DMOU: Destination Marketing Organization University

DMOs have been marketing to meeting planners for years and the opportunity to innovate their approach is huge. Digital Edge, headed by Mya Surrency and Shirley Smith, helps DMOs use tactics to appeal to meeting planners in new and different ways. Mya joins DMOU to discuss a recently developed program focusing on creating partnerships with local economic development offices to develop more targeted group business and create more alliances in-market.

There are few destination assets as powerful as the Arts in helping to define and magnetize a community...and, for more than just Tourism. George Tzougros (co-founder of the National Creativity Network and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board) joins DMOU for a wide-ranging discussion of how DMOs can more effectively promote and nurture the creative artists and initiatives that exist all around us. You'll also come away with a deeper understanding of how the Arts can create a powerful platform for community development.

Destination Marketing has never been more politicized...but recent budget attacks have actually indicated a path forward in the way we communicate the value of what we do. Destination International’s Jack Johnson shares the research behind the new lexicon that DMO pros will need to employ to establish Destination Marketing as a Community Shared Value. You’ll also hear Jack’s take on refining our message from one of logic and fact to one utilizing emotion in order to capture the imagination and support of residents and community leaders.

And, to see Jack's presentation on the subject from this year's Annual Convention of Destinations International, click HERE.

DMOs often talk about making their destinations “Visitor Ready,” but what about those prospective visitors that are unable to experience our communities due to sensory or developmental issues? On this edition of DMOU, the Greater Lansing MI’s Julie Pingston walks us through how a sensory-friendly theatrical performance of “The Lion King” led to a complete re-thinking of how the Organization would reach out to this previously under-served market. And, you’ll learn how they have engaged over 850 individuals in the community to be trained to assist these individuals.

In our work with DMOs throughout the Americas, we rarely experience the organizational culture we experienced in our work with Visit Anchorage. So naturally, we needed to understand how this Team was so different. On this episode of DMOU, Visit Anchorage CEO Julie Saupe shares what she believes to be the "secret sauce" behind the staff culture over which she presides. From recognizing staff for the little things to breaking from conventional wisdom on being cool with staff working remotely, Julie suggests some interesting thoughts on way to cultivate a staff culture that rocks. Plus, in the Bonus Round, you'll hear her experience in watering the roof of her first DMO.