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Greg Takehara has been the CEO of Tourism Cares since 2019. He previously served on its Board, acting as its Chairman before becoming CEO. Prior to Tourism Cares, Greg was the President of Trip Mate, Inc., a travel insurance administrator. He began his thirty-five year career in the travel and tourism industry at The Mark Travel Corporation, where he served as General Counsel. Greg serves on the Board of the US Travel Association and has served on the Boards of NTA and the IGLTA Foundation, as well as numerous industry committees. He is from Chicago and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University in St. Louis. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. We discuss the evolution of Tourism Cares' meaningful travel map and how it helps draw attention to social enterprises and encourages travelers to explore new aspects of a destination. Greg also gives us a great framework for strategically aligning with these goals for our own organizations. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why Tourism Cares focuses on volunteerism, collaboration, and the formation of the Future of Tourism Coalition What the meaningful travel map is, and how it fosters responsible and meaningful travel experiences How Tourism Cares aligns with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of destination stewardship What creative solutions Greg offers to some of the challenges in the travel industry, emphasizing sustainability and diversity How Greg empowers local communities and enriches travel experiences through collaborative efforts with destination marketing organizations Coopetition in the Tourism Industry Greg and I dig into the concept of coopetition, where perceived competitors come together to create a collaborative ecosystem that benefits the entire industry. He shares examples of coopetition in the tourism industry, emphasizing Tourism Cares' focus on volunteerism and collaboration. By highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources, we can connect various stakeholders in the travel industry and increase impact. The Role of the Meaningful Travel Map Greg discusses Tourism Cares' meaningful travel map initiative, which serves as a platform highlighting social enterprises and local community-based ventures. This innovative approach aims to drive attention to lesser-known attractions, promote sustainable tourism, and empower local communities through collaboration with destination marketing organizations. The map has been successfully implemented in Jordan, leading to increased visitor stays and a broader distribution of tourism beyond popular attractions. The Role of the Meaningful Travel Map Greg and I touch upon the alignment of Tourism Cares with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They highlight the organization's integration of the SDGs into their work and emphasize the importance of prioritizing sustainability, diversity, and inclusion in the travel industry. By emphasizing small, collective steps towards making a difference, they underscore the potential for significant impact through the collaborative efforts of the industry. Resources: Website: https://www.tourismcares.org/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-takehara/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourism-cares/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/
On this week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg, Peter sits down with Geoff Freeman - President of the US Travel Association - to discuss the many unresolved issues in the travel industry including visas and security. Then, Zane Kerby - President of The American Society of Travel Advisors - stops by to discuss the latest issues facing travel advisors and consumers alike and how one airline is making it exceptionally hard to stay loyal. Then, what is the impact of AI on travel? Amir Eylon - President and CEO of Longwoods International - stops by with a report.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg, Peter sits down with Geoff Freeman - President of the US Travel Association - to discuss the many unresolved issues in the travel industry including visas and security. Then, Zane Kerby - President of The American Society of Travel Advisors - stops by to discuss the latest issues facing travel advisors and consumers alike and how one airline is making it exceptionally hard to stay loyal. Then, what is the impact of AI on travel? Amir Eylon - President and CEO of Longwoods International - stops by with a report.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Weinstein shares why data and technology are crucial to Hilton's customers' experience, the creative philosophy for the hotel's recent campaign with Paris Hilton, and marketing against home-sharing companies. Episode TranscriptPlease note, this transcript may contain minor inconsistencies compared to the episode audio.Damian: (00:01)I'm Damian Fowler.Ilyse: (00:02)And I'm Ilyse Liffreing. AndDamian: (00:03)Welcome to this edition of the current podcast.Ilyse: (00:10)This week we're delighted to talk with Mark Weinstein, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hilton.Damian: (00:16)Mark joined Hilton more than 13 years ago rising to become the CMO in 2020, where he now leads global marketing for the Hilton portfolio of over 7,300 hotels across 22 brands in 123 countries and territoriesIlyse: (00:32)As travel surged. After all that pent up Wonderlust created during the pandemic, the hotel brand unveiled its biggest marketing push in six years. The campaign focuses on the quality of the travel experience with Hilton Brands. So Mark Hilton, of course, has its own loyalty program, the free Hilton Honors. How many Hilton guests currently take part in this program? What does it offer in terms of perks?Mark: (01:02)We have 165 million Hilton Honor members and growing. We're the fastest growing loyalty program in travel. And what we love about Hilton Honors, it allows us to get to know our guests to personalize the experience for them. And it also connects all 22 brands. 'cause what's interesting about our portfolio is each brand serves a travel need, budget and occasion. And you may transverse the brands for your different needs. And so Hilton Honors is that connective tissue, whether you're an infrequent traveler and Hilton Honors is a way to give you the best value for booking through hilton.com directly. So we get to know who you are, things like free wifi and points towards that free stay, a more elite member who can earn additional benefits like automated upgrades that we're delivering so you have even better stay or even that ability to dream for that once in a lifetime experience with our partners at McLaren, uh, F one Racing or Live Nation. Uh, and which you can of course further accelerate with things like our credit cards along the journey. So there's something for everyone, uh, along the Hilton Honors program. And of course, as you said, it's free to join, so you'd be crazy not to get that additional value.Ilyse: (01:56)Now how would you say like technology such as like your digital platforms and mobile app also play a role basically in enhancing the guest experience in order to foster like that loyalty and that wonderlust?Mark: (02:09)Yeah. The interesting thing about our technology, I would say it, it focuses in two different ways. All in service of that wonderlust. In some ways it's taking the friction outta travel so you can focus on doing what you're there to do, which is explore and find a great stay experience. So some of our innovations around digital key and the ability to choose your room in the app before you even get there, you know exactly what room you're gonna have. The ability to book confirm connecting rooms for parents. There's nothing more stressful than wondering if you're gonna get those rooms together. We actually are able to confirm it at time of booking. The ability to personalize the stay and choose things you want, the ability to message with the front desk, those are all friction removing items of the travel journey. They take away that interaction at the front desk where it's highly transactional.Mark: (02:48)That frees you up to then have a human conversation. Where do the locals like to eat? Where's the best place to get that Instagrammable rooftop bar shot, you know, as the sun's coming down. So that's one aspect of our technology is making the guest experience better, uh, and easier. On the other hand, putting the wonderlust back in. So you look at our social media abilities to connect with customers with the things they want to hear most about, to produce content and serve it up, whether it's on the interim TV with our connected room, digital TVs through the app itself or on our websites. The ability to let you personalize choices on Hilton Honors. What benefits you most wanna earn on that trip, or the ability to serve up what interesting experiences you might wanna use your honors points for. And so that Wonder Lust is enabled by both the simplifying the basics and really making it straightforward so we're always reliable and friendly to our guests. And then it also supercharging that, that sort of wonder lust that makes you wanna explore the planet.Ilyse: (03:37)How does like data then come into play from your loyalty program to tailor your marketing efforts and create those very unique experiences?Mark: (03:46)Data plays a critical role in everything we do for our customers. Whether that is for our less frequent travelers, trying to better get them the right content on initial stay. Like lots of people travel very infrequently and when they do, it's the trip of a lifetime. So we wanna make sure we use contextual clues from the data, where they came from, what they're engaging with to serve up the right hotel, the right products, the right experiences for that trip. Our Hilton honors members, our best customers who we know extremely well, we can be even more personalized. We can serve up the dream destinations they most want to go to. When you're looking at our website, you're seeing the kind of rooms you typically book, you know, 'cause we know you so well giving you add-on abilities. Things that we know you always add onto your trip are even easier at the fingertips.Mark: (04:24)So that, that's one aspect of it. Second aspect of it is product innovation. You know, the insights of our customers are telling us where we need to go next. They help us pick the next destinations. You know, we're opening about a hotel a day, they help us build new brands, places where we know our customers are looking for a great product, but maybe we don't have a category. And it becomes our design target, our muse for designing a new brand where we create partnerships, the products that we put in our hotels, the partners we affiliate with to build out that journey. So it's, it's both myopically used to, to give you a personalized experience in the moment itself, but also helping us innovate and build the pipeline of where we go next with who we go next and how we build out the brands.Damian: (05:00)Let's talk a bit about the actual marketing campaigns that you've launched. I know that last year you launched the biggest marketing push in six years. Um, it's the Hilton for the Stay platform. The tagline is, it matters where you stay. And that was a campaign, uh, created by TBWA Jet Day and that features Paris Hilton for the very first time, who's seen giving travel tips. Could you talk a little bit about that campaign and why you launched this big campaign last year? ComingMark: (05:26)Outta the pandemic, it would be really easy to get into that sea of sameness, trpi that was out there. You had this desire to reconnect and of course that was an important message, but every company in travel was gonna say the same thing, is saying the same thing and has done so for, you know, decades that empty, you can picture it, that empty beach with a nobody on the beach chair and the clear blue ocean. You can't tell if it's a credit card, a hotel company, an airline, a travel agency, or anything in between. So we knew there was kinda the sea of sameness. There was a tendency to fall in that trope of re connectivity coming outta the pandemic. So we used that moment, uh, during the pandemic to both double down on our customer relationships, donate a million rooms to frontline medical responders, do all the things you do in that moment, but really look ahead to what the future would be.Mark: (06:04)And what we realized was we had never had a platform to tell our story consistently. And in a sea of sameness of this kind of eat, pray, love wonderlust of travel and people on goji berries and surfboards, that's not my travel experience most of the time. Why were we glorifying the destination but not the thing we provide in this travel experience? The stay itself. And we thought back to our founder, uh, Conrad Hilton over a hundred years ago said it was our job to fill the earth with the light and warmth, the hospitality. So we had this really unique purpose in the world, very different than everyone else, and yet a sea of sameness marketing, uh, environment. And what we realized was we were going from campaign to campaign, getting sick of it before anybody else even saw it, before it even wore in. We needed a platform, we needed our version of what we're gonna stand for.Mark: (06:45)And so as we looked with TBWA, the answer was there all along. It's the stay. It doesn't matter how you travel, it doesn't matter how you live your life. When you come to our hotel and you cross that transom, it just feels different when it's at Hilton and at the heart of every great trip is a great stay. And so the stay became that, that that glue. We then look for stories you could tell on top of it. Uh, it matters where you stay as our first campaign to tell that story. Bringing other influencers and creators in to help tell their authentic story. And who more authentic than the great-granddaughter of the founder of our company, Paris Hilton, who has lived her life literally in our hotels, you know, born and raised in in many of our hotels, traveled the world. So we try to find a lot of different ways in to tell that story all connected back to these 22 brands, how they're all part of Hilton and how ultimately were for this day,Damian: (07:27)How significant was it? Was the fact that you launched this across many different channels?Mark: (07:32)I mean, fir look, first of all, we wanna be where our customers are. I mean that, that's ultimately drives this conversation. And, and you know, just using linear as an example, you know, your go-to oftentimes as a classically trained marketer is to to be on tv. And of course we need to be there. There's some reach and frequency in the saliency that comes with that. But the reality is increasingly our customers are engaging with brands differently. Uh, and whether that's on social media or their favorite creators, our ability to give up control a bit, which is hard as a brand owner, right? As as a brand leader. And you realize very quickly we actually don't own the brand that customers do. Their perception becomes reality. Their reality becomes the brand. So we better meet them where they are. Podcasting and audio is a huge trend coming particularly accelerated outta the pandemic.Mark: (08:09)Uh, social media obviously has been, you know, a rocket ship. Uh, your ability to even functionally serve up search results. SEO is being generated by your ability to be indexable on, you know, YouTube and, and TikTok and other places. So it's, it's a no brainer to be with the customers are. And and what's amazing to me about marketing this great discipline we all get to do is that the fundamentals are the same, right? We're still telling great stories like we're doing for hundreds of years that is just so