2017 eclipse visitor data. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How the upcoming eclipse can help create a sense of unity and connection within a community Key marketing lessons learned from the 2017 eclipse and what DMOs can do differently in 2024 What communities can do to maximize the experience for locals and visitors The importance of targeted outreach and educating people about the significance of the eclipse path, which is much more populated in 2024 than it was in 2017 How DMOs can leverage pre-existing stories and experiences to communicate the value of participating in the 2024 eclipse Sharing Your Community Values During her interview on the Destination on the Left podcast, Debra Ross shared a powerful anecdote about the town of Kingswood and their approach to the solar eclipse. With a strong sense of community, the town sent teenagers on bicycles to distribute eclipse glasses to residents and visitors, ensuring everyone could safely experience the event. This initiative showcased their commitment to inclusivity and creating a shared experience. This highlighted how communities can demonstrate their true essence and foster a stronger sense of unity through how they present themselves to visitors. Debra is looking to convey a similar sense of unity and connection within her own community and has since been involved in helping other communities make their messaging fun, clever, and authentic in preparation for the 2024 eclipse. Telling the Eclipse Story in 2024 On the podcast, Angela emphasizes the importance of targeted outreach and educating people about the significance of the eclipse path. So many people missed out on being within the path of the 2017 eclipse, and the upcoming 2024 eclipse is already a hot topic of conversation amongst the general population, not just the scientific community. To help engage as many people as possible, DMOs should build upon pre-existing stories and experiences. By reinforcing the message that they are not starting from scratch, marketers can more effectively communicate the importance of being within the eclipse path and ensure that people understand the value of participating in the 2024 eclipse. Resources: Website: https://www.kidsoutandabout.com/ Website: https://eclipse.aas.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-ross-roc/ Eclipse America 2024: https://eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2024 Science in the Shadows: NASA Selects 5 Experiments for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Rochester Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Eclipse Community Dashboard We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/