Destination DC's Elliott Ferguson is Chair of the recently founded organization called Tourism Diversity Matters. On this episode of DMOU, he shares the vision for the organization, why (with everything else going on in DC the past year) he felt compelled to take on this role at this time and how DMOs can continue to up their game in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It is about the uncomfortable conversation...one that Elliott encourages us all to have more often.

We had the opportunity to work with Montana's Glacier Country Tourism last year and were simply blown away with how engaged the Board of Directors was in driving home the Vision and Mission of the agency. CEO Racene Friede joins DMOU to share how their unique brand of onboarding, diversity in member selection and an annual Strategic Planning cycle makes GCT one of the highest performing DMOs in the nation. And, you'll hear how a serendipitous business trip changed her life on our Bonus Question.

Visit Alexandria CEO Patricia Washington joins DMOU for a wide-ranging conversation that focuses on the transformation of her destination. From ensuring a more representative marketing message to flipping the historically heritage-facing brand to a hipper rendition of the community's primary strengths, you'll hear how the DMO and its partners are capitalizing on a more recent heritage that is more compelling for today's consumer that is searching for the truth. And, answering a rare fourth question, Patricia shares her suggestion on how her peers can capture this moment in time and turn it into something special.

On this edition of DMOU, we welcome Destination Analysts' Erin Francis-Cummings to the microphone for a wide-ranging conversation that showcases exclusive new research into how DMO leaders perceive their future. She also shares fresh insights into how Meeting Planners view DMOs in a post-COVID world...and other insights relative to the pandemic that will help DMO pros prepare for the days ahead.

Jim Cowan heads the Chickasha OK Economic Development Council...and is playing the long-game. While he certainly hosts potential investors to the community, Jim is focusing a lot of his work on the Chickasha brand. On this episode of DMOU, you'll hear the unique philosophy and vision of an Economic Development guy that sounds a lot like a Destination Marketing pro. Music Videos. PR coups that go International. And, a story about Jimmy Stewart. It's a refreshing conversation with a bright new voice in Community Development.

It's been over two decades since destination marketing turned digital...and the number of platforms we use to touch consumers and clients has exploded. TwoSix Digital's Dave Serino and Brian Matson share their thoughts on what's next for destination marketing, how DMOs are missing opportunities to own their data and how e-mail marketing is far from passe. Plus, you'll learn what Dave aspired to be, growing up as a kid in Pennsylvania, in the Bonus Round.

As Co-Chair of Destinations International's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, Visit Baltimore's Al Hutchinson has been at the forefront of the movement to accelerate change across the travel, DMO and hospitality sectors. In this episode, he shares the backstory of this Summer's manifesto from Black leaders in the DMO space, the newly released CEO Pledge from Destinations International and how Visit Baltimore is partnering with Guinness on an innovative apprentice program. Oh yeah...and a Bonus Round question that screams "Hit Me." It's a great way to kick off a bold New Year of DMOU.

All destinations aspire to be welcoming communities...but only a handful of communities have moved to ensure that the welcome truly extends to those on the Autism spectrum. Visit Mesa CEO Marc Garcia recently shepherded a community-wide effort that resulted in his city becoming the first Autism Certified destination in America. On this episode, Marc shares his story from genesis to certification...and his road to becoming a DMO pro.

Norfolk and Virginia Beach are less than a half hour apart but have been destination competitors for decades. In a DMOU episode recorded in September, VisitNorfolk's Kurt Krause shares the process that brought the two destinations together for a legendary campaign that very well may have serious post COVID legs. You'll also hear how VisitNorfolk is working to bring the story of the region's Underground Railroad to life.

One of the nation's most sought after marketing strategists joins DMOU to offer her take on what's ahead for Destination Marketing and the Experience Economy in a COVID-vandalized world. In this episode, Marsha Lindsay suggests ways for DMOs to underscore relevance and teach our communities how to fall in love with themselves once again. She also shares her views of how forces outside the DMO world will impact our lives going forward. It's a fascinating conversation for anyone trying to divine what's next.