Destination Marketing Podcast

With the rise of AI and the importance of owning an audience changing the game as we head into 2024, Adam shares his top resolutions to help destination marketers be successful in the year ahead. He advises all to create high-quality content and utilize the power of the tools available to you. He also shares his thoughts on where the industry is headed compared to where we've been in the past. Fol...

In our last episode of 2023, Adam welcomes globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author Shawn Kanungo to the show. Shawn emphasizes that innovation is not solely about technology but involves thinking differently and reframing problems. They discuss the challenges in destination marketing, the importance of authentic content, and effective presentation skills.  "Innovation does...

In this episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam takes the show on the road to the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism. Kristi Baughman, marketing consultant at Yellowstone Teton Territory, joins Adam to talk about what it’s like marketing a destination with such a large quantity of assets and why it’s critical to listen to what’s happening within the smaller areas of the destinat...

In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Rob Wells is back to talk about how The Inner Coastal Podcast has changed the game for his destination, Beaufort, South Carolina. They discuss how he’s utilized the podcast content for various functions and how it’s played a pivotal role in his relationship with his stakeholders. “We want the visitor experience to be greater than or equal to th...

On this week's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with JP, the Director of Business Development at Relic. They dive deep into the current state of the destination marketing atmosphere and discuss why a paid media strategy may not be the most sustainable approach to driving visitation. Additionally, they explore the significance of owned media as a fundamental pillar in ev...

Whether you wake up to the roar of a lion in the morning or enjoy the serenity of the golf course, the visitor experience at Nemacolin is unmatched. On today’s episode of the show, Adam talks with Christopher Baran, VP of sales and marketing, and Trey Matheu, managing director, about what it’s like working at a five-star resort and what they do to ensure the visitor experience is fabulous. They al...

In this episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam talks with Lee Adamson, executive director of a destination close to home, Explore Utah Valley. Home to not only Relic but also beautiful mountains, top-tier sports facilities, and a rapidly expanding regional airport, Utah Valley is an unexpectedly unique destination with tons to offer. Lee talks about his experience working with groups a...

In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, host Adam Stoker talks with Kevney Dugan, President and CEO of Visit Bend, and Todd Montgomery, Director of the Oregon State University Sustainable Tourism Lab. They discuss the importance of understanding the impacts of tourism on communities and the environment and the need for sustainable practices. Todd highlights the work of the Sustainabl...

Kristen Reynolds, the President/CEO of Discover Long Island, is our guest today on The Destination Marketing Podcast. After a cameo appearance from Adam Castar, their producer and local Long Islander, Kristen tells the origin story of her own destination podcast, Long Island Tea. She discusses integrating owned media into her advertising strategy and the influence of Long Island Tea on the communi...

Robert Thompson, the owner and Chief Marketing Officer of Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort in Utah, is our guest on today's episode. In the beginning, Robert delves into his background and shares the motivating factors behind his decision to acquire the resort after leaving his corporate job. The conversation then transitions to Robert's strategic use of platforms like TikTok and various social medi...

Des Barker, a seasoned political strategist within the Utah tourism industry, is our featured guest on today's episode, recorded live at the Utah Tourism Conference. He shares insights about his background and the evolution of his 30-year journey in the realm of politics. Throughout the conversation, Des stresses the importance of cultivating strong relationships with elected officials and maintai...

On today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with two fascinating guests at the Utah Tourism Conference! In our first segment, AJ Brau, the CEO of Wander, gives a brief update on her company and her thoughts on the role of AI in the destination marketing industry. The conversation then moves into a discussion about breaking into destination marketing and what software co...

On today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam talks to Ryan Starks, the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Kevin Smith, the president and CEO of Tuacahn Amphitheater. Ryan discusses his journey from Heber Valley to the Governor’s Office and how he was able to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic while still being new on the job. The conversation then...

Earl B. Hunter, Jr., the founder and president of Black Folks Camp Too, sits down with Adam for today’s episode recorded at the Utah Tourism Conference. Earl discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in the outdoor industry and details the educational opportunities his company offers. Later in the episode, Earl also gives some tips on public speaking and how he’s been able to captivate h...

Live from the Utah Tourism Conference in St. George, UT, the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office Director Brittany McMichael joins Adam to discuss her journey to her current role and being the host destination for this year’s conference. The two also dive into the rapid growth of Southern Utah and how things have changed throughout Brittany's time with the organization. Brittany also talks...

On this week’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is joined by returning guest Will Seccombe. Having gone through a recent career change, Will gives us an update on his new role at Intentful and how he’s been focusing on AI and content creation over the past several months. He talks about a project he’s been working on called “Undiscovered America,” a television show highlighting d...

Wes Rhea, the CEO of Visit Stockton, joins Adam on today's episode to talk about his destination and partnering with Relic to create This is Stockton. Wes elaborates on the benefits of catering your destination podcast to locals and the overall merit of audio content. Wes also discusses the value of being an early adopter when it comes to emerging technology and how that has helped Visit Stockton....

In this week’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Troy Hughes from Lime Media to talk about how tourism destinations can take advantage of experiential marketing tactics. They discuss Lime Media's services, including customizing vehicles for brand activations, tracking data, measuring ROI and the importance of creativity in creating memorable experiences. “We're a pl...

On this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with the founder and CEO of Crowdriff, Dan Holowack. They discuss how Crowdriff has transformed the destination marketing industry through user-generated content. They also explore why destinations have seen tremendous organic growth on social media by letting local creators tell the story through short-form video. Adam a...

On today’s episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Darren Rudloff, principal at Rudloff Solutions. Darren's extensive background in the destination marketing industry makes him the perfect guest to talk about why it’s so important to base your advertising campaigns on research. He and Adam discuss why so many destinations miss the mark and how potential mistakes can be re...

On today's episode, Craig and Kathleen Davis join Adam to talk about the Destination Leadership course that they teach as a part of Destinations International's CDME certification. They emphasize the importance of learning to become an effective leader and how it can improve both work and life for all involved. The conversation later goes into how their experiences have led them to grow as leaders...

Heather Larson, the president and CEO of Meet Chicago Northwest, joins Adam on today's episode to talk about her background and how she got into tourism after leaving the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom. Adam and Heather also talk about the Chicago Bears and their potential new stadium in Arlington Heights, a northwestern suburb of Chicago. Listen in for a discussion on the pros and cons of thi...

On today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Nizar Moosa of Destination Markham. Nizar talks about the process of creating a destination strategic plan for Markham and some of the things he has learned along the way. He discusses the need for solid data, updating their CRM system, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. “The best part is that this document i...

In this week's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam interviews Stacie Granum, the Chief Strategy Officer at Visit Rapid City. They discuss destination stewardship and the steps that Visit Rapid City has taken to improve its community and tourism economy. Stacie emphasizes the importance of involving the community in the destination planning process and shares how they changed the ter...

The chief marketing officer of Visit Panama City Beach, Jayna Leach, joins Adam to discuss inclusivity in destinations. She shares the positive changes she has seen in her destination because of its “Fun for All” campaign, an inclusive initiative that prioritizes accessibility and fun for all. She also touches on the power of influencers and how to incorporate them into your marketing strategy. "I...