Podcasts about convention bureau

Top destinations around the world can help you plan and execute the perfect destination wedding or honeymoon experience for your clients. Discover the resources these destinations can provide to help you create the ultimate destination wedding or honeymoon. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel including Shana Whyte, senior sales manager for the U.S. Virgin Islands; Nathalie Pinthiere-Brooks, niche markets officer for St. Martin Tourism and Robyn Basso, CTC, senior director, travel industry partnerships for Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

For over two decades, I've worked in the heart of Hawaii's tourism industry, not from a boardroom or behind a podium, but face-to-face with the people who come here and the community that calls this place home. And after 23 years of building custom Hawaii vacations with a team of only local travel advisors, I'm tired of hearing the same speeches about "transforming tourism." At the recent Travel Weekly Hawaii Leadership Forum (which I've never been invited to, even though I've appeared in their magazine for 20 years), Aaron Sala, CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, made headlines by declaring, "Tourism as we have known it is over." While I applaud the sentiment and the passion behind his words, I couldn't help but feel that we've been here before. I've heard similar statements from every new face in Hawaii tourism leadership. Yet time and again, the execution falls flat. The Real Hawaii Tourism Problem The Disconnect Between Words and Action - The core issue isn't the messaging—it's the follow-through. We're still allowing mainland companies to dominate how Hawaii is sold to the world. They control the packages, the distribution, the experience—and they do it without authentic local input. Most travelers are still funneled into mass-produced experiences: big bus tours, tourist traps, travel scams, and surface-level entertainment. Meanwhile, the local voice—the one that truly understands Hawai'i's land, culture, and values—is pushed to the margins. What Makes Us Different - At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we do what no mainland company is doing: We require that every vacation we book is created by someone who either was born here or has lived here for a meaningful part of their life. It's not marketing—it's our foundation. Because we live here, we know the difference between a tourist itinerary and a meaningful Hawaiian experience. We build every trip with care, knowledge, and cultural respect. And we believe that if you're going to sell Hawaii, you need someone from Hawaii in that conversation. At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we do what no mainland company is doing: We require that every vacation we book is created by someone who either was born here or has lived here for a meaningful part of their life. It's not marketing—it's our foundation. Because we live here, we know the difference between a tourist itinerary and a meaningful Hawaiian experience. We build every trip with care, knowledge, and cultural respect. And we believe that if you're going to sell Hawaii, you need someone from Hawaii in that conversation. A Real Solution: The Certified Local Travel Advisor Program I'm not just here to criticize. I've proposed a concrete, scalable solution: a Certified Hawaii-Based Travel Advisor program. This would ensure that anyone creating, selling, or designing Hawaii vacation packages includes a certified local expert in the process.Under this program, certified advisors would be required at a minimum: Be Hawaii-born or long-term residents- Update Seller of Travel Regulations- Make it a requirement that any Hawaii-bound vacation package include a state-registered travel advisor -Licensed and regulated by the DCCA (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) - Complete cultural competency and stewardship training This is how we move from buzzwords to benchmarks, from performative allyship to genuine local partnership.Let's Stop Polishing the Rust and Rebuild the EngineIf we want regenerative tourism in Hawai‘i, we can't just keep tweaking the same broken model. We need a reset—and that reset must start with locals leading the experience. Let's Stop Polishing the Rust and Rebuild the Engine If you're in a position of leadership, I invite you to stop talking about transformation and start building it. Partner with people like me. We're ready, we're experienced, and we're already doing the work. If you're a traveler, ask who's planning your trip. If they don't live here, ask why.

Reaching 100 episodes is a major milestone! In today's special episode, we're taking a look back at the journey of Voices—from how it all began to where we are now, and what's ahead for the future. We'll also highlight some of our top episodes, share insights from a recent survey and more. A huge thank you to all our guests and listeners—you are the reason Voices has become what it is today! IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWAn overview of Seneca Valley's Voices podcast and how it startedTop 5 downloaded episodesRecent survey resultsTypes of episodes listeners can expect to hear in the futureHow Seneca Valley is celebrating its 100th episode of VoicesSPECIAL GUESTSMs. Tiffany Hernandez, Content Marketing Specialist Ms. Hernandez has been part of the Seneca Valley team since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing. Prior to joining Seneca Valley, she worked in public relations at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, where she played a key role in developing award-winning communication strategies. At Seneca Valley, Ms. Hernandez works alongside the Communications Director to create story ideas, write press releases, photograph events, manage the Voices podcast, support content marketing for the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, plan special events, coordinate the annual report, contribute feature articles, and more. 

Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten previews this weekend's Behind the Mitten show, which airs across the state on 21 radio stations across 14 markets. The podcast and radio show is celebrating 10 years.As a guest of the Paul Miller show on WPHM in Port Huron, Amy talks about the passion of boat nerds, which you will hear about as Linda Hoath of the Sault Ste. Marie Visitors & Convention Bureau share her excitement for a new season. The observation deck opens at 12:01 a.m. on March 25 to see the first boats go through the Soo Locks.Behind the Mitten will air at noon on Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday on WPHM-AM (1380).To see what time the show airs on your favorite radio stations across the state, go to amyandgonzo.com.

JMN is live on location in advance of the Salute America: Remembering Rush Limbaugh event tomorrow! Susan Phillips of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau joins JMN to share how events like this impact the local community, and how the V&CB uses events to raise the community's profile and make St. Augustine an event destination.

Women Crush Wednesday is all about celebrating incredible women in the Mother City who are doing amazing things. This week, Tracey Lange chats with Corne Koch, Head of Convention Bureau at Wesgro. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the Tahoe TAP! Your hosts, Mike Peron and Rob Galloway, are here with another episode packed full of Things, Adventure, and People — all centered around our beloved Lake Tahoe. We kick things off with a quick roundup of the latest Tahoe region news, keeping it local as always. Then, we dive into an engaging conversation with this week's guest, Andy Chapman, President/CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV). Andy has called Tahoe home for nearly 30 years and brings over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry. As a key player in regional stewardship and visitor management, he serves on multiple boards, including the Tahoe Transportation District, Lake Tahoe Stewardship Council, Reno Sparks Visitor and Convention Bureau and Washoe Tahoe Housing Partnership. Beyond his professional contributions, Andy is a true Tahoe enthusiast — whether he's skiing, hiking, disc golfing, or exploring the lake itself. Listen in as we explore Andy's journey, the work of TNTNV, and his passion for keeping Tahoe a world-class destination while protecting its natural beauty.

