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Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcastEpisode 748Part II of our time at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism includes interview with reps from Port Huron, Detroit and Ann Abor. Plus, we check with our resident Ski Bunny. What does he do in the summer?Segment 1: Michael Hensley, who heads up tourism on Michigan's Thumbcoast, says the best way to describe a summer in Port Huron would be Arts, Boats and Beaches. Learn more at bluewater.org.Segment 2: Ken Hayward of Visit Detroit checks in on what makes the Motor City a perfect destination for sports fans. Learn more at visitdetroit.com. Segment 3: -Sarah Miller, President CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, joins us with Jason Nelson of Vanguard Hotel in Ann Arbor to talk about the excitement of an NCAA men's basketball championship and what makes A2 a great place to escape to. Learn more at annarbor.org. Segment 4: Our Behind the Mitten Ski Bunny, Nick Nerbonne of Pure Michigan, always impresses with his knowledge of the Great Lakes State. Learn more at michigan.org.
April 16, 2026 ~ Ken Hayward, Visit Detroit Chief Operating Officer joins Mark Hollis in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Amir Eylon, CEO of Longwoods International; Debra Ross, author of "The Eclipse Effect" and founder of Kids Out and About; Jean Mackay, Deputy Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; and Jennifer Miller, Domestic Tourism Manager for Visit Detroit. Our discussion is all about how events and major milestones, from sporting events and festivals to milestone anniversaries, can become catalysts for future tourism growth and regional transformation. The panel shares their perspectives on the importance of preparation, partnerships, and long-term thinking, and you'll hear some practical strategies for maximizing the economic impact and future opportunities that come with hosting special events, no matter the size of your organization or your budget. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How communities can strategically use major events and milestones as catalysts for economic development and future tourism growth Why early preparation and diverse partnerships are critical to successful event planning What recent research from Longwoods International reveals about American travelers' interest in events like America 250, FIFA World Cup, and the Route 66 Centennial How organizations have expanded their reach and strengthened community identity by leveraging large-scale events Why building partnerships creates lasting benefits that extend far beyond the event itself How event-driven connections foster long-term collaboration and resilience within communities Practical strategies panelists recommend for marketing events, engaging stakeholders, and sustaining the momentum for future opportunities The Power of Preparation One recurring theme across the panel was the vital importance of preparation. Debra Ross, who spearheaded Rochester's Eclipse Task Force explains that the most successful community events begin years in advance—sometimes long enough that people question your sanity! Preparation isn't just about logistics. It's about building community cohesion, nurturing enthusiastic leadership, and forging trust among diverse stakeholders. Healthy, resilient communities pull together early, overcoming skepticism, and allow space for a diverse range of voices and ideas. This diversity not only fuels creativity but also ensures that the event, and the connections it forges, resonate widely and last well beyond a single day. Events as Economic Engines Events have dramatic potential to spark economic growth, but the benefits often extend far past the event itself. Jean Mackay shared how the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor's bicentennial celebration was an investment in the region's future. Research revealed that events generate close to a billion dollars in annual economic activity along the canal. Armed with this knowledge, the Corridor's leadership expanded event sponsorship and created a marketing toolkit that united diverse partners under a single, cohesive brand. Similarly, Jennifer Miller details how Detroit has used sporting events—from the Super Bowl to the NFL Draft—to redefine its narrative as a vibrant, thriving city. Major events attracted international media, generated significant direct spending, and opened doors for future meetings, conventions, and leisure tourism, including bringing 775,000 people for the NFL Draft and more than $213 million in economic impact. Building and Sustaining Partnerships The secret sauce to transformative events lies in partnership. Whether through building a local host committee (a model started by Detroit and adopted by major sporting events nationwide) or cross-sector collaborations, successful organizers emphasize inclusivity and empowerment. Empowering organizations to run with the baton rather than wait for someone else to lead amplifies the reach and relevance of milestone events. These connections aren't just temporary. Debra shares how networks forged through eclipse planning served her community during a subsequent ice storm emergency, emphasizing the long-term value of partnerships. The American Astronomical Society's National Eclipse Task Force, for example, expanded their partnerships beyond scientists to include tourism, the arts, and transportation, strengthening future capacity and cross-pollination. Resources: Website: https://travelalliancepartnership.com/ https://travelalliancepartnership.com/events/events-major-milestones-community-conversation/ 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!
