Destination Marketing Podcast

Today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast continues our collaboration with Destination Discourse, a podcast recently launched by Adam along with Stuart Butler, the CMO of Visit Myrtle Beach. The second episode of Destination Discourse is a deep dive into branded entertainment. They emphasize the need for DMOs to adapt to the changing advertising landscape, especially with the rising costs of paid media. Later in the episode, Stuart pulls from his experience with Visit Myrtle Beach and touches on the impact that branded content like Traveling the Spectrum and Splish Splash Squawk has had on his organization and Myrtle Beach. Watch Destination Discourse on YouTube If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

On today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Scott Oklin, the new CMO of Visit Anaheim. Scott talks about how he found his way into this role after working at Travelzoo and how he's looking to use that prior experience in his new role. He also touches on his goal to make Visit Anaheim into a lifestyle brand and capitalize on the destination's incredible events and attractions, such as the upcoming Olympics, World Cup, and Disneyland. Later in the episode, Scott discusses some of the big tourism initiatives already in motion at Visit Anaheim, such as their partnership with the Anaheim Ducks and economic development investments like OCVIBE. "So we're really looking at it, I think, from this 360-degree holistic standpoint...it's nice and sexy to have your patch on a jersey, that's great. But how do you really have the impact of that in a tangible way?" - Scott Oklin Visit Anaheim If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a collaboration with Destination Discourse, a podcast recently launched by Adam along with Stuart Butler, the CMO of Visit Myrtle Beach. Starting today and over the next few weeks, we’ll be releasing the first three episodes of Destination Discourse as bonus episodes of The Destination Marketing Podcast. In the first episode of Destination Discourse, Adam and Stuart discuss AI’s role in destination marketing and what that could mean for travelers and DMOs. They also explore the evolving expectations of travelers, the importance of viewing destination marketing as more than just transactional, and how to ensure visitors get the most value from their trips. Watch Destination Discourse on YouTube If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Neil MacKenzie, the CEO of Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism in Nova Scotia, joins Adam on today's episode to discuss the tactics and strategies that have helped his small destination stand out in larger markets like the Northeastern U.S. He also goes into his background and how the time that he and his wife spent in Japan teaching English became a part of how he got into travel. Later in the episode, Neil goes more in-depth on the unique tactics he's used to market his destination, such as providing photo content for Google Maps and leveraging the beautiful scenery his destination offers. "I've had those questions where they say, are you from Canada? Are you from Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, if we're in New York or something, and I'm like, yep, I live there. And then then they're like, here's my email address, I want more information. That's a great opportunity because they're literally standing in front of you telling you they want to come, right? So let's then take that next step and put some great content in front of them." - Neil MacKenzie Yarmouth and Acadian Shores If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam is joined live in the studio by AJ Brau, co-founder and CEO of Wander. She discusses the recent upgrades Wander has made to their technology and explains why it’s crucial for destinations to collaborate with vendors to drive industry innovation forward. Listen and learn how to own your visitor attribution using tools that capture valuable data directly from the source. Also discover what AJ envisions for Wander's future, including becoming the #1 platform travelers turn to when booking a trip. “We want to solve your problems. We don’t have the same insight into your life that you do, and that’s actually the most valuable thing we can gain from working with destinations—learning what their problems are so we can build better solutions for the entire industry.” – AJ Brau Wander Maps If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Brandon Schexnayder, the founder of Southern Gothic Media, joins Adam on today's episode to talk about his podcast, which tells the ghost stories of various communities in the Southern United States. He details his background in the music industry, how he found his way into the podcasting space and what the initial stages were like in creating his podcast. He also discusses some of the most interesting stories he's told on his show and his work with DMOs to tell the ghost stories of their respective communities. Lastly, Brandon gives some insight into how he's been able to grow his podcast and the importance of collaboration in the podcasting space. "At the end of the day though, I have to say the biggest thing that you can do is be involved in the other community of podcasts, period. If you want to grow your show, if you want to grow your content, being involved with other content creators and building that community is going to grow more than anything." - Brandon Schexnayder Southern Gothic Media If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