In this conversation, Senthil Gopinath, the CEO of ICCA shares his reflections on the success of the incredible 63rd ICCA Congress, the innovative new model introduced, and the vital role of global leadership in shaping the future of the industry. Senthil Gopinath is the Chief Executive Officer of International Congress and Convention Association ICCA. He has over two decades of experience and expertise in the meetings, association, and leisure industries. He has held a wide spectrum of positions in the meetings industry. Such as the CEO of the Convention Bureau of Sri Lanka, the Vice President of Kuoni. He moved to Dubai in 2006 and has been working for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) arm of Emirates Group, eventually holding responsibility for wide-ranging business development, sales, and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the UAE, including World Diabetes Congress, UITP, and World Economic Forum. He has been involved in winning many Congress bids for Dubai, UAE, and the Region. Academically he holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master's in Business Administration. Currently reading for PhD. Senthil has been working with the global association fraternity for more than a decade and has in-depth knowledge of global association segment development. A passionate strategist. Being creative and adaptable to the constantly changing environment are his key strengths. Always aims at professionalism and focuses on achieving the organizational objectives and financial goals. ICCA -the International Congress and Convention Association- is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.  

Aquesta època, la destinació sempre acull molts esdeveniments i, a la vegada, hi ha una feina intensa de promoció.

Jose Blanco, presidente de Coruña Convention Bureau

Welcome back to the Folo by Travel Weekly. After our annual summer break, we're back with all-new episodes! We're kicking off this series with a discussion into what's happening on Maui, a year after the devastating, deadly fires. The conversation builds off a cover story written by news editor Johanna Jainchill, who is joined by Sherry Duong, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, and David Taylor, marketing director at Maui activities operator Kai Kanani. In the episode Johanna, Sherry, David and host Rebecca Tobin talk about the anniversary of the fires, why visitor numbers and spending on Maui is still below average, whether visitors are welcome on Maui, the perception of Hawaii as an expensive vacation choice and more.This conversation was recorded Monday, August 12 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Allianz Advantage https://www.allianzadvantage.com Related reports Going back to Maui, a year after the wildfires https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Going-back-to-Maui On the Record: Ilihia Gionson of the Hawaii Tourism Authoirty on the state's tourism slump https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Ilihia-Gionson-on-Hawaii-tourism-slump Hawaii arrivals and spending remain down, a year after the Maui fires https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hawaii-arrivals-remain-down-year-after-Maui-fires Related links Kai Kanani sailing and snorkeling tours https://kaikanani.com/ Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau https://www.hvcb.org/about-hvcb/island-chapters/maui-visitors-convention-bureau/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Miriam Dotson, the Communication Director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, to discover why the Fort Myers area is the perfect complement to any central or southern Florida vacation. Miriam will share insights into the unique attractions and experiences that Fort Myers offers, from its... The post Discovering Fort Myers as a Florida Destination appeared first on My Mickey Podcast.

Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.   Curiosity, Climbing and Community: Wisdom Lessons from SEAL Spouse, Bold Business Leader Holly Fussell   Holly Fussell is one of the most diverse and curious people I've ever met. She's a certified yoga instructor, an experienced triathlete, and a formally trained sommelier who studied at the Culinary Institute of America.   Holly was a military spouse for more than 10 years with an active duty Navy SEAL for a husband, so she knows what it is like to face transition and uncertainty.    We'll have fun as we explore Holly's rich, diverse wisdom. Along the way you will learn: How to be truly adaptable, especially when facing uncertainty. Plus you will hear tips on how to avoid the comparison trap. How to look within and trust that you have everything you need.   More About Our Wise Guest With her husband, Holly Fussell owns Water Stone Outdoors, a specialty outdoor gear and apparel shop in Fayetteville, WV. She looks forward to being a part of job creation in the growing outdoor recreation economy in West Virginia.   While living in Washington, D.C., Holly worked with non-profit organizations supporting access to healthy, high-quality food. She served on the Board of Directors for SEALKIDS for five years, an organization supporting academic challenges and special needs for children in the Navy SEAL community.   Holly recently completed her MBA through West Virginia University and volunteers in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Fayetteville Visitors and Convention Bureau.   She is the mother of two childre and enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends.   Now gear up and get ready. Over the next 19 minutes, you'll discover why Holly Fussell is one of the wisest people I know.   Resources Connect with Holly on LinkedIn to read her essays on small biz ownership Waterstone Outdoors website Episode 32 of our podcast, featuring Navy SEAL Chris Fussell Our website for additional wisdom resources   Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg   Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn   Help Support and Sustain This Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.   Episode Chapters [0:03:30] - Holly's diverse background [0:06:03] - About Waterstone Outdoors; the new vision for the store [0:05:23] - How Skip and Holly are connected [0:09:42] - Life as a military spouse; being married to a Navy SEAL [0:14:00] - Holly reveals her Main Thing wisdom lesson [0:15:07] - Growth mindset; the importance of curiosity; learning by trying [0:16:45] - Surrounded by high-performers; avoiding comparison trap [0:18:14] - Fallacy of making assumptions about successful people [0:19:16] - Ingredients for a life of intention   Keywords Small Business, Adaptability, Growth Mindset, Excellence, Military Spouse, Comparison Trap, Perfectionism, Intentionality, Pursuing Fulfillment, High Achievers, Emotional Intelligence, Intentional Living, Personal Development, Multiple Intelligences, SEAL Team, Navy, Community, Meaningful Relationships, Entrepreneurship, Yoga, Triathlete, Sourdough Bread, Rock Climbing, Sommelier, Foreign Language Teacher, High Performers, Effort, Outcomes, Exciting Updates, Revitalized Store, Waterstone Outdoors, Fayetteville, New River Gorge, National Park  

This series of interviews filmed at the 2024 National Religious Broadcaster's Convention provides a unique and relevant perspective of the nation of Israel through the eyes and experiences of its people, from government leaders to advocacy activists to post-October 7 volunteers—and more.