Twenty Years of Pure Michigan: Exclusive Insights from Michigan's Tourism ExpertsThe Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism is Michigan's premier annual event for travel and hospitality leaders to collaborate on advancing the state's visitor economy. Over three days, 500+ industry professionals engaged in dynamic workshops and networking focused on digital marketing, inclusivity, and the Governor's Awards for Innovative Tourism Collaboration.We got an exclusive look into the conference as it celebrated 20 years of the Pure Michigan marketing campaign. Hear from the state's tourism and hospitality leaders as they discuss how Pure Michigan evolved the culture in the state, the latest travel trends, and the massive economic impact tourism has in Michigan. Guests include:Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Liz Ware, VP Sales and Marketing, Mission Point Resort; Sarah Miller, President and CEO, Destination Ann Arbor; Trevor Tkach, CDME, CFEE, President & CEO, Traverse City Tourism; Ken Hayward, Chief Operating Officer, Visit Detroit; Brianna Bowen, BS, Bay Mills Indian Community; Janet Korn, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Experience Grand Rapids; Linda Hoath, Executive Director, Visit Sault Ste. Marie
April 9, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds speak with Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, about Michelin stars coming to Detroit. This puts Detroit on a global culinary stage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
April 8, 2026 ~ Claude Molinari, President & CEO, Visit Detroit joins Rachel Stewart in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
April 8, 2026 ~ Ken Hayward, Chief Operating Officer for Visit Detroit, joins Kevin to discuss how Detroit is getting a MICHELIN Guide for the first time and Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, joins to discuss the beauty of Michigan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today's story rundown: 00:56 - Travel and Leasure names Detroit the most underrated city who everyone should visit at least once 05:41 - Rail survey says: More trains! 09:22 - Eastside news: City will start repairing and installing seawalls in Jefferson Chalmers to help with flooding; and new life for the St. Jean boat launch 13:31 - Dutch Girl Donuts is adding a second location on East Grand Boulevard 15:31 - Detroit City airport upgrades are coming 17:44 - Do we need a new set of ordinances for after hour joints 22:53 - Michigan Central to open a new work and collaboration hub, "The Mezz" Trivia on 313 Day - sign up! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984004859944?aff=oddtdtcreator Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/
January 15, 2026 ~ Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit and Detroit Auto Show Partner, joins Kevin live at the Detroit Auto Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 1, 2025 ~ The WNBA is coming back to Detroit. Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, joins Marie Osborne to share what this means for the city.
June 9, 2025 ~ Ken Hayward from Visit Detroit joins Bill Hobson in for Paul W Smith.
> Cooley High is set to be restored…after they renovated it and closed it….> Oakland County Executive David Coulter is advocating for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along Woodward Avenue. The proposed BRT would feature dedicated lanes and improved stations to enhance public transit between Detroit and its northern suburbs. > Michigan central station is set to include passenger train service, eight story parking deck, and NOW the Nomad Luxury Hotel in the top floors by 2027-2028. Set to be a key stop on the Chicago-Detroit-Toronto rail corridor. > Lee Plaza Lawton and Grand Blvd is currently being renovated into affordable housing with rents as low as $500/month. > Juventus FC features all-new “Visit Detroit” International Sponsorship > Woman was stopped for speeding on I-69 had enough fentanyl to kill about 1 million people….Join Kris and friends as they dive into fun discussions on pop culture, music, trending topics, and everything in between! Whether you're looking for laughs, hot takes, or just something to vibe to, KrisCross Corner has got you covered.
May 12, 2025 ~ Detroit is experiencing significant economic and cultural growth, and Visit Detroit continues to actively promote the city as a premier destination for tourism. Brett McWethy, Visit Detroit's senior director of communications, talks with Lloyd, Jamie, and Chris Renwick live from Automate 2025 to share what the city can expect this upcoming busy spring and summer season.