On today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Thomas Salley, the director of Great State of Wilkes, Tourism in North Carolina. Thomas joins the podcast in the wake of the impact of Hurricane Helene and he discusses his experiences with the storm and what role DMOs play when this kind of natural disaster takes place. He also provides important takeaways for other DMOs to use as a future reference when dealing with a natural disaster, such as the importance of reliable communication methods, establishing yourself as the travel spokesperson for your destination and building strong relationships with local government and emergency services. "I woke up Sunday morning after the storm had kind of come through, and I saw all these images and heard people saying, you know, we need all of these things, and just seeing the destruction, I knew I had to do something. So, I felt like in my role, what I could do was to go and be of service to my neighbors." - Thomas Salley Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Great State of Wilkes, Tourism: https://www.wilkescountytourism.com/ Hospitality Relief Workers Fund: https://www.ncrla.org/foundation/nc-hospitality-workers-relief-fund/ Visit North Carolina | State Tourism Director Wit Tuttell: [email protected] State Government Emergency Fund: https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations and https://www.nc.gov/disaster-relief-fund-faqs State Hurricane Resource Page: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene https://www.visitnc.com/advisory/cAdA/hurricane-helene-travel-advisory If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Tony Carne, a thought leader in AI and the creator of the Everything AI in Travel newsletter, joins Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast to discuss his background in the travel industry and how he fell in love with AI. Tony also touches on some AI-related things he's seeing in the international travel space, such as AI education opportunities and a company that creates personalized travel guides. He underscores how much AI can increase efficiency and shares his thoughts on how it can impact travel in the future. "The future of destination marketing, as I see it, can change significantly should the leaders in destination marketing choose to make that change. It's no longer, we can't do it because we don't have the resources or it's technically impossible, those pieces have gone away now. It's actually just, 'Do you want to or not?'" - Tony Carne Everything AI in Travel If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Cody Chomiak from Travel Manitoba and Tom Loftus from Visit Richmond, Virginia join Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast to discuss various tourism topics. They give their perspectives on issues facing the destination marketing industry, such as navigating small budgets and discerning important metrics. The conversation then moves into a discussion about AI and how each person has embraced it in their professional lives. Stay tuned until later in the episode for an AI-driven musical treat. "If we're really wanting to be honest and we're really wanting to use data to inform decisions, we have to be skeptical of that data and also ask deeper questions so that we're not going in a direction that's going to lead us into disaster." - Cody Chomiak Travel Manitoba Visit Richmond, Virginia If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

On this special episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam joins Dane Carlson as a guest on The Econ Dev Show to discuss the symbiotic relationship between destination marketing and economic development. They discuss how DMOs and economic developers can collaborate and improve on things like site visits to create positive memorable experiences. Adam and Dane also underscore the benefits of owned media and podcasting to their respective industries and the importance of creating valuable content for their respective audiences. The Econ Dev Show Listen to our previous episode with Dane Carlson! If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam sits down with Kristina Ainge, PR and Content Director at Relic. They talk about the changing landscape of social media and content marketing and why destinations need to pay attention to both micro and macro trends. With nearly a decade of experience in social media, PR, and influencer marketing, Kristina offers a treasure trove of insights on how to effectively engage audiences and build communities through content. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected]

In this episode, Adam is joined by Glorianna Yamin, Vice President of Marketing for Discover Puerto Rico. Glorianna shares her career journey, discusses her recognition as one of Destinations International's 30 Under 30, and highlights Discover Puerto Rico’s innovative marketing initiatives, including a collaboration with Pantone to create a color called “Puerto Rico Sunshine." Glorianna also discusses other creative campaigns like "Sounds Like Puerto Rico" and future projects celebrating Puerto Rican heritage. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam is joined by Nathaniel Sweetman, Sports Marketing Coordinator for Visit Sarasota County. Nathaniel shares his journey into sports marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community engagement. He discusses Sarasota's unique facilities, strategies for attracting niche events, and the economic impact of sports tourism. The episode highlights the role of personalized PR strategies and the power of compelling narratives in enhancing event visibility and fostering local support. “Try and tell the stories. I think sometimes some of our sporting events have some really cool, unique ties to them. You can come in and bring in 150 events and again, if not many people are aware of it or your stakeholders aren't even aware of it, it's not going to mean much at the end of the day.” -Nathaniel Sweetman If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam Stoker and guest Bill Geist discuss a critical issue facing destination marketing organizations: a growing disconnect between boards, CEOs, and political stakeholders. They discuss the misalignment between boards and destinations, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the importance of effective board orientation. Bill emphasizes a need for better communication, storytelling, and proactive strategies to foster understanding and support within DMOs. “You cannot explain what it is we do to somebody over lunch, there's just not enough time and it isn't professional. Orientation should be an all-hands-on-deck, 2 to 3 hour immersion in what we do because what we do, almost nobody out there understands.” -Bill Geist If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam sits down with Mark Marsiglio, President and CEO of Trail Pilot, to talk about the synergy between tourism and mountain biking. Mark discusses his background, the creation of the Trail Pilot app, and its role in enhancing the mountain biking experience through guided audio tours. Mark emphasizes the importance of targeting niche markets, such as mountain bikers, as they can be a valuable persona in a comprehensive destination marketing strategy. Trail Pilot If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth. The Econ Dev Show If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam talks to John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. The conversation highlights the organization's role in promoting sports tourism through education, advocacy, resources, and networking. John emphasizes the importance of listening to stakeholders and understanding the economic impact of sports tourism, which includes significant contributions to local economies and job creation. The episode underscores the potential for communities to benefit from investing in sports tourism infrastructure. “You can go build a new facility and certainly service your community at a very high level, or you can partner with tourism and build a facility that is national caliber. Monday through Thursday, you're putting your families, and your citizens on some of the best fields in the United States, and then it's paying for itself Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.” -John David Sports ETA If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam provides a mid-year check-in on the destination marketing industry. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and budget in differentiating destinations, highlighting successful marketing campaigns from Laguna Beach, Minnesota, and Myrtle Beach. Adam discusses the shift from traditional influencers to content creators and the need for dynamic marketing strategies. He also addresses the changing landscape of paid media, advocating for content-focused promotion to more effectively engage potential visitors. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam chats with Dave Parulo, President and CEO, and Claire Fisher, Chief Marketing Officer of Explore Tualatin Valley. Recorded live at the Destinations International Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida, they highlight the importance of community engagement in destination rebrands and talk about their experience with their recent rebranding experience. They also discuss the importance of data in decision-making and why it can be challenging to prove the ROI of a branding project to stakeholders. “We found that there was one name and one area, which is the Tualatin Valley which was used predominantly locally, and it was a leap of faith for us to look for a name that wasn't the exact destination name, but the one feature we could find to talk about.” -Dave Parulo Explore Tualatin Valley If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam sits down with Dave Harrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, at the Destinations International Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. They discuss the importance of storytelling in destination marketing, the evolution of the Quad Cities' podcast "QC That's Where," and the significance of owned media in their marketing strategy. Dave shares a recent experience where a creative, humorous response to a public mention of the Quad Cities went viral, highlighting the power of authenticity and community engagement in shaping public perception and fostering civic pride. “I strongly believe that you've got a responsibility as a destination to make sure that you're reacting in a way that's true to who you are, and you can do it in a way that doesn't necessarily need to be so serious in terms of the tonal response.” -Dave Herrell Check out the viral video! Visit The Quad Cities If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam takes the show on the road to the Destinations International Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. He sits down with Wayne Stewart, former account manager at Relic and current director of marketing and communications at Visit Casper, Wyoming. They talk about Wayne’s career path and the opportunities that ultimately led him to become a part of Destinations International’s 30 under 30 class of 2024. Wayne also shares what it’s like to become a leader in the destination marketing space at such a young age. “A large majority of us all have imposter syndrome in our positions and being considered future industry leaders and having that 30 under 30 recognition, so it's nice to know that that feeling is shared and I'm not the only one. Having people that I know I can reach out to share information and ask the interesting things that they're working on is a huge benefit.” -Wayne Stewart Visit Casper 30 Under 30 If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam’s business partner Colby Remund joins the show to unveil a major announcement. Listen to hear what the announcement is and how it could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the tourism industry. They