How is St. Augustine's tourism industry stacking up against increased global competition? Susan Phillips President and CEO of the St. Johns County Visitors & Convention Bureau sits in to break it all down with us.

L'adhesió permetrà a la destinació tenir més exposició i poder atraure grans esdeveniments fins a la vila.

Many destinations cater to the luxury market because it can be the most lucrative for their tourism. This second Virtual Roadshows-Selling Luxury panel showcases top destinations around the world that actively market to luxury travelers and the travel advisors who book their vacations. You'll learn what luxury products each destination wants to highlight, including top accommodations, attractions and activities. This panel, moderated by Alan Fine of Inside Travel Report, includes Melanie Schinkel, Aussie Specialist Program team leader for Tourism Australia, and Robyn Basso, senior director of travel industry partnerships for the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. To watch the entire Virtual Roadshow on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

La responsable del Sitges Convention Bureau, Maria Sánchez Quintana, ha estat guardonada com a "Best Destination Promotion" en els MPI Iberian Awards, una reunió de professionals de la industria, en el que representa un reconeixement a la promoció de la vila com a receptora de turisme de congressos, convencions i incentius. Sánchez Quintana s'ha mostrat molt contenta pel reconeixement, un aval de la professió a la feina de vendre una marca Sitges que continua resultant atractiva. L'entrada Sitges veu reconeguda la tasca de promoció del Convention Bureau ha aparegut primer a Radio Maricel.

Host John Kruse chats with Kris Millgate about a woman trampled to death by elk and other stories related to keeping safe around big game.  Kris also shares details about her new documentary film, "On Grizzly Ground".  George Krumm, Editor of Fish Alaska magazine, has some suggestions for ice fishing around Anchorage and Wasilla.  Meanwhile, Casey Weismantel, the Executive Director of the Aberdeen Visitors and Convention Bureau, shows why Aberdeen, South Dakota is the perfect cast & blast destination for November and December with great pheasant hunting and the chance to catch a trophy walleye (and more)! www.americaoutdoorsradio.com www.huntfishsd.com www.ongrizzlyground.com www.fishalaskamagazine.com   

Hawaiians are eager to say ‘aloha' to mainlanders says Leanne Pletcher, Dir of PR and Marketing at the Maui Visitor and Convention Bureau. Though the historic town of Lahaina remains closed, she invites newlyweds, adventure hikers, families and surfers to enjoy a sunset from one of Maui's other white sandy beaches. Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Hawaiians are eager to say ‘aloha' to mainlanders says Leanne Pletcher, Dir of PR and Marketing at the Maui Visitor and Convention Bureau. Though the historic town of Lahaina remains closed, she invites newlyweds, adventure hikers, families and surfers to enjoy a sunset from one of Maui's other white sandy beaches. Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Maui is open and ready for visitors after the tragic August wildfires. Leanne Pletcher with the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau joins us to share how you can visit Maui in a respectful way and why it's important to do so to support the island's recovery.Ready to jump to the finish line of flying your whole family for free, learn more about Families Fly Free and how you can learn Lyn's simple Fly Free Formula, a simple system to collect and use travel rewards for flights throughout the US, Caribbean and Europe...Learn more at FamiliesFlyFree.com/JoinRELATED EPISODES: Insider Tips for Planning an Epic Hawaii Vacation With Jordan & Erica of Hawaii Vacation Guide The Hawaii Vacation of Your Dreams: How to Make It a Reality Oahu Travel Guide: Local Tips from Amylee Udell How Mike Saved $4,500 on a Trip for His Extended Family to Hawaii Kauai Trip Report: Everything You Need to Know About Hawaii's "Garden Isle" RESOURCES: 19 Incredible Things to Do in Hawaii What It's Like to Fly to Hawaii on Southwest Awesome Hawaii Hotels You Can Book Using Points 10 Hacks to Save Big Money in Hawaii 11 Things to Know About Southwest Hawaii Flights  

Ask Skift Is the AI Chatbot for the Travel Industry: Ask Skift Your Questions Episode Notes Maui's western region will fully reopen to tourism on Wednesday, two months after it was devastated by a massive wildfire. But Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam writes the island still faces a long road to recovery.   Sherry Doung, executive director of the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau, said the organization wasn't expecting large numbers of travelers to come to western Maui. Scheduled airline seats to Maui for November and December are still substantially below 2022 levels. While Habtemariam reports that the huge post-disaster decline in tourism to Maui has stopped, visitor numbers aren't expected to substantially increase for some time.  Next, JetBlue Airways had a brutal third quarter, as weather-related disruptions and rising jet fuel costs dented its profits, reports Associate Editor Rashaad Jorden.  JetBlue posted a $129 million net loss, excluding one-time accounting charges. The company reported during its earnings call on Tuesday that it generated $2.4 billion in revenue, an 8.2% decrease from the same period last year. JetBlue Chief Financial Officer Ursula Hurley described the magnitude of air traffic control and weather-related delays as staggering.  However, the news coming out of the earnings call wasn't all negative. JetBlue President Joanne Geraghty said the company has seen a surge in corporate bookings since Labor Day. Finally, Colorado legislators held a public hearing on a proposed bill that would significantly impact short-term rental properties in the state, writes Short-Term Rental Reporter Srividya Kalyanaraman. The bill, if passed, would result in short-term rental units being classified as a residential real property or a lodging property based on its use the previous year. Kalyanaraman reports that how a unit is classified would have a big impact on taxes that owners ultimately pay, with a substantial increase in the tax rates for short-term rentals.