authentically human, but how we get to do it is rapidly changing it faster than any time in history. And so that's why we went omnichannel duringDamian: (08:40)The pandemic of, of course people stopped traveling, they had to, and we saw a big surge of travel after that based on that wonderlust, that desire to get out of the house. According to the US Travel Association, total travel spending this year is still going up 4% over last year, year over year. Is that your perception? Is that your understanding travel demand is still very strong?Mark: (09:01)Yeah, look, coming, coming outta the crisis, I mean every single year of the last three years has been stronger than the previous. Uh, the reality is there's so much pent up demand and one or lost. I, I think there were some mechanic things like people had record levels of savings. But more importantly we had this golden age of travel going into the pandemic, you know, record levels of middle class all across the world, getting to experience travel for the first time that pause, but it didn't break during the pandemic. There was a very explainable reason, the pandemic to stop doing that. But the demand was still there. The desire was still there. And then it got accelerated when people realized how fragile freedom is, right? That at the end of the day, at any given time, your bucket list comes to a screeching halt. So why is it a bucket list?Mark: (09:37)Why is it not a tomorrow list? Why is it not a today list? Let's go out and do it. And then you started to see flexibility of working, right? This idea that I had to be on this calendar schedule where my kids had to get to back to school at a certain time or I needed back in the office, that dynamic changed as well. And so you have record amount of demand, you had a very acute moment where we all realized, my goodness, the thing I love to do could go away at any time. And then life became more flexible. It has led to record levels of travel all across the world. And our hotels are certainly seeing record levels of customers engaging with us.Ilyse: (10:07)So Hilton has a diverse portfolio, brands 22 to be precise. How does the marketing strategy then differ across these brands to cater to those like various travel segments?Mark: (10:19)It's a great question. Look, each brand has a design target, a ause that we use to design that and, and s sort an archetype that we're really focusing on. We build out that prototype of what it's gonna look like, feel like what brands are gonna appear in the hotel itself, what's the color palette, the look and feel, the logo, all those things that you'd expect us to do. And each brand has to win its category, right? All of 'em have, you know, great competitors that, that are offering options the same price point. So we gotta be differentiated. What's important for us though is that by Hilton or the name Hilton in the brand, which is in all 22 brands, is not a holding company. We're not a, we're not a sort of CPG company that just happens to own these brands and lets 'em all pure play, compete.Mark: (10:55)They all have a purposeful role in the journey. And so you may be at a Hilton resort, you know, having a great trip in Aruba and then suddenly you're at your kid's soccer game or you know, football match at a Hampton Inn somewhere in the world or you know, that you need to be in and then a Walter for story for your honeymoon. So you're transversing those brands by Hilton has to mean something by Hilton has to also be the connective tissue. And so it's this fun challenging balance of having 22 brands each with their own personality that commands premiums in their category, while also reminding customers that it matters that these are by Hilton and that you'll get the benefits of Hilton Honors and all the things we innovate and drive. Uh, along the journey.Ilyse: (11:30)Hilton recently conducted research into how different generations travel. What were like, the major takeaways from the research, for instance is like one generation travel more than the other.Mark: (11:41)You know, some trends you see are about where you are in your lifecycle, right? Obviously the older you get the the more you typically have more disposable income and time just definitionally. When you're younger, you're often in the early stage of your career, maybe your family's younger. So there, there's those dynamics. But we do look at each generation to see what's pervasive and what's what's there. The first was the focus on wellness. People are looking particularly for restorative sleep. Uh, when you looked at I think the lowest end of the, of the spectrum, you know, 55% of Gen Z were saying that's the primary purpose of their trip. All they up to 70% of, uh, boomers and and Gen X were saying the primary purpose of the trip was restorative sleep, right? So we take that responsibility very, very seriously that you need to be rested and relaxed when you come to our hotel.Mark: (12:20)Second trend we saw was a seamless digital experience, right? This ability to dream shop book, experience the entire, stay digitally and personalize that journey for you. And so as you look at our innovation agenda, whether that's putting your mind at ease when you book that, you've got a confirmed connecting room, whether that's knowing you can message the front desk, you know, how many times, uh, I know for me I'm in the room and I don't really wanna go back to the front desk. I don't really wanna call and bother them, but I could use more towels or I could use, uh, a beverage after the, the bars maybe close for the night to build a message to the front desk and have 'em respond back. That's pretty powerful. So how do we digitally engage with our customers all generations? You know, it may start with younger travelers, but I'm telling you that the boomers are just the same in terms of wanting the ease and access of a seamless digital booking experience and engaging experience.Mark: (13:01)The third is, uh, local experiences. So people go somewhere to do something typically. And so they want our hotels to help 'em connect with the neighborhoods. Where's the offbeat path? Yes, you'll see the big museum or the big, you know, sculpture in town or whatever it may be. But tell me what locals do. Where do they eat? Where do I go around here? And maybe some of that's in the hotel. Maybe we have a great, you know, Michelin star restaurant in the hotel and we can get you a reservation that you can otherwise have. So a third trend we saw was connecting with the local experience and not wanting a cookie cutter trip. Even. You know, you want a reliable hotel. And the last, and I mentioned this earlier, the dynamic of business travel has changed wildly. You know, as I think about my career and a lot of our consumers say the same thing, it was an interruption in your life.Mark: (13:41)It was, you know, I had my life at home and then I go do business travel and that's gonna stop my momentum at home. The flexibility we now all have to be virtual for an extra week. It allows us to extend a business trip into a personal trip. The ability to have your kids join you on the weekend. Suddenly now you can use that momentum of a business trip to be the catalyst for bringing your whole family along. 'cause the kids can miss a day of school or take a zoom class instead of having to be back in class. And so that journey has been blended. And so when we look at the trends across all generations, that ability to make it digitally and seamless for them is really important. The ability to be locally connected, that ability to ultimately blend the work in business, travel, uh, business and and leisure at the very top of it, the whole thing. Make sure that when you leave that hotel, you feel rested and restored. Whether that's mind, body or soul.Damian: (14:22)And in terms of your marketing calendar, your marketing cadence, you talk about all these many different streams you're looking at, how do you think about the rollout of campaigns?Mark: (14:31)A lot of markets have a natural pacing to them. There are, you know, there's golden week in China twice a year, right there, there's things that you lean into because that is a natural catalyst. We, despite all the flexibility I talked about earlier, we still in the US have big summer breaks. That's a big time to send people, you know, on holiday. But also watching customer cues, right? We were able to, a lot of the, the channels we talked about earlier are pool channels, not push channels. So as customers are engaging on video, on demand and they're watching programming about travel destinations or food destinations, let's, let's plug into that moment. Let's activate and trigger. We're watching social media all the time for moments to intercept. You know, we've got examples where there was a home sharing customer whose dad thought they booked a house for four.Mark: (15:08)It was a shed that was big enough for one person. They had two dogs and four kids. And it was crazy. We texted them and said, you know, we message 'em on Twitter and TikTok and got ahold of 'em and said, come to our hotel. Uh, we had one the other day who texted her at home sharing host and said, uh, we're at a toilet paper. Where do I find more? And they said, the supermarket. And we said, well that's crazy. Our hotel has come to our hotel, right? So you find these little human moments along the way. And so it takes the pressure outta marketing to some degree 'cause the customers are telling you when they want to hear about you. And we've got ready to go stories. The last example I would give is cultural tent poles. So we've got a long standing partnership with the Grammys.Mark: (15:43)Uh, we have a long history music. Uh, John Lennon wrote, imagine in the New York Hilton on a piece of stationary, had the bed in for peace at the Hilton in Amsterdam. Elvis did residencies. Freddie Mercury wrote a crazy little thing called Love in the Bathtub at the Hilton Frankert. Yeah. And so we belong in music, right? So Grammys becomes a big tent pole to tell our story. Formula one with McLaren and Lando Norris, uh, on a McLaren F one racing team. The big moment in the Vegas race will tell that story. So there, there are these moments where you can lean into culture, where the stay is really at the heart of what's possible and that just becomes an authentic way to connect with our customers.Damian: (16:14)I wanna ask you about sustainability and eco-conscious travel, which should become increasingly important. Can you talk about how Hilton incorporates those concepts and those initiatives into its marketing efforts to resonate with environmentally conscious travelers? ThisMark: (16:27)Is very top of mind. We have a huge responsibility. We have over a million and you know, almost a million and a half rooms across the world. And the decisions we make can make or break products for distribution. And so one of the things we did on the product side is we moved to bulk amenities. This idea that you're not gonna have those tiny little bottles that get thrown out every stay. We've got refillable bottles that are safe and secure and sealed and everything else, but the real driver was environmental impact, right? We, we are big enough that our ability to use reusable bottles for water, the ability to use refillable bottles in the, in the bath amenities, that has a huge impact on our supply chain. And so first and foremost is that second we have the ability for companies that are keeping track of their impact.Mark: (17:02)Or, you know, even for conscious consumers, we're tracking all the energy uses at our hotels and we're giving recommendations to the hotels how to save energy based on consumer behaviors. We're able to turn down the thermostats when the guests leave the room. We're able to do the things that actually make a difference. On the marketing side, it, it's kind of a funny scenario. And that customers care more than ever, as as they should. They'll tell you in a focus group, they'll pay a premium or they want to hear about they, they really don't. They, they want to have a great trip, but they wanna know underneath that great trip, you're doing the right thing. And so we're not necessarily gonna always put it front and center and say, this is an eco-conscious trip, but we better have the proof points for you that you'll know that the trip you're having that not paying a premium, but paying what you already pay includes Hilton's commitment to doing that.Mark: (17:41)So that's really important. And on the marketing side, look, we have to look at sustainable sourcing of things. We have to look at who our supply chain is with what are we buying and who are we buying it from. We built these rooms, these hotel rooms on golf courses, uh, for, you know, big golf activations and they're fun and they're great for three days. We've donated a couple of those to local schools to use as play facilities, right? So are you thinking through the entire journey and then the tricky part to your question coming back to that is just how much do customers really want to hear that story versus just know intuitively and instinctively that your brand stands for it and it's committed and the dollars they're spending are being reinvested in their communities and being reinvested for the environmental impact.Ilyse: (18:17)What emerging trends or channels do you see as having the most significant impact on Hilton's marketing strategy in 2024?Mark: (18:26)I look back to where we are today versus when I studied marketing, uh, you know, a number of years ago in school, too many years ago in school. And, you know, the channels we're using most today didn't even exist. Literally did not exist. Social media was not even really a thing. Uh, and suddenly here it is our number one channel for a number of ways to connect with customers. And so we will rejoice in the fact that marketing is job is always and will continue to be great storytelling. And that's not going anywhere. That is the heart of what we do. What will change and continue to accelerate for us is how we do that more on social, right? More on streaming and video on demand. You know, as you start to pivot from, I think this year was the first year that consumers officially watch more video not on linear TV than than on linear tv.Mark: (19:04)That trend will continue and so we'll need to meet them where they are on streaming and video on demand and YouTube and other platforms. You'll see us show up in TikTok and Instagram and show up on the platforms where we can tell authentic, credible stories. I think the more fun part for us is giving away the keys to the castle a bit, right? So we're gonna be doing more with creators and letting them tell their authentic story about a Hilton's day. And while you might not always have all the brand controls you have, the authenticity outweighs the impact of losing a little bit of your ability to control for every sentence and every, you know, color that they use in in their work. And then lastly, we'll look for ways to activate, um, at big cultural tent pole moments, showing up in an activational way with experiential marketing to let customers truly experience what our brand stands for in the moments that matter most to them, reminding them that it matters where you stay and that Hilton is for this day.Damian: (19:51)That's it for this edition of the current podcast. We'll be back next week. So stay tuned.Ilyse: (19:56)The current podcast is produced by Wonder Media Network. Our theme is by love and caliber. The current team includes Chris Leyer and Cat fei.Damian: (20:05)And remember, youMark: (20:07)Realize very quickly we actually don't own the brand that customers do. Their perception becomes reality. Their reality becomes the brand. So we better meet them where they are.Damian: (20:15)I'm Damien andIlyse: (20:16)I'm AiseDamian: (20:17)And we'll see you next time.