also discuss the history of Relic and how they got to where they are today. “The industry needs that digital town square, that hub, that place where we can all congregate. Our true focus is just hoping desperately that we can keep valuable content constantly in the face of everybody that's using the site.” -Colby Remund Check out Tourism IQ here! If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Lesly Veve joins Adam to discuss his background, skills, and aspirations in the destination marketing industry. Lesly shares his passion for changing the narrative about tourism in Haiti and his desire to positively impact Haiti’s tourism economy. He and Adam dive into some of the skills that Lesly has to offer the destination marketing workforce and why any destination organization would be lucky to have him as a part of their team. “How can we change some of that narrative and show a different Haiti or at least the parts of Haiti where things aren't, you know, the crazy stuff that we see on the media all the time? And so that was, I think, my first drive to try to go in that field.” Check out Lesly's portfolio Connect with Lesly on LinkedIn If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam is joined by Laura White, senior director of brand marketing and strategy at Visit Charlotte. With nearly half of their yearly visitation coming from visiting friends and family, Laura tells us how they shifted their marketing efforts to tap into this previously under-recognized market. Adam and Laura explore the challenges of aligning this new marketing strategy with hoteliers' goals and the importance of fostering community pride. “When you're hosting, you want to show them the best that where you live has to offer. That fact alone is something that is so intertwined with the perception of the destination. If your residents don't have the best perception of the destination, that is going to translate into how others view your destination.” -Laura White Visit Charlotte If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam joins Earl B. Hunter Jr. to announce a brand new podcast, "It’s Bigger Than Camping." They discuss the show's mission to promote inclusivity and unity in the outdoor community, educate listeners on the benefits of the outdoors and highlight destinations that welcome all who want to experience the outdoors. Earl shares insights from his experience in the RV and outdoor industries, emphasizing the importance of inviting everyone, regardless of age, race or gender, to enjoy the outdoors. The podcast aims to establish a community of outdoor lovers and encourage meaningful discussions around a virtual campfire. “We started this amazing podcast because we want to share with the world, and share with everyone, who we are, what we do, and we want to invite and welcome everyone, anyone, no matter who you are or your race, age, gender or ability. We want you to enjoy the outdoors. We want you to really tell us who you are and what you like to do in the outdoors, and we're going to find out that we have more same than differences, my friend.” Subscribe to It's Bigger Than Camping! Apple Spotify Audioboom If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam sits down with Abdullah Aldhavyan, who recently completed his master’s degree in tourism at George Washington University. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Abdullah hopes to be a part of bringing tourism back to the country by showing the world what this beautiful part of the Middle East has to offer. “Saudi Arabia is opening their gates and their hands to everyone in the world. Please come and see Saudi. It’s very beautiful. Saudi Arabia has lots of cultures. We have history here. We have lots of great stories to tell.” -Abdullah Aldhavyan Connect with Abdullah on LinkedIn If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam sits down with Nephi, Relic’s AI and innovation expert, to talk about an exciting announcement. Over the past several months, Relic has been beta-testing a new AI product that allows destinations to create their own AI chat bot, based on information found on their website. Nephi talks about the process of creating the product and some of the challenges he’s found along the way. They also discuss how AI is changing the digital landscape as we know it and why it’s critical for DMOs to jump on board before it’s too late. “The funny thing about AI is you get out of it what you put into it. If you know how to talk to it, you can get it to tell you the things that you need, but you need to know what you don’t know if that makes sense.” -Nephi Henry If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Shelley Zumwalt, Executive Director at The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, joins Adam to discuss the economic impact of tourism on the state level. Shelly highlights tourism's role in attracting businesses and creating jobs, especially in rural areas. She addresses Oklahoma's perception challenges and the need for effective marketing to showcase the state's unique attractions. “When we're talking about Oklahoma, we're not just talking about marketing tourism. We’re talking about business development. When we have businesses that come in and look at Oklahoma, those tourism dollars aren't just marketing to people we want to take vacations here. They're marketing to everyone. They're saying, this is what Oklahoma is about.” -Shelley Zumwalt Travel Oklahoma If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Greg Star, a cofounder of Carvertise, joins Adam on this episode to talk about his journey with cancer over the past year and what he has learned as he has recovered. Greg shares valuable lessons about what it means to live a life you are proud of and how he overcame his fear of death. Adam and Greg also talk about how Carvertise continued to grow during