Dreaming of a vacation to the island of Maui? Well, you've come to the right place!Today, Angie Orth is back with Leanne Pletcher, director of Public Relations & Marketing at the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. Last week, she shared everything you need to know about visiting the island and helping the local economy recover from the 2023 fire in Lahaina. In this mini-episode, we're filling out your must-do list with the best of what to see and do on your Maui vacation. What You'll Learn:The best experiences and festivals for foodies (0:35)How to connect with the culture of Maui (1:19)The top experiences for kids (1:37)How to get the best birds eye view of the island (2:12)The best water-related activities (2:43)Connect with Leanne Pletcher:Email: leanne@mauivb.comHawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: https://www.hvcb.org/Maui Travel Updates: https://www.gohawaii.com/maui-travel-updatesConnect with Angie Orth:Website +Blog: https://angieaway.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angieaway/?hl=enConnect with AAA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesTraveling with AAA Podcast: https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/information/traveling-with-aaa-podcastPlan your next vacation with AAA: https://aaa.com/travel

If you were to dream up the ultimate beach vacation, you'd want a place that's warm, welcoming, and unbelievably scenic in every direction. You'd want a place where you could relax on a soft sandy beach, and just as easily go for a mountain hike to work up an appetite for epic local food and tropical fruit-filled drinks. In other words, you'd dream of Maui.Today, Angie Orth welcomes Leanne Pletcher, director of Public Relations & Marketing at the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. For the people of Maui, hospitality has long been an important part of their economy. After the 2023 fires in Lahaina, we thought this might be the perfect time to check in, and remind anyone who's thinking of a Maui vacation that many parts of the island are open for business and welcoming visitors with open arms. You'll learn the geography of the island to better understand which areas are still recovering, and the many regions that have remained open to visitors. Leanne shares the importance of tourism and how choosing Maui for your beach vacation can make a difference to the island community. You'll also hear unique ways to experience Hawaiian culture and how you can participate in eco-driven voluntourism during your visit. What You'll Learn:What it means to travel with Malama (2:58)The local food movement in Maui (6:29)Understanding the concept of Aloha (7:22)How to experience authentic local culture in Maui (8:30)Voluntourism opportunities and lesser-known places to visit (13:26)Everything you need to know about local whale watching (15:29)Connect with Leanne Pletcher:Email: leanne@mauivb.comHawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: https://www.hvcb.org/Maui Travel Updates: https://www.gohawaii.com/maui-travel-updatesConnect with Angie Orth:Website +Blog: https://angieaway.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angieaway/?hl=enConnect with AAA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesTraveling with AAA Podcast: https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/information/traveling-with-aaa-podcastPlan your next vacation with AAA: https://aaa.com/travel

Today's Five-Star Guest is Heidi Gullickson, Executive Director of the Brookings (SD) Area United Way.   Stepping into her role on April 1st, 2014, Heidi Gullickson has taken Brookings Area United Way to new heights. As a Brookings native, Heidi fell in love with her community. Staying close to home for higher education, she graduated from South Dakota State University in 1995 with a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology and minors in Consumer Affairs and Economics. After her marriage to her husband, Jeff Gullickson, they moved to Indiana and lived there from 1995 to 2007, but the South Dakota plains soon called them back. Developing a deep understanding of nonprofit management through her leadership as the Executive Director at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention Bureau, partnered with her ever-evolving knowledge of the county's needs, Heidi saw her next fit with United Way. Under her leadership, United Way has launched a 5-year action plan-Impact 2023: focusing on the most critical issues of our communities to fight for the health, education, and self-sufficiency of every individual.Learn More About Brookings Area United Way:  https://brookingsunitedway.org/Connect with Heidi on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-gullickson-2707941a3/Get on our waiting list for our new nonprofit & fundraising community filled with on-demand courses and live webinars that are exclusive to members! Learn all about what's in store to support you and your leadership team at www.DoGoodYOUniversity.com!Support This Podcast! Make a quick and easy donation here:https://www.patreon.com/dogoodbetterSpecial THANK YOU to our sponsors:Donor Dock - The best CRM system for your small to medium sized nonprofit, hands down! Visit www.DonorDock.com and use the Promo Code DOGOODBETTER for a FREE month!iTunes: https://apple.co/3a3XenfSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2PlqRXsYouTube: https://bit.ly/3kaWYanTunein: http://tun.in/pjIVtStitcher: https://bit.ly/3i8jfDRFollow On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodBetterPodcast/Follow On Twitter: @consulting_do #fundraising #fundraiser #charity #nonprofit #donate#dogood #dogoodBETTER #fargo #fundraisingdadAbout Host Patrick Kirby:Email: Patrick@dogoodbetterconsulting.comLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fundraisingdad/Want more great advice? Buy Patrick's book! Now also available as an e-book!Fundraise Awesomer! A Practical Guide to Staying Sane While Doing GoodAvailable through Amazon Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1072070359

Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the Visitors and Convention Bureau sits in talking Sing Out Loud, and what they're doing to offset the “slow” tourist season this year.

“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and longtime chef & beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.This week we took a quick trip over the Mighty Mac brought us to beautiful Sault Ste Marie, and we share what we found.Season 5, Episode 23:Our good friend, and Executive Director of the Sault Ste Marie Tourism and Convention Bureau, Linda Hoath, invited us up to record at Birdseye Outfitters, a fantastic little shop where you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning, work or visit in a comfy setting all day, grab a craft beer later, and even book an outdoor adventure in the area.We have on Birdseye owners Ken and Wilda Hopper to learn more about this special place, what makes the Soo such a fun place to live, and how you can kayak through the locks right alongside a freighter if you are so inclined. Yes, you read that right. Check them out at https://www.birdseyeoutfitters.com/.Stephanie Sprecker just took over as the director of the Soo's Downtown Development Authority, and shares some of her excitement about what is happening throughout downtown. We also learn about one of the biggest days of the year in the Soo, Engineers Day which always happens on the last Friday in June, this year on June 30. It's an incredible opportunity to view and experience the locks up close and personal.And, did we mention that we kick the whole show off with THE Mayor of Sault Ste Marie, Don Gerrie?You don't want to miss this one! Get more information about the Soo and plan your trip at saultstemarie.com.This show aired June 10-11, 2023.BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.Affiliates:*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan*Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand RapidsFollow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten orTwitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.

Jason's headed to Fort Myers for Spring Training next week and got a preview of how the Fort is recovering from Hurricane Ian from Miriam Dotson

Hour 1: Jason talked about a proposed amendment to allow beer & wine sales in grocery stores. Then Jeff Rogers from Wrecktangle Pizza joined the show to talk about being crowned a pizza champ on GMA. Finally Miriam Dotson from the Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau helped preview next week's trip to the Fort.

Tamara Pigott from the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau tells us what's open and what's not in Fort Meyers as the Twins start Spring Training. 

The Business of Meetings – Episode 146 - From Corporate to Convention Bureau with Christoph Tessmar Today we have the great pleasure of speaking with Christoph Tessmar, the Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau!  Christoph is well-known all over the world in the meetings and events industry. He has had an incredible journey, from pharmaceuticals to events to becoming the head of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. He joins us today to discuss his journey and to share many fascinating stories! We hope you enjoy listening to today's inspiring conversation with Christoph Tessmar! Bio: Christoph Tessmar was born in Heidelberg (Germany) on the 3rd of May 1964. After his education, he started his professional career (always in the pharmaceutical industry) in Boehringer Mannheim as an area manager for some countries in South America. In January 1990, he moved to Boehringer Mannheim in Barcelona, where he started with the organization of some events and congresses. In 1999, he joined Sanofi-Aventis Spain, as congress manager. He was in charge of the organization and coordination of all the events of the company (national and international congresses, product presentations, symposia, sales conventions, and booth design) nearly 500 events per year, where he worked until January 2012. Since March 2012, he has been the Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. Since April 2019, he has been president of the ICCA Iberian Chapter and a member of the PCMA European Advisory Board. Christoph's story Christoph started his career working for a pharmaceutical company in Germany while he was still studying back in 1981. In 1989, he went to Barcelona to work with an affiliate company. He liked it so much that he asked for a permanent position there. He was offered a job on the salesforce and had to go out selling to gain experience. The marketing manager contacted him saying they had a new product to launch, and asked him to help them organize an event in Berlin. The event was a success! As the company grew, he was asked to do more events. In 1998, the company was sold, and he had to leave. He then received an offer from Sanofi-Aventis in Spain to create a congress department. He remained with that company until he joined the Barcelona Convention Bureau in 2012.  The Barcelona Convention Bureau As someone from the corporate world, Christoph felt challenged when he was asked to join the Barcelona Convention Bureau, but he accepted the position because it was a chance for him to do something new and different.  Gaining trust Christoph gained the trust of those he had to represent because he was known to be open and present as a Congress Manager in the meetings industry. The Convention Bureau is within the DMO of the Barcelona Tourism Board. He was known by many people who had confidence in his ability, and they welcomed him happily. The Barcelona Football Club The Barcelona Football Club was a member of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. However, the membership is frozen while the stadium goes through a four to five-year process of reconstruction and renovation. Unexpected crises There have been many attacks, riots, and crises in Barcelona since 2014. The Barcelona Convention Bureau managed to get through all of the unexpected crises, including Covid.                                     Fortunately, Christoph has developed a good relationship with the police over the years, and they have been very helpful. When something important is about to happen in the city, the Convention Bureau forms a security committee, including the police, to plan and prepare in case something unforeseen occurs. Cancellation policies Since the pandemic, many cancellation policies in Barcelona have changed because clients have asked to cancel with a shorter notice period.   IBTM  Christoph recently closed one of the best and most successful IBTMs he has experienced in all his years with the Convention Bureau. He was surprised by how successful it was because he had no idea what would happen or how many buyers, visitors, and exhibitors would be there. They have subsequently signed a contract to have IBTMs (Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings) in the city for three more years. ICCA ICCA organized an event for students considering careers in the meetings industry. Three or four ICCA members will explain what they do, share insights about the industry, and answer questions, to convince the students to join the industry because the meetings and events industry needs new talent. The benefits of volunteering Christoph has found volunteering a way to bring his experience into various associations, open people's minds, and help them change and adapt. Connect with Eric On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website Connect with Christoph Tessmar On LinkedIn Barcelona Convention Bureau

Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, discusses the contract dispute with the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau; Hawaiʻi Chief Election Officer Scott Nago gives a snapshot of Election Day; HPR's Casey Harlow on why the school board is appointed; Kekama Amona debuts his film at Hawaiʻi International Film Festival