We are both delighted and honored to have a legend in our industry joining us for our 200th podcast episode! Geoff Freeman is the President and CEO of the US Travel Association. He is with us today to share his perspective on leadership and explore the strategic use of data in shaping the future of the travel industry. Get ready for an insightful conversation with a phenomenal leader. You will not want to miss this episode which is packed with valuable insights and wisdom from a true industry champion. Geoff's Journey Geoff's Washington journey spans 26 years. He spent most of that time working in various industries, including health insurance, pharmaceuticals, and travel. He joined the US Travel Industry Association in 2006 and has contributed significantly to initiatives like Brand USA and TSA PreCheck. He joined the American Gaming Association, where he successfully advocated for having the federal ban on sports betting removed. After leaving to navigate challenges in the consumer packaged goods industry during the pandemic, Geoff returned to his passion for travel, where he currently leads the US Travel Association. He is excited about the industry's potential and looks forward to shaping its future agenda in the years ahead. The Origin of TSA PreCheck The TSA PreCheck program was an initiative created to help overcome the inefficiencies and frustrations faced by travelers at TSA checkpoints around 2010. Recognizing the need for change, Geoff understood the importance of proactive problem-solving and the industry's role in collaborating with experts to develop a blueprint for a more effective system. The success of initiatives like Brand USA and Global Entry reinforced the potential for positive change, ultimately leading to the establishment of TSA PreCheck. Geoff credits the courage of individuals like John Pistole, the then-administrator of TSA, for embracing a different approach and making the program a rare win-win for travelers and the industry. Challenges in Visa Processing Geoff points out that the lengthy waiting times for visa interviews in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and India deter potential travelers. He emphasizes the need for a more efficient and timely visa processing system and the importance of coordinating efforts across different government departments to create a more competitive and traveler-friendly visa system. The Impact of Delays and Cancellations Geoff highlights the impact of delays and cancellations on travelers, attributing those issues to understaffing, outdated technology, and inadequate infrastructure. He believes that significant investments in technology, staffing, and infrastructure are needed to improve the overall efficiency of the aviation system. He urges travelers to become more demanding and less accommodating, pointing out the importance of having an aviation system that can meet the growing demands of post-pandemic travel. The Future of the Travel Industry Addressing the future of the travel industry, Geoff provides insights into different segments, distinguishing between leisure travel, international inbound travel, and group/transient business travel. While leisure travel has been relatively strong, he sees signs of it plateauing and explains the importance of understanding the nuances within each segment. He underscores the need for the travel industry to prove the return on investment for group and transient business travel, advocating for more research to demonstrate the value of those activities. A Renewed Focus on the Group Market Geoff explains that US Travel has renewed its focus on the group market, hiring a dedicated head of group travel to work on a strategic agenda that will contribute to the industry's growth and resilience. The Effort Needed to Prove the Value of Travel Geoff highlights the ongoing effort needed to prove the essential nature and value of the travel industry and the need for the industry to break through the mindset that often perceives the travel industry as less noble than other sectors. The Importance of Research Geoff highlights the importance of research and communication to ensure that policymakers and the general public fully understand and appreciate the value of the travel industry. Strategic Focus on the Group Market Geoff has a clearly defined intention within US Travel to protect and grow the group market. He anticipates a cohesive effort within the group segment, with various initiatives aligned to champion its merits in ways not seen in recent years. His commitment to tangible evidence and a strategic agenda shows the importance of revitalizing the group travel sector and promoting its significance within the broader travel industry. Resilience of the Travel Industry Geoff is optimistic about the resilience of the travel industry, particularly with the extraordinary demand for travel post-pandemic. Despite uncertainties regarding goods purchasing and other services, he believes the travel industry will continue to thrive. His confidence stems from his belief that what the travel industry offers aligns with evolving consumer desires and preferences. Bio: As president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, Geoff Freeman is the leading advocate for the $1.1 trillion U.S. travel and hospitality industry. In this role, Freeman is charged with ensuring the industry's full recovery from COVID-19, positioning the industry to seize emerging opportunities in a post-pandemic market environment, and further establishing travel as a vital economic force in the United States. Freeman is a seasoned association CEO with a proven track record of building successful organizations that unite member interests, grow member value, increase revenue, and unlock growth opportunities. Before joining U.S. Travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America's $2.1 trillion food, beverage, and consumer products industry. During his tenure, Freeman launched a strategic campaign to transform the association into a powerful, modern advocacy organization to drive growth and deliver sound regulatory and legislative outcomes that benefit industry leaders and consumers. He also grew membership by 35 percent and boosted total revenue by nearly 50 percent. Freeman joined the Consumer Brands Association after serving five years as President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). In that role, Freeman led a successful effort to reform and modernize the AGA, build public support for the gaming industry, and open new pathways for industry growth. Under his leadership, the AGA spearheaded a multi-year, research-driven campaign to demonstrate gaming's broad support across the political spectrum and promote the industry's role in spurring economic growth, job creation, and tax revenues in communities across more than 40 states where gaming is legal. That campaign created the tailwinds needed to advance AGA's signature initiative achieved under Freeman – the legalization of sports betting in the United States. While leading AGA, Freeman drove a 200 percent increase in membership and doubled association revenue. Freeman previously served as COO of the U.S. Travel Association from 2011 to 2013, helping to conceive and lead a campaign that resulted in the passage of the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, which was hailed as “the industry's biggest legislative victory in a decade.” In the aftermath of 9/11, Freeman created a blue-ribbon panel headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, to analyze how to improve travel security without compromising travel efficiency. This effort led directly to the creation of TSA PreCheck. Both the Travel Promotion Act and TSA PreCheck demonstrate Freeman's ability to identify industry opportunities, craft a winning policy response, and drive campaigns that succeed in gaining broad support among diverse stakeholders. Freeman's previous experience includes roles at APCO Worldwide, America's Health Insurance Plans, and Freddie Mac. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and three children. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Geoff Freeman LinkedIn US Travel Association
In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, your host, Stephen Ekstrom, the CEO and co-founder of The Tourism Academy, delves into a fascinating conversation with Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the US Travel Association. Get ready to explore Geoff's remarkable journey and insights into the world of travel and leadership.Geoff Freeman shares his unique path, starting from his roots in Wisconsin, where his desire for warmer horizons led him to California for school and eventually to Washington, D.C., where he's spent 26 years crafting his career in public policy without a strict plan in mind.I'd like you to please discover how Geoff's family vacations, centered around soccer tournaments, opened his eyes to opportunities beyond his hometown. Through travel, he found courage and a passion for trying new things, and he discusses how travel can inspire perspective, optimism, and a thirst for exploration.Geoff reflects on some of his most outstanding career achievements, including a thrilling moment in Macau and receiving news of the Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban on sports betting, a game-changing win for the industry. He also shares his involvement in creating Brand USA and the blueprint for the TSA, both pivotal moments in travel.Looking ahead, Geoff discusses the challenges facing the travel industry, such as air travel woes and long wait times for passports and visas. He also emphasizes the need to highlight the essential role of the travel industry in personal development, community growth, and economic prosperity.Geoff offers valuable advice to his younger self, stressing the importance of patience and humility, which he believes are keys to effective leadership. He encourages those interested in the travel sector to embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.You can learn more about the US Travel Association and Geoff Freeman's vision for the industry, which involves collaboration, ambition, and empowerment. He emphasizes the importance of growing the travel "pie" and building robust business plans to secure a share.Discover Geoff's favorite aspect of his job – working with passionate individuals in the travel industry who are driven to make a difference. He shares his admiration for various industry leaders and their diverse approaches to leadership.As the episode concludes, Geoff expresses his hope for the future of the travel industry, highlighting its unique ability to inspire excitement, create connections, and stand as an essential sector. Take advantage of this engaging conversation that offers a deep dive into the world of travel and leadership.Please join Stephen Ekstrom and Geoff Freeman as they explore the travel industry's past, present, and future on the Tourism Academy Podcast.Business 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
Our expert panel discusses consumer demand for sustainability in travel, climate change effects, potential policy change, the latest research on the subject, and needed innovation. Panelists include Nejc Jus, Head of Research at the World Travel and Tourism Council; Chip Rogers, President and CEO of American Hotel and Lodging Association; and Eric Hansen, Senior Vice President of the US Travel Association. Moderated by Brand USA's Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Aaron Wodin-Schwartz. This episode was recorded live at Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe.