this time thanks to an incredible team and insurmountable support from industry friends. “I learned a lot about business from cancer. I would say the big thing about business is you just always have to remain even keel. When something good happens, great! Something bad will happen next month. You’ve just got to stay even.” -Greg Star If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam takes the show to The Myrtle Beach Classic, where he sits down with Kyle Oland, director of marketing at Golf Tourism Solutions. Kyle has taken a unique journey to get where he is in his career, and he shares why having a passion for your work is so important. Adam and Kyle discuss the event and how Kyle and his team have stepped away from traditional marketing methods to create an unparalleled guest experience. Listen to learn why it’s crucial to understand the life cycle of your consumer and how you can build a pipeline of new customers using owned media. “One of the things that’s massive for content marketing is building community, and if you can build a community of people that are super passionate about a subject or matter, it’s just going to build them and their support towards what you’re doing. It’s been a really fun ride.” -Kyle Oland If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Janette Roush, executive vice president of marketing and digital at NYC Tourism, has built quite a following sharing her thoughts on LinkedIn about how AI is changing the game for the destination marketing industry. She joins Adam in this episode to discuss how she positioned herself as an AI thought leader and why DMOS must embrace this new technology. They cover how AI has changed over the past several years and how destination marketers can find the best tool to help in their specific job titles. “I think it’s about finding the work that you hate the most and then outsourcing it. We all have things that we don’t love to do with our jobs or things that we need a little help with. Hopefully, they’re looking at it as this is a way to make work more fun and to get help with things that I struggle with.” -Janette Roush The Pigeon Ad If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam joins the team at Visit Galveston to talk about ways they're moving the destination forward. JR Shaw, host of the Galveston Unscripted Podcast, shares his experience partnering with a destination to produce owned media content. Kellie Gonzalez, client services director at Visit Galveston, talks about her initiative to personalize the guest experience for a recurring conference. Mackenzie Finklea, public affairs manager at Visit Galveston, explains the destination's celebrations for Juneteenth and highlights Galveston's significant role in the holiday's history. “Authenticity and collaboration over competition. If you go through social media now I think people can sense an ad when there’s an ad there, they scroll right past it. They can feel that ad. The more authentic you can be, it doesn’t have to be perfect, just be an authentic person or create authentic content. That is key.” -JR Shaw Visit Galveston Galveston Unscripted If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

President of Tourism Economics Adam Sacks joins Adam on the show to talk about how his organization has been able to help destinations look at data in a new light. The two discuss how tourism impacts economic development and why it’s critical for communities to work together to see long-term benefits from visitors. “Quality of life for the community is better because all of these events, experiences, attractions, and amenities, exist to the degree they do in the destination because of visitors. The destination organization is the one that’s supporting the market for that. If you took out the destination organization, you’re basically taking out everything that’s driving the success of that place that makes it not only a great place to visit but a great place to live.” -Adam Sacks Destination Promotion: A Catalyst for Community Vitality Tourism Economics If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam takes the show on the road to the North Carolina Tourism Conference. He joins Scott Peacock, Director of Marketing at Visit North Carolina, to discuss the evolving landscape of destination marketing. They talk about the recent changes in AI and how destinations need to consider what use case is right for them. They also discuss the difference between influencers and content creators and why the industry is shifting towards the latter. “There’s not going to be this one-size-fits-all answer. It’s probably going to be two or three different solutions out there, technology-wise, and it’s really going to be incumbent on us as the DMO marketers to sit down and figure out which path forward is going to be the best option for us. And that’s okay.” -Scott Peacock Visit North Carolina If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam Stoker joins Joe Trahan, a Virginia Beach real estate agent who has successfully integrated community-focused destination marketing into his business. Joe discusses his strategy of merging sales and marketing to engage with the audience by producing valuable content, building trust, and creating a sense of community. He shares his experiences with the "Discover Virginia Beach" Facebook group and podcast, which have helped him generate organic leads and establish a reputable online presence. He and Adam also explore why organizations need to become media companies, the power of trust and likability, and the challenges of collaborating with local entities. "Why is it that when we start to hear from our marketing department that we need support, or our content needs improvement, we try to just get it done as quickly as possible? How do I expect to compete as a business -- as a destination, by posting