Episode 137- The Critical Role of Education with Dr. Krzysztof Celuch We are delighted to be speaking with another rockstar in our industry today! Dr. Krzysztof Celuch has recently been awarded a place in the Hall of Leaders of our industry! He has had an awesome career in academics. He has been with the Convention and Business Bureau and volunteered for many different organizations.  He joins us from Poland to tell his inspiring story and talk about his certifications and the importance of education. He also discusses the academic and voluntary work he does.  We hope you enjoy listening to today's fascinating conversation with Professor Krzysztof Celuch! Bio: Professor Krzysztof Celuch, Ph.D. MBA, DBA, CMM, CITE, CIS, HMCC, CED – an academic professor and an entrepreneur, Krzysztof specializes in event experiences, event marketing, and management. His scientific research, training, and keynotes are all built on knowledge of economics, business psychology, sociology, marketing, and cultural studies. He conducts workshops and training, gives lectures, and moderates panel discussions, debates, and management meetings. He implements research projects, builds strategies, and provides business consulting services. He helps organizations, institutions, and companies in the areas of management, communication, motivation, and business development, with particular emphasis on the meetings industry (event marketing). He is an associate professor at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, deputy rector of Vistula School of Hospitality, and visiting professor in Austria, France, the USA, and China. Dr. Krzysztof's education Dr. Krzysztof believes in education because it can be used to change the world. He likes to listen to others and learn from them. He was happy to have fulfilled his educational goals this year. He joined various industry associations' certification programs and focused on university education. He likes to tie the different aspects of what he has learned together, implement his knowledge, and share it to bring some heart to the next generation of leaders. Dr. Krysztof's journey Dr. Krysztof used to be a traditional folklore dance instructor. When he was around nineteen, he focused on dancing and started studying at a sports academy. After about two years, he decided to change direction and began working as a tour guide. He was also writing his bachelor's degree thesis on incentive travel at the time and read the only Polish book available on business tourism. A coincidence Coincidentally, a guest in one of Krzysztof's tour groups was Rob Davidson, the author of the book he had read on business tourism. Krzysztof asked him many questions, and Rob encouraged Krzysztof to become a member of MPI.  Step by step Dr. Krzysztof joined MPI in 2005. He continued to move forward step by step, writing, listening, and connecting with industry leaders. Future Leaders Forum Together with several organization leaders, Dr. Krzysztof started the first chapter of the Future Leaders Forum in Warsaw.    Academics Dr. Krzysztof loves academia and sharing his knowledge! His academic journey began with a dance movement in high school.  NGO The first NGO Dr. Krzysztof got involved with was the International Association of Folklore Festival Traditions (CIOFF). Organizations After joining MPI, Dr. Krzysztof joined IMEX and then the Convention Bureau. He spent five years working for the Warsaw Convention Bureau, during which he loved promoting the capital of Poland! He started as a student intern and worked his way to becoming a manager. The next step in his career was to become the head of Poland's Convention Bureau, and he spent the next fifteen years there. A private university After graduating with his Master's degree, a private university asked Krzysztof to share his knowledge about tourism and the meetings industry. He is still with them today. Giving back Dr. Krzysztof believes that we should give back what we have previously received.  Decisions We need the right information to make informed decisions. Dr. Krzysztof believes that it is crucial to consult the heart and include an emotional component in the decision-making process. The American way Dr. Krzysztof enjoys American efficiency and the American way of getting down to business and following up. But he sometimes misses the European chit-chat and storytelling. A challenging industry The hospitality industry can be challenging. Dr. Krzysztof finds that people new to the industry tend to lack inspiration. He also finds them not as motivated as those with more experience, unwilling to work hard if they do not earn vast amounts for their efforts, and unprepared when they have arranged to meet someone. Preparing Dr. Krzysztof believes it is vital to be focused and prepared when meeting someone. It's worth spending a few minutes having a coffee or a drink with them before the meeting to get to know them.  The Internet The internet is a helpful tool for preparing for a meeting because it allows you to learn about those you intend to meet.  Building relationships Half of Dr. Krzysztof's clients are based in Europe, half of them are in the Middle East, and a few are in the US. In the US, building relationships used to take much longer than it did in Europe. However, since Covid, things have changed. Volunteering Dr. Krzysztof spent years volunteering for MPI and many other organizations. Through that, he has met many new people and learned about different cultures and religions. When you volunteer, NGOs can help you build your position and become who you truly are. Krzysztof points out that this is our life and our planet, so we all need to engage, get involved, share our knowledge, and give back in any way we can! Full bio: Dr. Krzysztof Celuch Ph.D., DBA, MBA, CMM, CITE, CIS, HMCC, CED – an academic professor and an entrepreneur, Krzysztof specializes in the meetings industry, event marketing, and event management. His scientific research, training, and keynotes are all built on knowledge of economics, business psychology, sociology, marketing, and cultural studies. He conducts workshops and training, gives lectures, and moderates panel discussions, debates, and management meetings. He implements research projects, builds strategies, and provides business consulting services. He helps organizations, institutions, and companies in the areas of management, communication, motivation, and business development, with particular emphasis on the meetings industry (event marketing).  Motivation: “When we meet, We change the world” might be the current slogan of the Meetings Professionals International (MPI) association, but personally, I have always found these words to be a great source of inspiration. Belief in the power of events and being aware of tools making meetings efficient and effective are what made the innovative-sounding “meetings industry” my area of specialty.  Education and professional growth: Diploma in tourism and recreation, doctorate degree in the field of humanities (political sciences), experience gained in international organizations, management of a destination marketing organization (DMO), participation in scientific and research projects – all of these factors contributed to the development of new qualities in the discussed interdisciplinary field.  Achievements and experience:  Scientific and business portfolio:  20 years of experience in providing training in an international environment, i.a. in the USA, Scandinavia, Mexico, and Poland 15 years of academic experience in the USA, China, and Poland at such universities, as i.a. San Diego State University, Skema Business School, Warsaw School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (part of the Vistula Group of Universities), Warsaw University, Mikołaj Kopernik University in Toruń Keynote speaker at scientific and industry congresses, business conferences, kick-off meetings, and motivation-centered events Author of 150 articles and five books dedicated to event management Holder of international training certifications: MPI Global Training, Sustainability in Tourism, Certified Incentive Specialist, EventCanvas Implementation of research projects, including Poland Meetings Impact (The Economic Impact of Poland's Meetings Industry), the first report of this type in Poland (and eighth in the world Conducting destination marketing campaigns Management of the cooperation between the business, public and scientific sectors, including the moderation of meetings held by association and corporation boards.  Awards: MPI RISE AWARD Young Professional Achievement 2009/2010 – awarded to individuals under 30 years of age for significant contributions to the development of global business tourism. Dallas, USA CIC Young Pacesetter Award 2012 – awarded to individuals for spreading good practices, sharing knowledge, and creating leaders. Convention Industry Council, Washington, USA “Za Zasługi DLA Turystyki” 2015 – an honorary distinction awarded to citizens of the Republic of Poland, foreigners, organizations, and other institutions both at home and abroad in recognition of their contribution to the development of Polish tourism and solidifying international cooperation in this field “Meeting Architects: 40 Under 40” – a distinction awarded in a competition staged by the Connect Association and publisher of the Connect magazine. I was listed among the 40 leaders of the global meetings industry under 40.  The recognition diploma, 2012, Ministry of Sport and Tourism, diploma of recognition for contribution to the development of Polish tourism  DMAI 30 under 30 Award, 2012, Destination Marketing Association International, the prize for persons under 30 years of age for a contribution to the development and marketing of business tourism  The Meeting Professional Magazine 30 under 30, 2008, the prize for having the greatest impact on the development of business tourism in the world in 2008  The Meeting Professional Magazine 30 under 30, 2007, the prize for having the greatest impact on the development of business tourism in the world in 2007  Passions: Career and research – growth of the meetings industry, contributing to innovations and trends, interpersonal motivation.  Hobbies – mountains (both as a regular tourist and an extreme mountaineering enthusiast looking for challenges), mountain rescuer, lifeguard, folklore dancer Connect with Eric On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website   Connect with Dr. Krzysztof Celuch On his Website On LinkedIn

This week's episode is very special as we're honored to have Daviea Davis as our guest. Daviea is a very talented Glass Mosaic Artist and her recent work is going to be unveiled in Zelienople on September 29th.We start the episode finding out when Daviea knew she wanted to become an artist and how she got into Glass Mosaic Art. Her art is showcased on her website and some of the photos may look familiar as her work is on display in places such as the Pittsburgh International Airport. To view Daviea's work or find out more about who she is, please visit: https://daviea.wixsite.com/pillars/homeThe main reason to have Daviea join us is to discuss the Zelienople & Butler County Community Mosaic Unveiling on Thursday, September 29th at 5:30pm. Daviea partnered with Spring Street Studios (100 E. Spring Street, Zelienople PA) to showcase a 6 foot Glass Mosaic piece that will be displayed on the side of Spring Street Studios building. This was all community-based artwork inspired by the community, partially funded by the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, and brought to life by acclaimed artist Daviea Davis. The unveiling event is open to the public and we hope people will come to see this one of a kind piece that will be on display for many years to come! Special thanks to Daviea Davis for taking time to appear on our episode!For more information about Spring Street Studios: https://www.thespringstreetstudios.com/

Ingresa aquí para que te puedas registrar en el Newsletter de MUNDO EXPO y recibirlo directo en tu e-mail: https://mundoexpo.substack.com/ . Aquí te presento la plática que tuve con la directora ejecutiva de una organización muy importante en la promoción de un país. Me refiero a Tatiana Orozco, la directora del Costa Rica Convention Bureau, en una plática muy interesante sobre lo que están haciendo en ese país. Sitio web: http://www.costaricacvb.com , Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricabureau/ , Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/costarica.bureau , y a Tatiana la puedes localizar en LinkedIn, en: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatiana-orozco-cis-847521169/ . Contáctanos en nuestra página web: http://mundoexpo.mx/ , también en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomosMundoExpo/ , en Instagram como @somosmundoexpo y en LinkedIn como: www.linkedin.com/company/somosmundoexpo , y puedes enviarnos un correo a: hola@mundoexpo.mx .

The 2021 Nā Hōkū Hano Hano Award winning MANA MUSIC QUARTET presents, The Music of QUEEN LILI`UOKALANI and BRAHMS with special guest violinist Kisa Uradomo. Saturday July 30th  7:30 PM at the McCoy Studio Theater. There will be Pre show featuring the Maui String Trio 6:00. Supported by Hawaii Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment program and Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. Tickets at MauiArts.org or call 242- SHOW  

E di dos serie di episodio di ‘A.T.A. Talks About' lo enfoca riba e trabaonan cu ta tuma luga na A.T.A. y e personanan cu ta haci e trabaonan aki den diferente departamento.E di seis episodio di e serie aki lo ta episodio 9, unda Jerusha Rasmijn y Diantha Boekhouwer lo conta mas di e trabao di Aruba Convention Bureau...A.T.A Talk About is powered by Aruba Tourism Authority and Sopi Mix Studio ..#sopimix #sopimixstudio #sopimixaruba #podcast #swingmasterz #new #concept #islandlife #islandvibes #wetheislandpeople Support the show

A local hospitality consultant shares his thoughts on the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority awarding a $34 million marketing contract to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement over the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau; The state's Chief Energy Officer discusses Hawaiʻi's continued dependence on oil; Manu Minute features an endangered native bird with a singular call and an unusual crest

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority passes over Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, awards its multi-million dollar marketing contract to a new player; Sustainable aviation fuel; The remarkable return of a veteran's class ring

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, Bryan talks with Daniel Chun from Alaska Airlines. Daniel was born and raised on Oahu and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.Get the show notes here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode72Daniel represents Alaska Airlines as the Director of Sales, Community & Public Relations, Hawaii. His previous experience in the travel and tourism arena includes working at the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, serving as special assistant to Hawaii's governor-appointed tourism liaison, serving as the executive director of the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, and being part of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board of Directors.Today, we hear about Alaska Airlines' ongoing efforts to help with mālama (nurturing and caring for) Hawaii. Care is a core value of Alaska Airlines, so respecting the states that it serves is a key focus for the company. Daniel helps Alaska Airlines engage with non-profits and community groups that do local sustainability work in Hawaii. The airline is now partnering with travel2change, a non-profit that connects travelers to volunteer opportunities like cultural education tours and beach clean-ups.Recently, students on Oahu and Moloka'i created a Pledge describing how they would like travelers to practice mālama while they're visiting. It's called Pledge To Our Keiki (which means kids), and the awesome organization Kanu Hawaii soon picked it up and publicized it. They now have a goal to reach 50,000 signatures this year. Daniel shares how ongoing efforts like this spread the word about respecting the land and help more and more travelers practice mālama.Alaska Airlines:https://news.alaskaair.com/travel-tips/volunteer-hawaii-travel2changehttps://news.alaskaair.com/sustainability/pledge-to-our-keiki-hawaii-travel2changehttps://www.kanuhawaii.org/campaign/pledge-to-our-keikiEpisode ResourcesSign the PledgeTravel Pono (responsibly)Pledge to Our KeikiPono Pledge WebsiteTravel2Change WebsiteTraveling to Hawaii Responsibly: Episode 55Connect With UsSupport the PodcastSend Us a Message with any questions about HawaiiHawaii's Best InstagramHawaii's Best Facebook GroupBumper music, Aloha Friday, provided by Coby G (used with permission)Spread AlohaLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews help other people who love Hawaii find this podcast.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.Support the showSupport the show

Mahalo nui to our guest, Leanne Pletcher from the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau! We had a great conversation that I hope you listen to, about the many programs they champion to promote responsible tourism — To hana kūpono (do what is right) while visiting the lands and waters of Maui, to mindfully experience the breathtaking beauty of the ‘āina and the welcoming spirit of the kama'āina. Because for everyone who comes here, it is our kuleana (responsibility) to mālama (care for) Maui. And to remember that: He ali'i ka ‘āina; he kauā me kanaka. “The land is chief; man is its servant”.

