ABOUT

For over 30 years, Bill Geist has been one of the truly innovative voices in the Destination Marketing and Leadership (DMO) sector.

As an ’80s FM Rock Radio Program Director and on-air Morning guy in the Chicago Metro, Bill once poked fun at the thought that tourists would want to come to his hometown. But then, the light bulb went off and he realized how an influx of visitors could make a significant impact in the lives of his friends, neighbors and community. Leaving behind his radio career, he took his first DMO CEO job in his hometown and landed the first ever multi-year contract for a national powerboat event that brought tens of thousands to this small destination along the Kankakee River.

A serendipitous opportunity to become CEO at the Greater Madison (WI) Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Destination Madison) allowed him to put his political prowess and sales and marketing chops to work. Bill was part of the team responsible for realizing the dream of a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lakeside Convention Center. Today, it’s a shining example of how collaboration and community development can create an iconic skyline in the place he now calls home.

As Monona Terrace grew along the lakefront, Bill decided to launch the first American DMO Consultancy headed by a former DMO CEO that would be exclusively dedicated to DMO work. Over the ensuing 30 years, Zeitgeist / DMOproz would work with over 200 destinations from Juneau to Belize and Boston to San Jose.

In addition to his speaking and consulting projects, Bill has authored two books: Destination Leadership for Boards (now out of print) and Destination Leadership (a broader version of the first book), to assist community leaders as they explore ways to enhance their own communities through Destination Marketing and Leadership. Today, he continues to interview the best and brightest on his podcast, DMOU, and writes and blogs on a myriad of topics.

“Your impact and legacy is so vast. The wisdom you share helps so many. We are all better for it…”

- Dave Herrell, CEO of Visit Quad Cities

“Your influence extends far beyond your friends. You’ve enlightened, inspired and educated a small army of followers who are better because of you. “

- Brad Dean, CEO of Explore St. Louis

“Your far reaching experience and knowledge of the DMO industry is truly outstanding and is what has made you our field’s Guru for so many years”

- Jacquie Powell, CEO of Destination Dayton

“THANK YOU for being a beacon and guiding star for our industry!”

-Amir Eylon, CEO at Longwoods International

“Thank you for all you do to elevate our profession and bring us all together.”

- Gary Sherwin, CEO of Visit Newport Beach

“I'll sit on my porch tomorrow with a gin rocks glass and toast in gratitude for all you have done for our industry and for me personally.”

- Peggy Coleman, CEO of the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce

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