The Content Room takes What's with the Pineapple on the road to the Michigan Food & Hospitality Show floor for a lineup of hospitality heavy-hitters. First up, Julie Pinkston wearing all of the hats joins to discuss her roles as president of the Michigan Association of CVBs, secretary of the Michigan Hospitality Tourism Alliance, and her day job leading Choose Lansing – where they're busy transforming downtown with new venues, hotels with rooftop bars, and earning national recognition as the country's #2 destination for accessible travel. Next, Alicia Rainwater from the Center for Generational Kinetics drops in to drop knowledge on managing four generations in the workplace, revealing why Gen Z isn't "Millennials 2.0" and predicting that Gen Alpha will be shaped by AI the way their predecessors were by smartphones. Mission Point Resort's Liz Ware stops by sporting her new Lilac Lounge merch to share updates on their Chianti restaurant renovation, the northern Michigan ice storm recovery, and why she's tired of seeing "Galena, Illinois ads" instead of Pure Michigan spots. The episode wraps with Claude Molinari declaring this "the best day of my life" while detailing Visit Detroit's vision for the new JW Marriott and upcoming Final Four, and Beth Hussey introducing her industry training app Shifty teaching Justin and Emily to "Get Your Shift Together". The common thread? Michigan's hospitality industry is building back stronger through collaboration – or as everyone on the show seems to say, "we're stronger together."Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLDC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.
April 16, 2025 ~ Detroit's image is evolving positively, attracting major events like the Final Four in 2027 and the largest international travel show in 2028 due to strategic investments and leadership. Lloyd, Jamie, and Chris Renwick talk with Claude Molinari, president & CEO of Visit Detroit, live at the Governor's Conference on Tourism about the impact of successful events for the city of Detroit attracting tourism.
April 15, 2025 ~ Claude Molinari, CEO and President of Visit Detroit talks to Mark Hackel in for Paul W Smith.
April 7, 2025 ~ Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit joins Terry Rhadigan and Ken Hayward in for Paul W Smith.
January 10, 2025 ~ Visit Detroit president Claude Molinari joins Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie to talk about the visitors coming to town for the Detroit Auto Show, the economic impact on the area, and much more!
December 16, 2024 ~ Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Crain's Detroit Business managing editor Mike Lee about the top headlines of the weekend, including a new owner of the former Hyatt hotel in Dearborn, a new bill to help Visit Detroit's funding, and much more!
December 11, 2024 ~ Detroit is receiving a Michelin Green Guide, just the 10th city in the United States to achieve the recognition. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Visit Detroit president Claude Molinari and Michelin Travel Guides global director Philippe Orain about the incredible culture, architecture, music, and entertainment around the city! Photo: Visit Detroit
Hey all - welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're diving into a variety of topics. Starting with a local traffic and design issue that has been causing quite a stir. A listener highlighted a large speed bump on Lafayette near downtown Detroit that has been surprising many drivers. We discuss the implications of this speed bump, its design, and suggestions for making it more noticeable to ensure it serves its purpose without being a surprise ramp for drivers. Next, we shift gears to sports. Terrion Arnold has picked up the number zero on his jersey and earned the nickname "Sub Zero" from his teammates. We get into the the confidence this choice represents. We also discuss the cornerback competition during minicamp, including standout performances and ongoing questions about the Lions' roster. Tayshaun Prince, a Pistons legend, is being considered for the role of general manager of the franchise. We explore his journey from player to front office executive and the potential impact of his return to Detroit. His experience with the Memphis Grizzlies and his connection to the Pistons' culture make him a promising candidate. For soccer fans, Burnley Football Club is partnering with Visit Detroit, and you'll see their jerseys featuring Detroit's name during the soccer tournament in North Carolina. This collaboration celebrates the shared industrial heritage of Detroit and Burnley, and we discuss the potential cultural exchanges and joint events that could arise from this partnership. Lastly, we touch on Detroit City FC's recent 2-0 victory over Rhode Island, highlighting the return of Elvis Amoh to the field. Despite not scoring, his presence is a positive sign for the team's future. We also discuss the team's current standing in the Eastern Conference and the importance of securing a home playoff game. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit