Professional Development
The Professional Development “season” really never stops for DMO pros…but, it’s about to kick into high gear with the Annual Convention of Destinations International in a couple weeks. ESTO follows in August and the Upper Midwest CVB Fall Conference in September. Destinations International’s Affinity Summits dot the calendar…and no fewer than seven State Tourism Conferences are scheduled (as is the inaugural TravelAbility Summit) through November.
Lots of learning (and even more networking)…which means a lot of storytelling among the professionals whose very job it is to tell compelling stories about what makes their communities attractive. And, that’s why we try to make as many conferences as our schedule permits. Because, as much as our clients and audiences look to us to share stories of successes and missteps, we are thirsty to hear new stories as we all build upon the work of those that went before us.
Indeed, today’s blog post features a DMO that has launched a local referendum campaign to increase that community’s Room Tax…and is doing so with a philosophical twist on the messaging that so often has been misunderstood over the years. That’s what we love. DMO pros that are blazing new trails with bold ideas.
Which is why we are, today, relaunching DMOU (Destination Marketing Organization University).
Some readers of the Z-News will remember fondly the 5-year run of this phone-based, live teleseminar series that interviewed the best and brightest in our field, sharing innovative concepts, tactics and strategies. It was during one of those pesky recessions that we recognized that some of our peers were forgoing industry conferences (and, thus, forfeiting the learning contained therein). So, we launched DMOU in 2002 as a way that DMO pros could listen to great stories live on their phone…or, after the fact, on CD or cassette, without leaving home.
Over the years, we’ve been touched by the number of people that tell us they were subscribers and couldn’t wait for their CDs to arrive each month. But, with a heavy client load, DMOU went on hiatus in 2007.
Well, we’re back…with a few twists.
DMOU is now a free podcast, with episodes released as we record them. We are no longer adhering to a 60-minute format. Beginning today, DMOU podcasts are limited to 3 questions and a Bonus Round. We’ll go only as long as it takes for our guests to inspire you. The first five podcasts (now available in the Knowledge Bank section of DMOproz.com, Podbean and on iTunes) have run between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the subject matter. We’re aiming for 30 minutes, which should be perfect for your workout or commute.
Our first episode of the new DMOU mirrors the first episode back in 2002, as we invited former Tourism Vancouver CEO Rick Antonson back to the microphone to talk about how the industry has evolved in its quest to be environmentally sustainable (and to catch up with where he’s been since becoming a full-time author and raconteur).
On SNL, it’s a badge of honor to host multiple times. Episode 2 features our version of Alec Baldwin, as Maura Gast (who appeared four times on the original DMOU) graces the podcast with an update of Destination’s International’s DMAP and CDME programs…along with a rare glimpse into uncharted territory for one of this industry’s true thought leaders.
On Episode 3, we hang with Longwoods International’s Amir Eylon to learn more about the Halo Effect, the recently launched Resident Sentiment study…and what his last meal on earth would be.
Visit Eau Claire CEO Linda John shuttered her agency’s Visitor Center a decade ago, believing them to be passe. She just opened a new physical location (but don’t call it a Visitors Center). Learn more about the philosophy of what led her back on Episode 4.
And, on Episode 5, we examine a DMO that recently launched a campaign to encourage people to move to their region (not just visit). South Shore CVA CEO Spero Batistatos leads us through the evolution of the “Move to Indiana” campaign…and a Bonus Round story that I dare you not to love.
Yeah...stories you so need to hear.
DMOU is, in no way, designed to replace face-to-face interaction at industry conferences. Indeed, you should do as many conferences as you can (and pledge, when you do this year, to sit at tables where you don’t know a soul). Instead, these are the nuggets of brilliance you can consume between the conferences that we’ll bring you every month.
We couldn’t be more excited to bring DMOU back…and, we look forward to seeing many of you in St. Louis. In fact, as you make your way to the STL, why not binge on the return of DMOU. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how we can make it even better.