generic, sub-par, cheap, and watered-down content?" -Joe Trahan Discover Virginia Beach If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Richard Hunt, Executive Director of the Electronic Payments Coalition, joins Adam to discuss the potential effects of the Durbin bill on credit card rewards and the tourism industry. Richard highlights his background in politics and banking and the mission of his coalition to maintain a secure and efficient payment system in The United States. He raises concerns about the bill's impact on credit access, rewards, fraud rates, and the lack of evidence for consumer savings. They explore the bill's implications for destination marketing funding and small businesses, urging listeners to take action against it. “I was with Elliot [Summey], who’s head of the Charleston airport, and he said most people flying into Charleston stay three nights, and some hundred and fifty thousand people fly into Charleston each year using reward points. Those would go away. A hundred and fifty thousand people may not travel to Charleston, you know the domino effect, but certainly, if reward points were cut, you’re going to see spending go down.” -Richard Hunt Hands Off My Rewards If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam and Mike Kaput, chief content officer at Marketing AI Institute, discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the destination marketing industry. They delve into the latest AI-powered tools that have emerged and share valuable insights into how these tools can be effectively utilized to enhance destination marketing strategies. “Leading up to ChatGP has been because machines can help make themselves smarter, but now when we have humans using smarter machines to make both the human and the machine smarter, suddenly we’re off to the races. The people that learn right now how to leverage these tools effectively in their own domain of expertise are going to feel like they’re superhuman.” -Mike Kaput Marketing AI Institute If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, joins Adam on today’s episode to discuss the travel-related impact of April’s solar eclipse. Amir shares some interesting statistics he collected from American travelers about their travel plans to see the solar eclipse. The conversation then shifts to other insights that Amir is seeing throughout the industry, such as the impact of inflation and changes in traveler mindsets. “But I think the biggest learning from this one, which you saw some of it in 2017, but you saw a lot of it this year, is that the community took an event that literally lasts a little over an hour and made it either a full day or a multi-day event and festival...” - Amir Eylon If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Powered by Visit Myrtle Beach, “Traveling the Spectrum” is a docuseries following families with members on the autism spectrum as they take a vacation of a lifetime. On today’s episode, Stuart Butler and Adam invite you to support this docuseries and help it find a platform. They also touch on the importance of a DMO-produced series and how owned media content has a bright future in destination marketing. You’ll also be able to listen to the trailer in the episode and watch the trailer at https://travelingthespectrumshow.com/. "We’re changing a lot of lives, for sure, but we’re also, in my opinion, we’re pushing this travel and this destination marketing industry forward at the same time. It’s the work I’m most proud of out of everything I’ve done in my 20 plus year career, it’s phenomenal, and it’s changed me, I’m a different person having watched these six episodes and you will be too.” - Stuart Butler If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam continues his time at Destinations International’s Marketing and Communications Summit, where he sits down with Angeline Chew, executive director at Discover Surrey. Angeline shares why ensuring an optimal visitor experience is critical. She also dives into how DMOs can collaborate with stakeholders to curate these experiences for the traveler. “My other thing with destination development is you have to really work within the structure and the capabilities of your partner. You may want them to do something but if they’re not ready, you have to work at their pace. You can lead them and you can work with them and you can partner with them but the thing is, they also have to have the capacity to move things forward.” -Angeline Chew Discover Surrey If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam takes the show to the Destinations International Marketing and Communications Summit, where he sits down with Brandon Pendergast, sales and marketing manager at Visit Helena. Brandon talks about Visit Helena’s rebrand process and how they involved key stakeholders and community members to ensure its success. “We communicated to our local stakeholders and invested the time to teach all of our organizations how this brand is not only a tangible document but a tangible vision for growth.” -Brandon Pendergast Visit Helena If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam invites travel expert, author and podcast host Sarah Dandashy to share her insights on the hospitality industry. Sarah talks about her experiences working in travel and tourism and explains why having great people is crucial for providing excellent hospitality to visitors. Adam and Sarah also discuss her role in West Hollywood's podcast and why creating meaningful content is critical for destinations. Ask A Concierge The Creators Podcast If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam talks with Tom Farrell, Founder and CEO of The Workshop, an Emmy-nominated team that focuses on producing unscripted television content. They talk about some of the projects that Tom has worked on, including an upcoming project for Visit Myrtle Beach: Traveling the Spectrum. Listen to learn why Tom is so passionate about telling stories and how your destination can do something similar. "I always use that question why not right now? Why not do it right now? You can talk about it and kick it down the road for years. What you have to do is roll up your sleeves, decide that you’re going to plow forward, commit to it, and stay with that commitment." -Tom Farrell The Workshop If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

