BLOG
For years, the Z-News was Bill’s way to share big concepts and the headlines of the Destination Marketing world. And, that world can, from time to time, move faster than the publication schedule of the Z-News. That’s where the blog (Bill Geist’s Zeitgeist) came into play. From chronicling and criticizing DMO meltdowns to celebrating our wins in communities around the world, the blog has often been more news than the Z-news. On this page, you’ll find recent posts that are specific to Destination Marketing and Leadership.
Back to Reality
In a moment of seeming clarity, the President announced a couple weeks ago that deportation efforts would no longer target hospitality and farm workers. That didn’t last long.
Safe…for Now
Sine Die. It means to adjourn with no plan to reconvene. And, that's what it says today on the webpage of the Florida State Senate. So, Florida’s DMOs are safe…for now.
The Sudden Realization
It was Mike Tyson who famously said, "everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face." And, I get that the President had a plan to deal with undocumented residents of this country...he just hadn't thought it through very well.
Change for Change’s Sake
Oh yes...let's try something new (despite the fact that the current approach is producing great results).
The Conference Side
In those early years, as with most of us starting out in consulting, there was the need to supplement a slow-to-establish client base with some side hustles.
The Validation
The work we did for the Quad Cities in 2007 to develop a Vision Plan for the community was one of those moments…
Bill Wellman
So…I begin my path in destination consulting, believing I could do it better …
The Redirect
It was Mayor Paul Soglin who brought the idea of Monona Terrace back to public consciousness.
Blindly into a Meeting
I was summoned to a meeting with two individuals that I knew held some prominence in the community.
The Turning Point
Coming off the best year the DMO had ever had, my Board offered me a 0.0% raise.
The Rookie Question
Is it better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt?
Early Mentors
I may have understood marketing… but I clearly didn't understand destination marketing.
Local DOGE
A number of us saw this coming a mile away. The New Administration’s stated goal to secure “government efficiency” is starting to filter down to State and Local government.
When Did We Get So Lazy
There isn't a month that goes by that I don't get a request to submit my pitch for a session at an industry conference. When did content selection at industry conferences get so lazy?
Playing for Change Collaboration
Hell yeah...and well played, Visit Mississippi. This is "Crossroads," penned by Mississippi legend Robert Johnson with performances by Keb' Mo, Kingfish, Charlie Worsham, Cedric Burnside and several more from around the world.
Brenda Scott
Carnival Cruises has announced it will begin sailing from Mobile year round in 2027. The connection? It was Brenda Scott who tirelessly led the charge to get cruise lines to consider Mobile back in the late '90s.