On the sidelines of this year's Meetings Africa held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau Janet Karemera tells me events such as Meetings Africa offers the continent a great opportunity to restart the sector. She points to Rwanda's impressive vaccination drive and other initiatives as being critical to an accelerated tourism recovery.  

In this episode, The Tourism Academy's Business Class host, Stephen Ekstrom, sits down with Richard Goldman, President & CEO of the St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. Richard shares his personal travel memories, challenges facing DMOs like theirs, and similarities between his work and fatherhood. RELATED: Motivation & Education - Find A Great Speaker For Your Next EventBusiness Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at tourismacademy.org. Support the show (https://patreon.com/tourismbusinessclass)

The latest episode features Tracy Halliwell, Director of Tourism & Convention Bureau for London & Partners, in conversation with EventMB deputy editor, Angela Tupper.   In this episode titled, “Why London's Event Industry Is Booming Again,” Tracy Halliwell discusses how London's meeting and event sector is growing exponentially, and how this rebound relates to larger industry trends. Topics include: Whether revenge attendance is already happening How London's sustainability initiatives are changing the game When global business travel will return to pre-pandemic levels How to pick hybrid-event-friendly destinations The value of government programs like subvention and event insurance

We have the great pleasure of speaking to an amazing leader in our industry today! Jason Dunn is the Vice President of Diversity Sales and Inclusion for the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is also the former Chairman of the Board of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and the current Co-chair of the Equity Task Force of the Global Events Industry Council. In this episode, Jason shares his insight and some very concrete ideas regarding necessary conversations for our industry.  We hope you enjoy listening to our insightful conversation with Jason Dunn today! Jason Dunn's bio:  Jason Dunn has been a change-maker in Cincinnati and within the national hospitality industry for almost two decades. He feels driven to redefine how the industry thinks about multicultural and diversity meetings and their impact on the destinations.  Since joining the CVB in 2004, Jason has led efforts to deliver significant new convention business and forged inroads with the national multicultural & diverse meetings market. During his tenure, the number of multicultural/diverse meetings in Cincinnati has represented more than one-third of all CVB new business from 2008-18, with a direct visitor spend of $200 million. Jason brings deep perspective and a successful track record in connecting communities of all backgrounds to Cincinnati. As the first supplier to be elected as Chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), Dunn found intersections between his role as GVP in Cincinnati and Chairman of NCBMP.  Under Dunn's leadership, the partnership with global industry organizations including Meetings Professional International, Destination International, Events Industry Council, & Connect Meetings will provide an equitable exchange/introducing of professional development through educational opportunities. The partnerships will focus on unifying the MICE industry by leading with data and mutual access to untapped resources. Jason's background Jason comes from Columbus, Ohio. He came to Cincinnati to study in 1998 and joined the Convention Bureau in 2004.  Unrest There was great unrest in Cincinnati after the fifteenth African American man was shot and killed by the police in 2001. Jason got involved on a grassroots level in protesting and leading the students and the younger generation in telling people not to go to Cincinnati. Afterward, the Vice-mayor at the time asked Jason to help find ways to bring people back to Cincinnati, collaborate in bringing people together to save the city, and have the tough discussions that they had been avoiding before the unrest. The Convention Bureau In 2004, Jason was asked to work for the Convention Bureau. He moved up from the Sales and Event Manager to become the first black Vice President of the Convention Bureau in its 76-year history. Crippling a city Jason saw that you could cripple a city by starving it of the money that comes to a destination through conventions and tourism. Insufficient economic investment does not allow for economic vitality. So corporations and small businesses feel that the location is neither ready nor stable enough to host secure conventions.  Difficulties Looking at business, Jason saw that African Americans had severe difficulty accepting who they were and a deficiency in understanding their power. Jason Dunn's desire to empower communities That was why when Jason first joined the organization, he enjoyed discussing ways to use tourism as an opportunity to empower communities and advance policy by using macro resources to help micro discussions. Uplifting local, regional, and state organizations Jason was instrumental in bringing thousands of people to various regions to uplift their local, regional, or state organizations. Those people felt like they were part of the fabric of the communities they were visiting, and after the conventions, the local chapters felt empowered to do the work they were founded to do.  Tourism Jason looked at tourism through the economic lens. He also looked at it through the lens of empowerment to help people satisfy their group objectives and use their national resources to assist them locally.  The first international equity travel report Next year, Jason intends to publish the first international equity travel report to highlight the significance of black travelers in the hospitality industry.  New and different ways We need to be innovative and think of ways to broaden the conversation around budget and talent. We also need strategies for looking at the future and building our database and subsets of marketing opportunities. Small business owners Jason suggests that small business owners in the meetings and events industry notice what other communities are doing to become conscious of diversity and ensure that everyone has a welcoming experience. They can also look at the data coming out of his partnership with Destination International and other organizations and start looking at the future demographics of their cities, regions, and local municipalities to see if they align with their future customer.  Goals The goals of small business owners in the meetings and events industry need to have a broader sense of purpose. The Event Industry Council Equity Task Force The goal of the EIC Task Force is to accelerate the eradication of racism in the hospitality industry. They are committed to finding strategic ways to help people achieve that goal. A survey will be done globally throughout the industry to create guidelines and help solve the issues found via the survey.  Toolkit The expected outcome of the toolkit to be created by the EIC Task Force will be to assist organizations to choose their board members, assess how good their budgets and marketing targets are, and help with the HR policies that they will need when hiring employees. How the industry can help things change When facing non-inclusive or prejudiced individuals, the meetings and events industry can help bring about change by creating a space for people to have open, honest, and uncomfortable discussions.  Tourism can lead Jason believes that tourism can be the leader in almost every aspect of business across the globe.  Jason Dunn's advice for leaders Jason advises leaders to remember to be humane, compassionate, and authentic. It will allow them to feel more centered, bring about loyalty from their stakeholders and those they lead, and make their leadership decisions a lot easier. Connect with Eric On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website Connect with Jason Dunn On Website On LinkedIn