If I had a Franklin for every pundit who has suggested that strategic plans are now worthless, I could buy a boat.

Last month in this column, in the face of rapidly declining Room Tax revenues that power most Destination Marketing Organizations, I suggested that this would be the great reset.

Those that have seen my presentations on Political Advocacy know that I typically invoke the classic Bill Murray film, “Groundhog Day.”

We were in a community, interviewing resort managers when the cascading cancellations of conventions began. Slowly at first…then progressing much more rapidly. The NCAA. The NBA. The MLB. The momentum was absolutely frightening.

One of our first newsletters included a column called “Boards From Hell” in which we would (anonymously, of course) chronicle the pitfalls befalling DMOs that had Board Members that didn’t understand their role or had a significant conflict of interest (and sometimes both).

In the spirit of sharing, we’re reprising our habit of recommending the books that inspired our thinking this year

The practice of asking “why” is nothing new. We all did it during our formative years (often to our parents' exasperation when it was incessant).

The next Presidential election is over a year away…and yet, the tempestuous drama of the Democratic Party’s Debate season is in full swing.

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time pondering the philosophical evolution behind the art, science and critical importance of Destination Marketing and development. Indeed, it’s what I’ve been calling “Destination Leadership” for over 15 years.

The Professional Development “season” really never stops for DMO pros…but, it’s about to kick into high gear.

I ask stupid questions…because stupid questions get us to the answers we need.

As much as the DMO’s Board Members are nodding in unison as I, early in our workshop, explain the difference between a “Strategic Plan” and the “Marketing / Business Plan,” somebody pushes back when they receive the draft.

Those who have heard me on stage or worked with me at DMOs across this country know that I have been passionate about deploying professional staff in ways that were unheard of just 5 years ago.

If I had a Franklin for every time a veteran Board member has told me that they were stunned to learn all the things in which their DMO was involved, well…let’s just say that I’d be taking a lot more vacations.