Where We Goin'?

Wildfires and smoke have become an unavoidable reality for travel in the West, but how a destination communicates during a crisis can make or break the visitor experience. In this episode, we talk with Scott Larson of Visit Central Oregon and Lesley Rowbal of Madden Media about their collaboration to build a custom, real-time smoke map API. We explore why transparency is the new currency in travel...

Tourism is no longer just about pretty pictures; it’s about the people who live in the frame. In this episode, we sit down with Sonya Bradley, Chief Inclusion & Community Engagement Officer at Visit Sacramento, and Jeff Miraglia, Executive Creative Director at JNS Next, to explore the intersection of high-end destination branding and authentic community representation. The Where We Goin’? Podcast...

Gen-Z isn't just a demographic; they are the architects of a new travel landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Bee, Digital Content Specialist at Explore Utah Valley, and Jason Dodge, Founder of BlackTruck Media + Marketing, to bridge the gap between how younger travelers discover the world and how brands must adapt to reach them. From TikTok "wish-listing" to human-centered search s...

Learn Tourism Travel Portland Education and experience are two sides of the same coin in tourism. In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-Founder of Learn Tourism, and Andrew Moore, Visitor Services Manager at Travel Portland, to explore how professional development and visitor engagement intersect to build stronger, more sustainable destinations. From training programs that...

 In 2013, a bold strategic planning process set the stage for a regional transformation: the creation of the Southern Oregon Sports Commission. More than a decade later, the Commission is driving national conversations on sportsmanship, facility development, and the economic power of sports tourism. In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Schmieder, Founder & CEO of Huddle Up Group, Darren Van Lehn,...

 We said what we said. 🙅‍♀️ In this spicy episode, we’re calling out the condescending “bless your heart” treatment that small DMOs get from big-budget partners. Newsflash: a tight budget doesn’t mean a lack of vision, talent, or impact. So why do some industry players act like collaboration is a luxury item only available to the highest bidder? We’re flipping the script and demanding better—beca...

 In this episode of Where We Goin’?, we’re diving into the power, and the pressure, of early technology adoption in tourism marketing. Melyssa Reeves sits down with Wes Rhea, CEO of Visit Lodi, and Seth Chalmers, founder of Search Party, for a candid conversation on what it really means to be a first mover in a legacy-driven industry. Visit Lodi A Search Party One West Tourism Alliance The Where W...