On this episode, Adam is joined by President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach Rachel O’Neill Cusey to discuss their new campaign, “From Radical Origins.” Designed to tell the stories that have shaped Laguna Beach, this brand-new campaign defies conventional advertising norms, offering a fresh approach to portraying a destination's narrative. “If I learned anything, it was from the people that told their stories. They all made a change by doing something radical and doing something that was outside of the box. That’s what we have to do to make things happen.” -Rachel O’Neill Cusey If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

This week, Adam dives into the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift and how two cities were able to capitalize on The Eras Tour coming to town. Isaac Reichman from Choose Chicago and Julie Calvert from Visit Cincy join Adam to talk about their experiences hosting the tour and the incredible results they saw from this major event. Choose Chicago Visit Cincy If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Esther Wagner from Palmetto Pride joins Adam to discuss the relationship between litter and crime, and how her organization aims to change littering behaviors for a cleaner South Carolina. She explains the importance of crime prevention through environmental design and its four strategies: territoriality, natural access control, natural surveillance and maintenance. Esther emphasizes the role of stakeholders in implementing these principles and invites other states to collaborate with Palmetto Pride to promote safe and attractive destinations. Palmetto Pride If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam and Jen Brunson, marketing coordinator at Visit Myrtle Beach, discuss Jen's podcast, "I Speak Mama," a podcast for moms that has been a crucial part of Myrtle Beach’s content strategy. They talk about why a podcast for moms works so well in the tourism space and how subtly promoting Myrtle Beach has proven to be an effective strategy. Jen emphasizes the importance of building trust with the audience before integrating promotional content, ensuring authenticity and a genuine connection with the community. “Moms are the ones who are making a lot of decisions when it comes to travel and where they're going. For us, the podcast is, okay, let's build this community of people and then use Myrtle Beach as a background, and hopefully that community latches on to it. It's not a main focal point, but it's providing an area where they can go and understand what a mom in Myrtle Beach is going through and the excitement that's here. And hopefully, they come and visit.” -Jen Brunson I Speak Mama Podcast Visit Myrtle Beach If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this episode, Adam takes the show on the road to the South Carolina Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel. He talks with Devyn Whitmire, Digital Engagement Manager for Discover South Carolina, about her professional journey, creating the Palmetto Porch podcast and its focus on authentic local stories to promote tourism. Devyn highlights the podcast's role in driving brand awareness and visitation through storytelling and community engagement. Adam also talks with Bill Miles from the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce about Hilton Head Island's attractions and long-term destination marketing strategies. They emphasize the importance of investing in the community and the impact of storytelling on the tourism industry. Discover South Carolina Hilton Head Island If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

In this bonus episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam highlights two episodes of a new show produced by EKR, Brands & Campaigns. Host Camden Bernatz and special guest Stuart Butler dive into Myrtle Beach’s “Mittary Best” campaign, entirely generated by AI. In the second part of the episode, Adam joins Camden to analyze why this campaign was so successful and what other destinations can learn about using AI in their daily practice. Brands & Campaigns Mittary Best Visit Myrtle Beach If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].

Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Myrtle Beach, joins this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast to discuss the dynamic nature of destination marketing. Adam and Stuart explore the shift towards owned media strategies and the power of storytelling in engaging audiences. Stuart highlights Myrtle Beach's innovative projects like "Chef Swap" and "Traveling the Spectrum” and talks about why projects such as these are critical in communicating with the consumer in a more personal way. They also discuss the importance of implementing AI into your marketing toolbox and learning to evolve as the technology improves. "I genuinely fear that if we don't evolve, we could become obsolete in the next world that AI is bringing. We have to be willing to take risks. We have to be brave. It's literally a matter of whether we exist ten years from now is going to be determined on how much innovation and evolution happens over the next ten years." -Stuart Butler Visit Myrtle Beach If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services, please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email [email protected].