Angie and Joe are off traveling this week, so Mike takes over the podcast with community member Erin Kilpatrick to discuss her “mid-life renaissance” this year which would not have been possible without award travel.Thrifty Traveler PremiumGet Thrifty Traveler Premium deal/award alerts sent straight to your inbox. Use promo code "AT101" for $10 off your first year. Head to ThriftyTraveler.com for more details and check out their Google Flights guide. Again, you can find them at ThriftyTraveler.com/PremiumAll about ErinStart in award travel First rewards card First personal award tripJoined AT 101 in 2018 and 201 in 2020. This Year- Mid-life renaissance!Countries VisitedEcuador (Galapagos), Uruguay, England/Wales, Norway, Denmark, Faroe Islands, SwedenUpcomingPortugal, Turkiye, Brazil, Germany, TunisiaSave with CardPointersPreparationNormal card applications, ~3-4/year, no particular planLast minute decision to quit and take this journeyOpened Hilton Surpass and Hilton BusinessOpened Barclays AA Aviator Red - 60k milesBought some Choice points (US Travel Association promo) Started the journey with ~ 2 million points/milesBy the Numbers Thus Far4.5 months50 hotel award nights: 5058 paid nights: (cheap in S. America)40 other nights free w/ friends/family, volunteer work12 award flights9 cash flights ($2000)Solo Travel SummaryFull social calendar Met fellow travelersVisit friends around the worldMet up with friends/family when paths crossThe more you travel, the more people you meet from around the world to network and socialize with in the futureMoney Savings TipsPick low cost of living countriesStay in one place longerGrocery storeStay flexible- refundable fare on discount airlinesNegotiate directly with locals vs third partyWhat Erin Has LearnedDiversification! Variety of points and mile currencies.Focus on the more important things in lifeHilton program- 5th night freeChoice Hotels - secret of EuropeAmex uber credits work in Ecuador (USD)Capital One Points- Redeem through Capital One statement credits vs Travel portal.Fringe benefits of the award travel credit cards/statusPriority Pass - Most lounges are great outside the US, even in tiny Where To Find the Award Travel 101 Community For questions, you can join us in the free 100,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. For more intermediate and advanced strategies, join Award Travel 201 community To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at contactawardtravel@gmail.com. Our next meetup is located in San Antonio, TX on April 26–28, 2024, and it's SOLD-OUT. You can get on our wait-list, but to learn more visit Taco 'Bout A Fiesta! Support the AT101 Podcast/Community
Welcome to Live Well & Thrive a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today, we're here to talk about travel. Research shows we sometimes enjoy the lead up to a trip more than we actually enjoy the trip itself. The same is true about memories of a trip, hope for the future is essential to our well being. At the same time, the US Travel Association reports we collectively leave 768 million vacation days, days unused each year. This is a huge missed opportunity for new experiences and important time spent with loved ones. Today we're going to explore how travel, special occasions and new experiences are encoded differently by the brain, and how we all could benefit from spending a little more time awakening our senses. I'm delighted to have Kim Grant, veteran travel writer and founder of SlowDownSeeMore.com, celebrating day-long itineraries in the West. Kim frequently explores the connection between travel and workplace well-being. We are also joined by Dr. Kathryn Wetzler, regional director of the mental health training programs, counseling centers and staff development in Northern California to help us understand how travel and special occasions activate different parts of the brain and help our overall well being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Your Summer travel is probably going to cost more this year. Data from the US Travel Association found that the cost of travel in June of this year is up 17.5% since June of 2021. Editor in Chief of TheBalance.com, Kristen Myers, is back to break down travel cost data and what we can expect for the rest of 2022. Sponsors Today's show is brought to you by Money Confidential. Hosted by money expert Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez, Money Confidential features new episodes about your money, stories, struggles and secrets. Join Stefanie as she sits down with financial experts to answer your biggest money questions and deliver smart, practical solutions that actually work. She covers topics like how much is too much to spend on IVF? Is now the right time to buy a home? How to travel and stay on budget, and much more! New episodes drop every Monday. So follow Money Confidential wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Kristin Check out Kristin's article on the rising cost of dating at https://www.thebalance.com/millennials-spend-an-average-of-usd69-on-first-dates-5213660 Twitter - https://twitter.com/thebalance Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebalancecom/?hl=en Links Read the full Inflation Survey from The Balance at https://www.thebalance.com/44-percent-of-us-adults-are-not-financially-ready-for-a-recession-5704035 Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to questions@popcornfinance.com Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Thank you for listening to today's episode. If you enjoyed it, I'd be grateful for your rating and review! Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
Oggi affrontiamo il problema della carenza di figure professionali nel mondo del turismo acuita dal periodo pandemico. Le statistiche realizzate del Travel and Tourism Council ci descrivono la mancanza di circa 1,2 milioni di posti lavoro nel turismo (link: https://etc-corporate.org/news/according-to-wttc-and-etc-1-2-million-travel-tourism-jobs-across-the-eu-will-remain-unfilled-unless-urgent-action-is-taken/). In questo panorama è interessante l'dea avuto da Roger Down (ex ceo di US Travel Association) che lancia la sua start up con la creazione di una nuova applicazione in grado di far incontrare la giusta domanda alla giusta offerta tenendo traccia delle carriere dei professionisti iscritti. (link: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Roger-Dow-next-project-after-US-Travel) Sociometrica analizza gli effetti della pandemia sui comuni turistici descrivendo in maniera chiara le destinazioni antifragili, i fattori che hanno reso più appetibili le destinazioni lacuali (ma dove sono lago d'Orta e lago Maggiore???) e le città di medie dimensioni. Il primato di resilienza dalla pandemia va alla città di Como. (link: https://www.sociometrica.it/works/fragili-robuste-e-antifragili-ranking-delle-destinazioni-turistiche). #turismo #marketingterritoriale #dati #analisi #report #comunituristici #marketingturistico #pandemia #covid19
Visitors to Arches have had some time to try out the national park's new reservation system, put in place to reduce the crowding impacting visitors' experience. Today on the news, we speak with a park representative about some recent survey results and the future of the pilot timed entry system. Plus, a Wyoming judge issued a temporary restraining order this week, blocking the state's trigger ban on most abortions from going into effect. Utah's own abortion trigger ban continues to be on pause as a lawsuit against it makes its way through the courts. And later, mountain towns in Colorado have seen an influx of luxury tourism and housing development. Our radio partners report on one town that has largely avoided that fate. // Plus, the Weekly News Reel! Sophia Fisher of The Times-Independent talks fire and flood, monsoon season returning, the nation's new mental heath crisis line and Utah's new OHV course. Alison Harford of The Moab Sun News discusses this week's record-breaking water height in Mill Creek, a local man winning a prize at a famous trail ride and the return of Canyonlands Native Plant Society. // Show Notes: // Photo: Arches National Park over Memorial Day Weekend 2021. The park received feedback that a visitor's Memorial Day Weekend 2022 experience was ‘night and day' better than previous years because of the pilot timed entry system. Credit Arches National Park // Arches National Park: FAQ on the Timed Entry System https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-faq.htm // US Travel Association (7/11) Letter re: NPS Reservation Systems https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/junenationalparks-ustravel_signon-7.7.22.pdf // Weekly News Reel Mentions: // The Times-Independent: Fire & Flood https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/fire-flood/ // The Times-Independent: After a lapse, the monsoons are back https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/after-a-lapse-the-monsoons-are-back/ // The Times-Independent: Meet the nation's new mental health crisis line https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/meet-the-nations-new-mental-health-crisis-line/ // The Times-Independent (Opinion): What it's like to work at a crisis helpline https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/what-its-like-to-work-at-a-crisis-helpline/ // The Times-Independent: A peek inside Utah's new OHV course, test https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/a-peek-inside-utahs-new-ohv-course-test/ // Moab Sun News: Record water height in Mill Creek flash flood https://moabsunnews.com/2022/07/28/record-water-height-in-mill-creek-flash-flood/ // Moab Sun News: Local man wins prize at famous rugged trail ride https://moabsunnews.com/2022/07/28/local-man-wins-prize-at-famous-rugged-trail-ride/ // Moab Sun News: Looking out for native plants – Canyonlands Native Plant Society ramps back up https://moabsunnews.com/2022/07/28/canyonlands-native-plant-society/
In this episode we share our experience visiting Orlando, Florida for the IPW travel conference hosted by the US Travel Association and Brand USA. While we were there we sat down with Visit Orlando to find out more about visiting Orlando and what there is to see and do beyond the theme parks. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, so also got a chance to learn more about that as well and we chatted with Universal Orlando to learn about some of the new attractions there. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/
In this episode we share our experience visiting Orlando, Florida for the IPW travel conference hosted by the US Travel Association and Brand USA. While we were there we sat down with Visit Orlando to find out more about visiting Orlando and what there is to see and do beyond the theme parks. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, so also got a chance to learn more about that as well and we chatted with Universal Orlando to learn about some of the new attractions there. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heather Greenwood Davis is a Contributing Writer and on-air storyteller for National Geographic, as well as a freelance Feature Writer with The Globe and Mail. Heather has been reporting and writing stories professionally for more than 20 years. A recognized expert in the industry, her work appears regularly in print and digital publications. Heather regularly appears as a trusted expert on television and radio, and has shared insights from the stages of conferences and trade gatherings hosted by TravMedia, US Travel Association, Destination Canada, SATW and others. Her travels and experiences have also been featured in O Magazine and on NPR. Heather was named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year in 2012 after her family of four spent a year traveling around the world, sharing their insights through articles and social media. Though her work encompasses far more than traditional family travel stories, she is also the voice behind GlobetrottingMama.com – an international, family travel blog that features the adventures she takes with (and without) her husband Ish and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron. Read the show notes here: https://bwmissions.com/one-away-podcast/
After living with COVID mandates for two years now, more and more states are taking off the masks. Officials in New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania have announced an end to mask mandates now that cases are improving within the areas. Critics of these mandates, like Senator Rand Paul (KY-R), say these changes are long overdue. Sen. Paul joins the Rundown to discuss the efficacy of mandates, his plans to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci and the origins of COVID, and his plans if Republicans gain the majority in the Senate. Despite the impact the pandemic has had on travel, new data projects an optimistic return for the industry with 80 percent of Americans saying they plan to travel in the next six months. President and CEO of the US Travel Association, Roger Dow joins to explain why he sees the beginnings of a major rebound for the travel industry with the latest wave of the pandemic subsiding. He breaks down data suggesting a large majority of Americans planning vacations in 2022, how the easing of travel restrictions will aid the travel industry's recovery, and what is being done to bring back leisure and domestic travelers. Plus, commentary by Guy Benson, host of the Guy Benson Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After living with COVID mandates for two years now, more and more states are taking off the masks. Officials in New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania have announced an end to mask mandates now that cases are improving within the areas. Critics of these mandates, like Senator Rand Paul (KY-R), say these changes are long overdue. Sen. Paul joins the Rundown to discuss the efficacy of mandates, his plans to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci and the origins of COVID, and his plans if Republicans gain the majority in the Senate. Despite the impact the pandemic has had on travel, new data projects an optimistic return for the industry with 80 percent of Americans saying they plan to travel in the next six months. President and CEO of the US Travel Association, Roger Dow joins to explain why he sees the beginnings of a major rebound for the travel industry with the latest wave of the pandemic subsiding. He breaks down data suggesting a large majority of Americans planning vacations in 2022, how the easing of travel restrictions will aid the travel industry's recovery, and what is being done to bring back leisure and domestic travelers. Plus, commentary by Guy Benson, host of the Guy Benson Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After living with COVID mandates for two years now, more and more states are taking off the masks. Officials in New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania have announced an end to mask mandates now that cases are improving within the areas. Critics of these mandates, like Senator Rand Paul (KY-R), say these changes are long overdue. Sen. Paul joins the Rundown to discuss the efficacy of mandates, his plans to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci and the origins of COVID, and his plans if Republicans gain the majority in the Senate. Despite the impact the pandemic has had on travel, new data projects an optimistic return for the industry with 80 percent of Americans saying they plan to travel in the next six months. President and CEO of the US Travel Association, Roger Dow joins to explain why he sees the beginnings of a major rebound for the travel industry with the latest wave of the pandemic subsiding. He breaks down data suggesting a large majority of Americans planning vacations in 2022, how the easing of travel restrictions will aid the travel industry's recovery, and what is being done to bring back leisure and domestic travelers. Plus, commentary by Guy Benson, host of the Guy Benson Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I sit down with the award-winning travel blogger and the mother of the first family ever to be crowned "Traveler of The Year" by the National Geographic travel magazine - Heather Greenwood Davis. We'll discuss topics like:The importance of Black family travelHow travel expands the world of Black childrenAnd how to start a career as a travel storytellerGuest Bio:Heather Greenwood Davis is a Contributing Writer and on-air storyteller for National Geographic and a Feature Writer with The Globe and Mail. Her work appears regularly in a host of national and international publications. The popular media personality appears on television stations across North America. She is the resident travel expert on The Social - a national daily lifestyle show - and co-host of Get, Set, Go! on CHCH. Heather believes in travel as a change agent, and has shared insights as a speaker in university classrooms, at conferences and at trade gatherings hosted by TravMedia, US Travel Association, Destination Canada, SATW and others. Her words and opinions have been featured in spaces ranging from O Magazine to NPR. Heather is also the voice behind GlobetrottingMama.com – an international, family travel blog that features the adventures she takes with (and without) her husband Ish and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron.Relevant links:https://globetrottingmama.com/family%20travel/https://heathergreenwooddavis.com/portfolio
In this episode, I share my experience in Las Vegas attending the IPW Travel Conference, hosted by the US Travel Association and Brand USA, it's where international media and buyers meet with numerous destinations throughout the US to see what they have to offer to travelers. I met up with the folks from Brand USA and chatted with Travel Nevada. Outside of the conference I managed to take a tour of Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, visit the Mob Museum and explore Fremont Street. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/
In this episode, I share my experience in Las Vegas attending the IPW Travel Conference, hosted by the US Travel Association and Brand USA, it's where international media and buyers meet with numerous destinations throughout the US to see what they have to offer to travelers. I met up with the folks from Brand USA and chatted with Travel Nevada. Outside of the conference I managed to take a tour of Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, visit the Mob Museum and explore Fremont Street. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you turn on your TV to watch your favorite team, do you ever think about how many fans traveled to be at that game? Sports-related travel plays a larger role in the travel industry than you may think, but just how important are sports to tourism? Stevie G. looks at pre-pandemic findings from the US Travel Association to find out how sports have impacted travel in recent years, and how important sports will be for the travel industry moving forward. Explore Group Experience to learn how to build your travel tribeSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/dbetravel)
We are delighted to be speaking to an icon in our industry today! David DuBois, the current President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE,) is joining us! David DuBois has tailor-made the industry to fit his experience and style of leadership. In this episode, he will talk to us about what the IAEE does, the Exhibition Day on Capitol Hill, and the Women's Leadership Forum. You are sure to enjoy listening to our conversation with David today! David DuBois's bio David DuBois is the President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE). As IAEE's president, DuBois is responsible for the management of 25 full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fundraising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization's members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, he serves as the association's representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations, and strategic alliances. In 2019, DuBois was inducted into the Exhibition Industry Council's “Hall of Leaders,” one of the industry's most prestigious honors. DuBois began his career with Sheraton Corporation in various sales positions including Regional Director of Sales and the Director of Marketing Programs. He has served as both President and CEO and Senior Vice President at the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) where he was responsible for all operations and a $7 million budget. As Senior Vice President, he managed the development of 15 new chapters and was responsible for magazine advertising sales and membership recruitment and retention. DuBois has also served as both the Chief Operating Officer at Meeting Professionals International (MPI) from 1996-2000. During this time, he supported programs and services for more than 16,000 members worldwide and served as the Executive Vice President of the MPI Foundation. David has also served as MPI's Vice President of Sales and Key Account Management and Vice President of Corporate Services. Most recently, DuBois has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau where he had oversight and full responsibility of 42 staff, with the responsibility of attracting convention and tourism business with an $8.5 million budget. DuBois has served as a board member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Texas Society of Association Executives; board member and Chairman of the Dallas-Fort Worth Tourism Council; board member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; and Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Convention Industry Council (CIC). He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Destinations International, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the U.S. Travel Association. COVID David spent a night in Wuhan, China, in January of 2020. That was when COVID started. Today, China and much of Asia are experiencing about 75% of the exhibition business and events of 2019. As the pandemic slows down As the pandemic slows down, businesses are becoming more willing to send their staff to be exhibitors, attendees, or buyers at trade shows. We are starting to see progress from Asia, across into the United States, Mexico, and Canada. David thinks that Europe will be the last continent to get back to the levels of 2019 and before. Digital events In 2019, the meetings and trade show industry had its best year ever. That was followed by its darkest year ever, in 2020. The industry had to pivot to virtual/digital, which was the only available substitute. The revenues of all the digital meeting platforms went through the roof and the general service contractors for in-person events had to quickly hire people with different skill sets to put on digital events. In-person events are coming back We are starting to see in-person events coming back worldwide, led by Asia and coming back into the United States. Convention centers are open in fifteen states in the US right now. The future of online versus in-person In the last half of 2021, we will see the merging of in-person and digital. Then, in 2022, we will see less digital and more in-person as people get more comfortable with traveling again. Online meetings The reality now is that we are going to see a lot more in-person events. However, only a certain amount of people will be willing to travel to those events. Now, with the addition of the digital experience, those audiences can get expanded across the world. The IAEE Annual Expo The IAEE now has members in 52 countries. At their December 2019 Annual Expo meeting in Las Vegas, they were thrilled to have 200 people. That was the most people they have ever had. In December of 2021, David thinks they can get 1,000 people to attend their Annual Expo meeting digitally in Philadelphia. He believes they could also get a couple of thousand people to attend, in-person. Expanding Now, David is expanding his reach to his customers and members by between fifteen and thirty percent. Many salespeople in other industries are also reaching more people now through digital. The future David gets excited about the future because the future is very bright. What David DuBois says about the blending of digital, in-person, and hybrid for exhibitions David DuBois feels that online exhibitions are mediocre, at best. People cannot truly connect unless they meet face-to-face. So, digital, in-person, and hybrid need to work together. How that gets done is the key for exhibition professionals and members of the IAEE to keep people engaged and give them an experience that they would never want to miss. A nugget The best nugget that David got from the US Travel Association's board meeting in Tampa recently was that he learned more in a five-minute meet-up with a friend over a cup of coffee than he learned from the entire presentation of the board meeting. The exhibition industry In 2019, the exhibition industry, excluding meetings and business events, was worth 109 billion dollars and it had over 1.5 million exhibiting companies. David believes that it is vital for the people in the trade business to be on Capitol Hill to let all the elected leaders and people working in the congressional offices know what is happening in the exhibition business, trade show business, and meeting business. Exhibition Day For eight years in a row, in the first week of June, the IAEE has held a Legislative Action Day on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. It is all about advocating and talking about the importance of the industry. Up until last year, they had 125 - 140 people attending, in-person. Last year, they had 600 people attending virtually via Zoom. The bottom line, according to David DuBois The bottom line is that they have to do a better job than before because they have just hired their first Vice-President of Government Affairs for the exhibitions industry, David DuBois explains. This VP is supported financially by seven organizations that have raised half a million dollars to have a full-time representative and lobbyist, and he is working to ensure that the exhibitions industry gets known much better than it has ever before. The business events economic impact The overall economic impact of business events on the GDP in 2019 was over 350 billion dollars, and the trade show industry produced a little over a third of that. The Connecticut Avenue Collection Back in the eighties, David and some of his competitors in the hotel industry, who were all Directors of Sales and Marketing, decided that they needed to collaborate more. So, they came up with what they called The Connecticut Avenue Collection. Together, they competed against the local convention center, and four or five times a year, they won some business. The advocacy effort The IAEE did the same thing with their advocacy effort. Seven organizations got together and decided to collaborate. Now, they have an alliance and a full-time registered and licensed lobbyist. The Women's Leadership Forum The Regional Virtual Forum of the Women's Leadership Forum happened on April 20th, 2021. The Women's Leadership Forum also has a signature event that has always taken place in Washington D.C. That event has always sold out before. For more information on future forums, you can go to the IAEE website. Men are also invited to attend. Expanding women's leadership skills The Women's Leadership Forum focuses on expanding women's leadership skills in meetings, exhibitions, and conference businesses. Their goal is to empower, embrace, and provide enhanced skills for women. Sixty percent or more of those who work in the exhibition and meetings business events industry are women. Less than fifteen percent of those women are vice-president level or higher. Connect with Eric On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website Connect with David DuBois On Website
Peter Greenberg is the Travel editor for CBS News, the host of several travel shows including Travel Detective and the Royal Tour and was inducted into the US Travel Association’s hall of leaders. Smash the subscribe button and if you listen on apple podcasts, would be amazing if you could rate and review the show! Follow Peter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterSGreenberg The 'gram he explained: https://www.instagram.com/p/BkoGqNpA86y/?igshid=rrp2rbtphlj5 Follow me on social: https://linktr.ee/ianagrimis
Jay Karen is the CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, where he leads the golf industry's trade association and initiatives to support the success of the golf course business. He's chaired the board of the industry-wide advocacy coalition, We Are Golf, and served on the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition board, a joint initiative with the PGA of America, and the advisory board of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CBS Radio, New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, the Golf Channel, Golf Digest and many others call upon Jay for his insights on the golf industry. Jay has also served as CEO of two associations in the lodging and hospitality industry, and he is a certified association executive by the American Society of Association Executives. Jay also served on the board of directors of the US Travel Association. Jay's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykaren/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykaren/) The National Golf Course Owners Association https://www.ngcoa.org/ WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: How Jay's hometown impacted his career. The important advice his Mom gave him that often comes in handy. Do you need to leave your organization in order to become CEO? What you need to know to become CEO. Insights for preparing and interviewing for the CEO position. What's unique about working in associations, and what's the key to success. How to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit. How Jay is going about addressing diversity and inclusion in golf. Why difficulties are the best places to grow. Why front-line worker turnover is about more than money. What Don Draper in Mad Men said about gratitude. The missed opportunity from paying employees electronically. A time when a failure led to growth down the road. The one thing most people miss when they are making a decision. How to efficiently read the Wall Street Journal. How leaders can curate content and provide value. HIGHLIGHTS: The "Holy Grail" of reducing turnover: Create a place for people to have a security in their lives Be reliable. Show gratitude. The steps the NGCOA is taking to make the golf course more welcoming: Prioritize starting the conversation. Focus on creating diversity at the Board level. Create a collective consciousness around diversity across the industry. QUOTES: “The grass isn't always greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it.” “You have to show that you've done the job. People don't want to take a big risk when hiring a CEO." "Moderate doses of fear can be motivating. Too much of it can be overwhelming." "In an association you get to be mission driven and entrepreneurial." “When you begin to invest in what your younger customers want often the older generation will follow soon." Advice for you early on in your career..."embrace the difficulties". The sign in Jay's office..."A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor." "The best employees take ownership." The Holy Grail of turnover reduction..."Create a place where people can have security and reliability in their lives." "Showing gratitude and appreciation to your employees makes a bigger difference than you realize." "I try to stay one step ahead of members when offering them something of value in my newsletter. Two steps ahead is too far." When it comes to relationship building..."Golf levels the playing field for four hours." "The relationship is richer after fours hours of golf." "I'm a better CEO because I seek to achieve balance in life." RESOURCES: Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/ (https://www.wsj.com/) ------------------- https://www.benfanning.com/the-ceo-sessions/ (Apply to be on the show) ------------------- Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/) https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/ (https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/)...
This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg covers some sobering statistics about pilots, Los Angeles hotel closures, OVID-19 testing for incoming international flights, U.S. News' 2021 hotel and resort rankings with Los Angeles Times Writer Hugo Martin, U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow and U.S. News Travel Editor Zach Watson.
This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg covers some sobering statistics about pilots, Los Angeles hotel closures, OVID-19 testing for incoming international flights, U.S. News' 2021 hotel and resort rankings with Los Angeles Times Writer Hugo Martin, U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow and U.S. News Travel Editor Zach Watson.
The US Travel Association voices strong support for the new administration following a not-so-peaceful transfer of power A new survey by the ETC shows Europeans are eager to travel this springtime IATA is putting pressure on European leaders to introduce a common Covid vaccination certificate Luxury travel guru Mary Gostelow takes us to Cannes on Côte d'Azur And in our special feature, we talk to Mario Julen in Zermatt about his incredible new Ritz Carlton project in the Swiss Alps. World Travel Essential • A podcast on Anchor
I’m feeling optimistic this year and I want to continue to spread that optimism. That’s why I want to focus several shows on travel. Most people’s travel plans were foiled by covid in 2020, so 2021 will be the year of the vacation! We’ll be interviewing experts and discussing the mental and physical health benefits of travel. We get started on that road today with a Retirement Headline from Harvard Business Review. Outline of This Episode [1:52] Let’s explore the relationship between well-being and time away from the office [5:02] What should Seth’s mom do with her $500,000 portfolio? Are fewer vacation days negatively impacting your work? You have probably heard that without recovery periods, your ability to perform tasks effectively diminishes significantly. However, this is in direct conflict with the common practice of powering through work without a break. The Harvard Business Review performed a study with the US Travel Association to help understand the relationship between wellbeing and taking time away from work. They discovered that there has been a significant decline in vacation days over the past 2 decades. In 1996, Americans averaged 21.1 vacation days per year and in 2016 that number fell to 16.1 vacation days per year. Is technology helping or hindering your time? Although productivity has increased due to technology, our inability to unplug has offset those gains. In fact, our inability to step away from technology has even led to bad vacations. According to the article, poorly planned vacations do not improve energy levels or reduce stress, effectively eliminating the time away. Learn what you can do to make the most of your vacation time by listening to this episode of Retirement Starts Today. How to double your chances of getting a raise People who took fewer than 10 of their vacation days per year had a 34.6% likelihood of receiving a raise or bonus over a three-year period of time. Whereas, people who took more than 10 of their vacation days had a 65.4% chance of receiving a raise or bonus. So, double your chances for a raise and take a vacation! What would you do with an extra $500,000 laying around? Seth’s mom insists that she doesn’t need the money in her $500,000 401K until it’s time to start taking RMDs. He wants to help her understand what she should do with the money. My first question is why doesn’t she need it? Many people are worried about having enough money to last the rest of their lives. Is she underspending to make her money last longer? After understanding her reasons, there are a few things she can do. Long term tax planning is key here. You may be surprised to learn that sometimes it is better to pay more in taxes now to help save on your lifetime tax bill. Listen in to learn how long-term tax planning can affect retirement planning. Resources & People Mentioned Harvard Business Review article Smart Asset Tax Calculator Schwab Annuity Calculator Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, or Spotify
This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg covers the widespread inconsistencies when battling the pandemic among states, the COVID-19 vaccine and the concerns people might have and China's weathering of the pandemic with U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Roger Dow, The New York Times Travel Writer Tariro Mzezewa and Young China Group Founder Zak Dychtwald.
This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg covers the widespread inconsistencies when battling the pandemic among states, the COVID-19 vaccine and the concerns people might have and China's weathering of the pandemic with U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Roger Dow, The New York Times Travel Writer Tariro Mzezewa and Young China Group Founder Zak Dychtwald.
As travel has started to increase after a COVID-induced lull, you might be wondering how to safely travel for work or leisure. Or you might be waiting for a post-COVID time to travel and are planning now and looking for some tips. Find out how to make travel less stressful for work or play as well as how my guest got the name – Globetrotting Mama. Guest: Heather Greenwood Davis is a Contributing Writer and on-air storyteller for National Geographic and a Feature Writer with The Globe and Mail. Her work appears regularly in a host of national and international publications. The popular media personality appears on television stations across North America. She is the resident travel expert on The Social - a national daily lifestyle show - and co-host of Get, Set, Go! Heather believes in travel as a change agent, and has shared insights in university classrooms, at conferences and at trade gatherings hosted by TravMedia, US Travel Association, Destination Canada, SATW and others. Her words and opinions have been featured in O Magazine and on NPR. Heather is also the voice behind GlobetrottingMama.com – an international, family travel blog that features the adventures she takes with (and without) her husband Ish and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron. Discussion Points/Time Stamps: Who is Heather Greenwood Davis 3:31 Traveling around the world 5:19 Wearing the mom-hat 9:13 Language 9:44 Globe-Trotting Mama begins 13:57 COVID 16:39 Travel and Leisure Writing 20:34 Contact Information 31:17 Up Next 31:57 The future of traveling 33:23 Resources: Website: globetrottingmama.com Blog: com Connect on Social Media: Facebook: Globetrotting Mama (facebook.com) Instagram: Heather Greenwood Davis (@byheathergd) Twitter: Heather Greenwood Davis (@ByHeatherGD) / Twitter LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/greenwooddavis/ Questions: Email: www.newhorizencoaching.com/contact
This episode of Lessons from Leaders is brought to you by Smart Meetings, the go-to source of information for meeting and event professionals. For more information on Smart Meetings, please go to https://www.smartmeetings.comOur guest on this episode is Michael Massari, the Chief Sales Officer for Caesars Entertainment. Mike has enjoyed a very distinguished and diverse career. He is proud of his humble beginnings at age 15 as a busboy at a suburban Philadelphia catering hall, which introduced him to the hospitality business. After graduating from Cabrini College, he became the manager of the same establishment and then moved on to the hotel business where he served in sales roles with the Sheraton Valley Forge and the Wyndham Franklin Plaza hotels (with a short stint in Boston in between) before moving to Las Vegas in 1998 to open the Venetian as Director of Sales. For the past 20 years he has worked for Caesars Entertainment in a variety of senior sales roles and was appointed Chief Sales Officer in 2017. Throughout his career, Mike has established himself as a trusted and respected executive in the hotel and meetings/events industry and has served on numerous boards including Meeting Professionals International and US Travel Association, among others. He earned his bachelors degree in business administration from Cabrini College and an MBA from the Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine.In this thought-provoking podcast, Mike takes us on his journey from busboy to his current role, and shares his views on what it takes to be a good leader, in good times and bad.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmassari/ Website: https://www.caesars.com/
This episode is an update on some of the news around the Walt Disney company. Espn, disneys entertainment business and theme parks all get a nod. And I play an interview with Josh D’amaro which is from the US Travel Association. Listen to the Dow Report here: https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/dow-report --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message
Thanks for joining us on Episode 8 with our guest Michael Dominguez, President & CEO at Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). The Traveling Podcast is hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, Mike will share his thoughts on how his member network of 250+ luxury hotels are dealing with the new realities of group and business travel, contract liability and risk, booking activity and the media's role in travel confidence. Michael DominguezPresident & CEOALHILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdominguez080389/ Bio: Michael Dominguez is the President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). He joined ALHI in July, 2019 and has over 35 years of industry experience which includes: Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at MGM Resorts International and Vice President of Global Sales at Loews Hotels in addition to Palm Spring CVB and Hyatt Hotels. He currently serves on the Executive Committee for the US Travel Association & Meetings Mean Business Coalition and served as Chairman of the MPI International Board of Directors from 2013-2014.The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP NetworkHIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.comSupport the show (http://www.hipnetwork.com/traveling-podcast)
Stimulus check amount, deadline, requirements, payment timeline: Everything to know. A second round of $1,200 checks isn't the only proposal Washington is considering to get the US economy through a damaging recession. President Donald Trump raised the idea of a travel tax credit during a White House round-table discussion in May as a way to sow money back into the US economy during the coronavirus pandemic."Create an Explore America tax credit that Americans can use for domestic travel, including visits to restaurants," the president pitched during the meeting. "That's a big deal."Building on the president's idea, the US Travel Association suggested a $4,000 temporary travel tax credit (PDF) that could cover anything from meals and lodging to gasoline while traveling in the US. It isn't clear if the travel credit would supplement or replace another direct payment to you, if it were to become part of the rescue package. Other proposals include incentives for businesses that might skip personal checks for individuals and families. The stimulus checks Congress authorized in March are part of the much larger CARES Act that's injected money into small businesses and other concerns to help cushion against today's coronavirus recession. For individuals and families, the bill's allowance of up to $1,200 per person sounds simple, but it's anything but. It's easy to get tangled up in the details of which people qualify for a payment, when they'll get it and how much money they'll actually receive.If you're still waiting for news about your stimulus check or looking ahead and wondering what Washington is doing about a second stimulus check for 2020 and how much could you get with another round, we can help you learn more about your payment.
Stimulus check amount, deadline, requirements, payment timeline: Everything to know. A second round of $1,200 checks isn't the only proposal Washington is considering to get the US economy through a damaging recession. President Donald Trump raised the idea of a travel tax credit during a White House round-table discussion in May as a way to sow money back into the US economy during the coronavirus pandemic. "Create an Explore America tax credit that Americans can use for domestic travel, including visits to restaurants," the president pitched during the meeting. "That's a big deal." Building on the president's idea, the US Travel Association suggested a $4,000 temporary travel tax credit (PDF) that could cover anything from meals and lodging to gasoline while traveling in the US. It isn't clear if the travel credit would supplement or replace another direct payment to you, if it were to become part of the rescue package. Other proposals include incentives for businesses that might skip personal checks for individuals and families. The stimulus checks Congress authorized in March are part of the much larger CARES Act that's injected money into small businesses and other concerns to help cushion against today's coronavirus recession. For individuals and families, the bill's allowance of up to $1,200 per person sounds simple, but it's anything but. It's easy to get tangled up in the details of which people qualify for a payment, when they'll get it and how much money they'll actually receive. If you're still waiting for news about your stimulus check or looking ahead and wondering what Washington is doing about a second stimulus check for 2020 and how much could you get with another round, we can help you learn more about your payment. Anchor.fm is the easiest way to make a Podcast, brought to you by Spotify. Now you can create your Podcast, host it online, distribute it to your favorite listening platforms, grow your audience, and monetize your episodes-all from your phone or tablet, for free. A recording studio in your pocket. So, what are you waiting for? Go on and download Anchor FM If you're interested in becoming a supporter just support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes. Thanks' for listening to Georgia's Talk good people. As always thanks for having Georgia on your mind! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/georgiastalk/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/georgiastalk/support
Stimulus check amount, deadline, requirements, payment timeline: Everything to know. A second round of $1,200 checks isn't the only proposal Washington is considering to get the US economy through a damaging recession. President Donald Trump raised the idea of a travel tax credit during a White House round-table discussion in May as a way to sow money back into the US economy during the coronavirus pandemic."Create an Explore America tax credit that Americans can use for domestic travel, including visits to restaurants," the president pitched during the meeting. "That's a big deal."Building on the president's idea, the US Travel Association suggested a $4,000 temporary travel tax credit (PDF) that could cover anything from meals and lodging to gasoline while traveling in the US. It isn't clear if the travel credit would supplement or replace another direct payment to you, if it were to become part of the rescue package. Other proposals include incentives for businesses that might skip personal checks for individuals and families. The stimulus checks Congress authorized in March are part of the much larger CARES Act that's injected money into small businesses and other concerns to help cushion against today's coronavirus recession. For individuals and families, the bill's allowance of up to $1,200 per person sounds simple, but it's anything but. It's easy to get tangled up in the details of which people qualify for a payment, when they'll get it and how much money they'll actually receive.If you're still waiting for news about your stimulus check or looking ahead and wondering what Washington is doing about a second stimulus check for 2020 and how much could you get with another round, we can help you learn more about your payment.
We're delighted to be talking with a true icon in our industry! David Peckinpaugh, President, and CEO of Maritz Global Events is our guest for today's podcast. Taking good care of each other first has always been David's mantra throughout everything he has done. You're sure to enjoy all the insights that he will be sharing on the show today! David's career is synonymous with big brands. He has had many different roles throughout it, and he has also given a lot back through his role in the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, the US Travel Association, and the former Chair of the PCMA Foundation. You can read the full show notes at https://eventbusinessformula.com/ep08 ******************************* Connect with Eric: On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website If you'd rather watch the video of this interview, subscribe on YouTube
Without a doubt, the coronavirus pandemic has changed all of our worlds. But one of the hardest-hit industries is travel. US Travel Association and Oxford Economics recently reported that the US is projected to suffer a $519 billion decline in direct travel spending, which translates into $1.2 trillion in lost economic impact. But there is hope. Experts predict there will be pent-up demand for travel. It is in our nature to explore, escape and emotionally attach to our friends and family. And while travel will look different the industry will eventually bounce back. ----more---- About Michael Lynch's guest: A 2009 IMC graduate, Jama Jarrett is currently the VP and COO of the Charleston WV Convention & Visitors Bureau where she provides strategic counsel for day-to-day messaging and operational activities, including management of the financial, administrative and communication functions for the bureau. Prior to joining the CVB in 2010, Jarrett worked for former West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin as deputy communications director. She was also the public information officer for the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training; Department of Labor; and WorkForce West Virginia, agencies within the West Virginia Department of Commerce. Jarrett has a concentration in crisis communications and has utilized her skills during emergencies and crisis situations such as the Upper Big Branch mine explosion in 2010 and the Charleston water crisis in 2014. Jarrett is a member of the West Side Main Street Board of Advisors and currently serves as an IMC mentor. She lives in Charleston with her fiancée and five kids. WVU Marketing Communications Today is hosted by Michael Lynch from West Virginia University which is a program on the Funnel Radio Channel.
