When Auvis Cole stepped into the role of Director of Discover Crystal River, he sensed a lack of organizational connectivity with his industry partners…and set out to improve those relationships. He and his team developed a program called “Partners in Tourism” that creates professional development, co-op marketing and networking opportunities for area businesses. That program has, in turn, resulted in a workforce development initiative with area schools and colleges…and the DMO is also pursuing a plan to engage Short Term Rentals that may be on independent online platforms. Oh, and in the Bonus Round? A great story of how he met one of the biggest names in music. Join us.

On this episode of DMOU, we welcome back our friend Amir Eylon from Longwoods International. Their monthly analyses of American traveler sentiment are always must-reads for anyone in Destination Marketing…but the most recent dove into Americans’ attitudes toward attending events such as America 250, the Centennial of the Mother Road and the World Cup. In this conversation, Amir shares what is powering this spike in interest (and how Destination Marketers can tap into this zeitgeist)…and his greatest travel pet peeves in the Bonus Round. Join Us.

Ryan Short works in an arena that many refer to as “place branding.” But, he believes that our communities deserve more…and has written a book called The Civic Brand: The Power and Responsibility of Place. On this episode of DMOU, we sit down with Ryan to explore his definition of a “civic brand" and how it can guide policy, development and engagement to build shared pride and prevent homogenization. Join us.