Looking back at 2024
What a long, strange year it's been. We had a chance, earlier this week, to hang out and reflect with friends, peers and colleagues at the Destinations International Joint Board and Foundation Trustee meetings in Chicago.
Outside of comparing our calendars for when our last travel days before the holidays would fall (I think Longwoods International’s Amir Eylon won the competition with a Friday flight home), we also discussed the past few years and how rapidly things have been changing in our sector; indeed, in our world. And, sadly, a lot of it wasn't good. From losing talented leadership to the rapid evaporation of federal recovery money upon which so many DMOs and communities had grown reliant, it doesn't seem the best of times.
However, there have been some really sensational events, occurrences and movements of late for which we couldn't be more elated, proud and thrilled. Fred Dixon moving to Brand USA…and Julie Coker succeeding him in the big Apple. Longtime friend and client Mary Patchin ascending in Chicago Southland. And Brett Oetting heading to Visit KC…just to name a few from the past couple months.
We collectively witnessed how DMOs pivoted as one in the Spring of 2020, coming to the aid of their communities in their darkest hours. And, we saw it again this year when natural disaster after natural disaster pounded parts of North America. Through it all, Vic Isley and her team at Explore Asheville were there, developing opportunities for those who love the region to donate and help. From being presenting sponsor of the Concert for Carolina to creating online retail opportunities for artisans, makers and retailers who lost their storefronts to, now, developing the definitive source of information on what businesses are back up and running and welcoming visitors through their doors. Watching them dive immediately into coming to the aid of their partners and residents should be proof positive that we are no longer merely Destination Marketing Organizations...but Destination Leadership Organizations.
We've had the opportunity to collaborate on some really sensational projects with some extremely whip-smart consultants with whom we more often collaborate than compete. And, we were honored to work with hundreds of DMO professionals this year on updating the standards that are the backbone of Destination International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). We learned so much during the process…one in which we attempted to develop enhanced standards of excellence in an increasingly unstandardized world. Thanks to Don, Jack, Gabe, Rori and everyone at Destinations International and the DI Foundation for the opportunity and experience.
For decades, readers of the Z-News and our blog know we are quick to point out the bone-headed moves we see across America when it comes to not understanding the critical role of Destination Marketing Organizations. So, it has been exciting to see that the new mayor of Duluth MN is pledging to rebuild Visit Duluth after his predecessor all but dismantled the award winning organization, believing an ad agency could actually do the work of a DMO (that sound is me snorting my Diet Mountain Dew through my nose)..
We bid (and continue to bid) fond adieus to a number of legacy Destination Leadership professionals. People like Newport’s Evan Smith who has left a profound impact on not just his community but the entire state of Rhode Island. Experience Fayetteville’s Molly Rawn was just elected Mayor (and will be stepping away from her DMO). And, Jack Berry, whose decades of work in Richmond VA was commemorated when a street leading towards their new state of the art sports complex was named for this gentle giant in our industry.
And, I’m leaving out so many other great stories…but I continued to be blessed that we can tell those stories on the DMOU podcast. Thanks to the over 150 voices that have shared their truth in almost 40,000 downloads over the past 5 years.
And we can’t wait to dive into the new year with even more stories and thought leadership from this sector that has been so good to us...and is so critical to the success of our communities.
Terri and I wish you the warmest of holiday seasons and a cool yule, y’all.
Til next time,
Bill