According to the US Travel Association, a total of 768 million US Vacation days went unused in 2018, a 9% increase from 2017. How can we reclaim our precious family breaks and prioritize travel in 2020? It starts by planning ahead and staying committed. Anne has teamed up with Ciao Bambino! to share A School Year's Worth of Travel in 6 Easy Steps.In this episode you will learn how to:Plan your entire school year of travelSet a travel budget and stick to itSet airfare alerts to track flight prices for your tripsDecide when to use a travel advisor to book your tripHow to SHIFT and set boundaries with competing time commitments to make travel a priority in 2020.Have a question you'd like to ask Anne, or a guest or topic you'd like to see covered on culture SHIFT? Hit us up on Instagram at @cultureshiftpodcast or via email at anne [at] cultureshiftpodcast.com. Full disclosure: Anne recently joined the freelance team and runs marketing at Ciao Bambino! a luxury family travel planning agency specializing in empowering families to enjoy meaningful experiences and collect lasting memories. This means that you now have a way to take action and book all the incredible trips I talk about with a team of trusted advisors. Learn more at CiaoBambino.com
Scott Stein, the owner of and travel planner for Extraordinary Adventures (https://www.myextraordinaryadventures.com/travel-podcast.html), gets on his soapbox to preach about how important travel is and The Not-So-Unintended Benefits Of Travel.Music: www.bensound.com (The show transcript is being provided by YouTube's automatic transcriber. Please forgive any inaccuracies or errors.)[Applause] [Music] hey everybody this is Scott much Jordan area ventures again and I'd like to welcome you to the twelfth episode of EA radio today I wanted to quickly discuss the health benefits of travel everyone knows that they love to travel it's wonderful it's fun it's it's you know something we all strive to do but have you really considered then it's not just would you call it a an optional thing I think that people overlook the significance of travel and leisure time rest and relaxation but I believe they are essential to our well-being in fact I'm gonna read something here according to a joint study from the global Commission on Aging and trans America Center for retirement studies in partnership with the US Travel Association traveling actually keeps you healthier the study found that women who vacation at least twice a year should was significantly lower risk suffering heart attack than those who only travel every six years or so the same is true for men men who do not take an annual vacation to a 20 percent higher risk of death a 30% greater risk of heart disease now I could go on pull more and more facts off the internet but you can do it yourself you can go to Google check it out left and right all of them page that the pages of data that's been compiled of how important not just going to sleep not just doing you know yoga those are awesome too but taking a vacation getting out of your typical routine your typical space I think that for me it really boils down to four personal things factors that I don't know that if I didn't travel if I if these things would be where they're at you know for me and I know that when I don't travel for a certain amount of time I definitely see these factors coming up so let me let me go to the first one I think the first and most obvious one is stressful we all work probably too hard most of us the American Way of life is to work too hard we give up so many vacation days every year we just change change them in for money we are the least vacationed Society first-class world society everyone else takes more vacations and thus everyone else has passports we have like I know 30% of Americans or something like that passports where is like you go to other countries in Europe bache they all do and they don't even need it to get from you know all those Schengen countries they can go all throughout the EU without them and yet they all have them they all travel there's a reason for that and they have figured something out I think that we haven't figured out and that is you got to get out of your space to unwind to to take the pent up stuff and get rid of it and I don't think you can do that just sitting at home I don't think you can do that go to the movies or going for a nature hike I think you need to get out so for me that's something that's that's a big one is that you know life life is beautiful wonderful I love it overall very happy guy but I have stress you know I'm a small business owner I have an aging dog who you know gives us a challenge too we love him he's been around 14 and a half years Albert in case you don't know some of you dude some you don't he's pretty amazing but it's stressful having an old dog and of course we have all just stresses that everyone else does money and paying the bills and all these things you need to get away from all that all of it even your lovely beloved dog you need to take yourself away for a couple weeks and and unwind but I also think for me the next one up is probably more important and I think I don't put these in order that one would be quote unquote the the lowest a priority item the next one would be happiness I don't believe in doing things just to remove pain I'm a person who likes to bring in pleasure joy so a lot of us do things to remove pain and that motivates us but the absence of pain is not joy you know what light exists darkness does not the absence of light is gives you darkness the absence of darkness doesn't give you light it's the same thing when you have an absence of joy you have pain but having an absence of pain doesn't give you joy so I find that for me Travel is a huge huge factor in my overall happiness and fulfillment in life whether that's you know the simple cruise getting away and just and just being in the islands and and relaxing and a hot tub and drinking pina coladas and stuff that counts I'm I love that stuff I if I could do that more often I would it doesn't have to be these these uh you know Patagonia trips or Iceland or or you know ancient Rome doesn't have to be anything too extraordinary even though the name of my company is extraordinary adventures what it just needs to be is getting away and and and having some fun dancing eating drinking being with friends so happiness is a huge one but I also think for me what's probably let me see I'm looking at these next two and Farah which one I think is is a the more important one and I'm gonna have to say perspective is coming next what do I mean by perspective so Laura and I have noted over the last several years that every time we get away we come back and we look at our life things in our life not necessarily the whole picture but things in it but also sometimes the whole picture and we look at me say wow that's that's not right what are we doing here we could be doing this better we could be doing that better we could we could change that something happens when you take your mind off of your own junk for a while you come back to it and you can see this was the same scene for the forest for the trees we we get too caught up in seeing all those little trees that when you back away you can look at the thing and say well this is working for me and this is not and I think you need to get away to be able to do that I think you need to take a vacation I think you need to travel and and also I think travel shows you and this one this one doesn't work so well with cruises it does go into other cultures when you when you go to you know South Africa and you get into the tribes if you go to to Asia and you meet them the monks when you look at other people's way of looking at the world it changes the way you look at the world and you can never come back from travel the same you will be a changed person and that will give you a new perspective on the things in your life for better force so perspective to me is a huge reason for why I travel but I think the single biggest reason for me for travel is the person is very driven in life you know I want to have a great relationship I want to have my dogs and my relationship with my dogs I want it to be great I ride a Harley I want that to be great I always push myself for greatness never for perfection you can never hit profession but for greatness be be good at what you're doing and just always strive to make it better but let me give you a quick analogy if any of you know Stephen Covey is one of the best motivational speaker writers of all time he had a great analogy about sawing down a tree guys walking through the woods comes upon a lumberjack who's sawing away sawing away sawing away and the guy says to him you know you look like that maybe that saw is a little bit too dull for the job that you're doing maybe you should take a break from that sharpen the saw and then go back and they'll make your work easier make your make your job lighter and the guys response was I don't have time to stop to sharpen the saw I'm too busy sawing that seems paradoxical doesn't it you can't slow down from sawing long enough to do something that will make your sawing easier lighter faster efficiency doesn't come from just going faster harder more over and over and over again you need to step back you sharpen that saw and then you need to go at it again so that's what I think that for me the vacation is probably the travel is probably the most important thing I believe that travel is good for your health is good for your mind it's good for your relationship but I believe that travel makes you better in your own life if you want to be better in your own life if you want your life to be the place that you want it to be you can't keep sitting in that bars and looking at those trees you've got to get out get some perspective change who you are be happy be strengthened stress have you stress reduced and sharpen that saw so that to me is why I say all the time I say that people over often overlook the significance of travel and leisure time but I believe they are essential to our well-being and as those are my reasons so that is our show for today I apologize for all the emails and and and phones and the dog barking and whining in the background we are here a home-based business and a home-based podcast so that's what happens when you are home-based and you don't have the editing power and money of a major podcasting corporation so hopefully as I continue to grow this will get better at cleaning some of that up the editing but ok that's all for today I hope you enjoyed today's show if you did or if you didn't either way email me at scott at my extraordinary adventures com tell me your first name where you're from and I'll give you a shout out on the air ok and of course don't forget to share this on your favorite social media outlet Facebook Twitter Linkedin wherever you like to do your social media ink but I will also tell you that from now on we are not gonna be doing our YouTube channel we are now doing a real podcast we are now listed on iTunes we're very fancy now so you can go like our Channel and you can go subscribe to it but I don't think there's gonna be anything more a new content going to our YouTube channel I will put a link in the show notes to the podcast that you can find it more easily downloaded to your your cell phone and your your I tuned player iPad I Mac wherever you do your eyes stuff and you'll be able to listen to it I think a lot more easily than the way I had it on the youtube so please spread the word tell everyone share that link with everyone and until next time again this is Scott from extraordinary adventures thanking you for tuning in and we will catch you on the next episode of e a raven stay tuned everybody shout [Music] you [Music]
About this episode: Lori Harnois is the executive director of Discover New England, located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her primary role is to increase tourism to the New England region from overseas markets. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Planning and Development, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of New Hampshire. Lori has 20 years of experience in the field of marketing, promotions and operations. Previously, she worked for the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development holding such roles as director and international marketing manager. In these roles, she was responsible for promoting New Hampshire as a domestic and international travel destination in order to increase visitation, travel expenditures, business activity and employment throughout the state. She also oversaw the NH Bureau of Visitor Services. Lori is a past board member of the US Travel Association, a member of the Eastern State Exposition, and a member of the Granite State Ambassadors. She received the honor of New Hampshire's 40 Under 40 in 2012. In this episode: 3:11 – Lori explains how she went to college for tourism planning and development and held several internships before getting a job with the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism. 7:11 – Nancy asks Lori about different countries' perceptions of New England. 10:48 – Lori shares how she would have liked to have studied abroad while she was in school. 13:06 – Lori describes how her boss suggested that she take a day to talk with locals and understand their interest when she first started traveling abroad. 16:59 – Lori shares how dealing with a smaller budget is an obstacle she has had to overcome by forming new relationships. 23:14 – Lori explains how Discover New England measures success by tracking results and working with Marshall Communications. 25:45 – Nancy asks Lori how she has built her network, to which Lori explains how her network has grown naturally. 29:02 – Nancy explains how building your network doesn't mean always taking but also involves giving. 31:38 – Lori explains how her network has helped to advance her career, including getting the job she has today. 33:07 – Lori recalls some advice she was given when she was 15 that would be helpful for someone starting their career. 36:36 – Lori provides resources that have helped her, including the book the Tipping Point and the North American Journeys inbound report. 38:23 – Lori shares a parting thought. Quote: " The best advice I could give you is to smile, and I think that I have taken that to heart. It sort of opens the door for people to approach you and get to know you." — Lori Harnois, Executive Director, Discover New England Links: www.discovernewengland.org/ Looking to connect: Email: info@discovernewengland.org
Productivity is important as an entrepreneur but so is the balance between your personal life and your work life. If you’re not careful you can easily burn yourself out, harm personal relationships, and actually become less productive because you’re not giving yourself the space to rejuvenate—which is often times why people are most productive. It’s a balance. The Western world is in a bit of an epidemic these days. Some of the leading organizations in today’s world give their employees unlimited PAID time off. Which sounds absolutely crazy…but, according to the research done by Sage Business Researcher, many people in these businesses are taking even less vacation time. And, those who do have a standard amount of paid time off, aren’t using it all. According to a 2017 report done by the US Travel Association, there are 705 million unused vacation days annually. Taking time off is essential in balancing work and life. And, if these employees find it difficult taking paid time off how much harder would it be for entrepreneurs who aren’t getting paid for their vacation time? Our featured guests Lisa Canning and Espree Devora share with us their insights, motivations and tips and tricks to accomplish a more balanced work routine so they can have more time for life. Our Guests Links Lisa Canning's website and book page: https://lisacanning.ca/my-book2/ Espree Devora's podcasts: http://podcast.womenintechshow.com/ http://podcast.wearelatech.com/ **Resources: ** Work-Life Balance research studies https://www.ustravel.org/research/state-american-vacation-2018 https://www.ted.com/topics/work-life+balance https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/01/25/entrepreneurs-need-to-pay-more-attention-to-work-life-balance-heres-how/#47780ded46b3 https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/311414 https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IJBS/article/view/521/pdf http://businessresearcher.sagepub.com/sbr-1863-102641-2779724/20170508/short-article-more-companies-offering-unlimited-time-off
In this episode, you will learn about how Travel Oregon has helped the tourism industry in that state grow exponentially under the leadership of Todd Davidson. Todd was appointed Executive Director of the Oregon Tourism Commission, also known as Travel Oregon, in June 1996, and was named Chief Executive Officer in September 2004. Under Todd’s leadership, the tourism industry in Oregon has flourished into an 11.3 billion dollar industry that employs more than 109,000 Oregonians. In 2003, he helped lead an effort to establish dedicated and stable funding for the commission. This funding has been crucial in Travel Oregon’s ability to grow the state’s tourism industry through strengthening its base on international markets, leadership and sustainable tourism initiatives, and award-winning publications, niche-oriented websites, and advertising campaigns. Travel Oregon has garnered 20 Mercury Awards during Todd’s tenure, including two top awards for Best Overall State Marketing Program in 2010 and 2013. He has also served two terms as National Chair of the US Travel Association, from 2015 to 2017, and continues to serve on the US Travel Association Board, on the National Council of State Tourism Directors, and the Western State’s Tourism Policy Council. A full transcript of this episode is available here: http://destinationontheleft.com/todd-davidson/
In this episode, you will learn about social enterprises in the travel and tourism industry and how they can really drive social change and positively benefit communities from Mike Rea. Mike Rea is a social entrepreneur who has been committed to creating philanthropic value and impact for more than 15 years. Mike has been President & CEO of Tourism Cares since July 2013, building on its momentum to unite the industry around critical philanthropic needs and opportunities that are best tackled together. Tourism Cares leverages charitable investments and expertise to build sustainable travel destinations for future travelers, the tourism industry, and local communities. Mike’s career in philanthropy is diverse, entrepreneurial, and focused on outcomes. He co-founded Give2Asia in 2000, an affiliate of The Asia Foundation which to-date has facilitated more than $300M in personalized philanthropy. One area of specialty is disaster relief, and Mike’s personal research project, www.TsunamiPlus10.org, revisited the long-term impact of Give2Asia’s 2004 tsunami investments. In 2008, Mike served as Regional Philanthropic Executive for the Philanthropic Management division of Bank of America, leading client relations with nonprofits and foundations in the West and Central regions. In 2010, he joined the College Ready team at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he supported the strategy, management, and execution of the foundation’s US K-12 education strategy. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and a Master of Arts in Asian studies and anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. He is also on the Board of Directors of the US Travel Association. When not traveling, he Seattle life with his daughter, Elsie, and other passions include flyfishing and the MLS soccer team Seattle Sounders F.C. A transcript of this episode is available here: http://destinationontheleft.com/mike-rea/
This week, Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes fromThe Rubens At The Palace in London, England. It’s a hotel whose history is ingrained in more than three hundred years of hosting royalty, (it was even an army headquarters during World War II). This week, Roger Dow, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, reports on the decline of inbound foreign travel to the U.S. for a second year in a row, and what it means, not just to the economy, but to us as travelers. National Geographic‘s Costas Christ talks about the dangers of over tourism in some of our favorite, most loved destinations in the world. Speaking of hot spots, Lonely Planet Editorial Director Tom Hall tells Peter Greenberg his picks for the globe’s must visit places for 2018. On the flip side, Farhad Heydari, International Executive Editor of American Express magazines, talks about the tourist hot spots that dropped off the radar and may be making a comeback. David Hoskings, Director of the Treadright Foundation, talks about travel and philanthropy, ranging from used hotel soap to the real and positive impact tourism can have on communities when it is responsibly managed. There’s all of this and more as Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from London at the Rubens at the Palace.
This week, Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes fromThe Rubens At The Palace in London, England. It’s a hotel whose history is ingrained in more than three hundred years of hosting royalty, (it was even an army headquarters during World War II). This week, Roger Dow, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, reports on the decline of inbound foreign travel to the U.S. for a second year in a row, and what it means, not just to the economy, but to us as travelers. National Geographic‘s Costas Christ talks about the dangers of over tourism in some of our favorite, most loved destinations in the world. Speaking of hot spots, Lonely Planet Editorial Director Tom Hall tells Peter Greenberg his picks for the globe’s must visit places for 2018. On the flip side, Farhad Heydari, International Executive Editor of American Express magazines, talks about the tourist hot spots that dropped off the radar and may be making a comeback. David Hoskings, Director of the Treadright Foundation, talks about travel and philanthropy, ranging from used hotel soap to the real and positive impact tourism can have on communities when it is responsibly managed. There’s all of this and more as Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from London at the Rubens at the Palace.
This week Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from the U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow in Washington, D.C., one of the largest travel conferences in the world, with more than 6,000 leaders in the largest industry in the world coming together. Joining Peter will be Chris Thompson, CEO of Brand USA, Roger Dow, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, to discuss the economic impact of the proposed expanded laptop ban. Janelle Smith to talk about a website organized by 12 different U.S. government agencies, ranging from the Park Service to the Bureau of Land Management to U.S. Fish and Wildlife — Recreation.gov —as an invaluable resource on all the opportunities/land/marine reserves, archives, libraries, lighthouses operated by federal agencies that are open to the public. There’s all this and more as Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from the U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow in Washington, D.C.
This week Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from the U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow in Washington, D.C., one of the largest travel conferences in the world, with more than 6,000 leaders in the largest industry in the world coming together. Joining Peter will be Chris Thompson, CEO of Brand USA, Roger Dow, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, to discuss the economic impact of the proposed expanded laptop ban. Janelle Smith to talk about a website organized by 12 different U.S. government agencies, ranging from the Park Service to the Bureau of Land Management to U.S. Fish and Wildlife — Recreation.gov —as an invaluable resource on all the opportunities/land/marine reserves, archives, libraries, lighthouses operated by federal agencies that are open to the public. There’s all this and more as Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from the U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow in Washington, D.C.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS. Rick Webster , VP of Public Policy at the US Travel Association, joins Travel'n On Radio to talk about the Travel Promotion Act and his Associations efforts to promote tourism in the United States. Then voluntourism gal Alexia Nestora returns to Travel'n On to talk about voluntourism as a transformational travel experience and author Sheryl Kayne joins Tonya & Ian to discuss her newly released book Volunteer Vacations Across America .
This week Travel Today with Peter Greenberg is coming from the iconic St. Regis Washington, D.C. Joining Peter Greenberg will be Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association, with a report on presidential primary campaigns and how they provide a mini economic boom for the states where certain primaries are held. He also provides an update on the Zika virus and how that is impacting worldwide travel. Every U.S. president since Calvin Coolidge has visited the St. Regis, and while the inauguration may be nine months away, Roxanne Roberts of the Washington Post talks about inaugural excitement and inaugural politics that’s starting to happen even before we know who is a candidate. She discusses how people are booking their trip to D.C. regardless of who wins. Sarah Marquis, Author of Wild by Nature,describes her fascinating and surreal three year trek around the world without contacting another human being. Talk about solo travel. David and Nycci Nellis, Hosts of Foodie and the Beast, dive into to best restaurants of Washington, D.C. with some very interesting surprises. Wendy Perrin, Founder of WendyPerrin.com, expounds on why even though many cites around the world are vying for tourism dollars, some areas like Barcelona, Spain, and Cinque Terre in Italy are considering imposing limitations on visitor numbers. There’s all that and more as Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from the St. Regis Washington, D.C.
This week Travel Today with Peter Greenberg is coming from the iconic St. Regis Washington, D.C. Joining Peter Greenberg will be Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association, with a report on presidential primary campaigns and how they provide a mini economic boom for the states where certain primaries are held. He also provides an update on the Zika virus and how that is impacting worldwide travel. Every U.S. president since Calvin Coolidge has visited the St. Regis, and while the inauguration may be nine months away, Roxanne Roberts of the Washington Post talks about inaugural excitement and inaugural politics that’s starting to happen even before we know who is a candidate. She discusses how people are booking their trip to D.C. regardless of who wins. Sarah Marquis, Author of Wild by Nature,describes her fascinating and surreal three year trek around the world without contacting another human being. Talk about solo travel. David and Nycci Nellis, Hosts of Foodie and the Beast, dive into to best restaurants of Washington, D.C. with some very interesting surprises. Wendy Perrin, Founder of WendyPerrin.com, expounds on why even though many cites around the world are vying for tourism dollars, some areas like Barcelona, Spain, and Cinque Terre in Italy are considering imposing limitations on visitor numbers. There’s all that and more as Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes from the St. Regis Washington, D.C.
This week Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes to you from the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Madrid, Spain. The 15th annual WTTC Global Summit once again unites travel and tourism leaders from around the world, bringing together top representatives from the public and private sectors. Joining at the annual conference is Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association. He’ll be discussing the Open Skies Agreement and how rising tides will lift all ships when it comes to growth in the airline industry. Then Geoffrey Kent, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent, gives us insight into his brand of luxury experiences, and Mark Dunkerly, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, talks about why leisure travel is on track for fast growth in 2016. There’s all of this and more from the WTTC Global Summit in Madrid, Spain.
This week Travel Today with Peter Greenberg comes to you from the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Madrid, Spain. The 15th annual WTTC Global Summit once again unites travel and tourism leaders from around the world, bringing together top representatives from the public and private sectors. Joining at the annual conference is Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association. He’ll be discussing the Open Skies Agreement and how rising tides will lift all ships when it comes to growth in the airline industry. Then Geoffrey Kent, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent, gives us insight into his brand of luxury experiences, and Mark Dunkerly, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, talks about why leisure travel is on track for fast growth in 2016. There’s all of this and more from the WTTC Global Summit in Madrid, Spain.
Branding Guru, Libby Gill, is an entertainment industry veteran, and has spend 15 years heading public relations and corporate communications as senior vice president at Universal Studios, and vice president at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Turner Broadcasting. She was also the PR/branding brain behind the launch of the Dr. Phil Show. A widely acclaimed speaker, Libby has delivered keynote speeches to organizations including Microsoft, Disney-ABC, Cisco Systems, Comcast, the US Travel Association, The Conference Board and many others. She is also the author of the best seller, "You Unstuck - Mastering the New Rules of Risk Taking in Work and Life." Libby will share her vast experience on building a brand that sells and stands the test of time, as well as using video to capture the mindshare of one's audience and how digital distribution helped her build her empire of friends, fans and followers.