DMOU: Destination Marketing Organization University

Hosted by dmou

Business MarketingInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

About the show

DMOU features the brightest voices in the Destination Marketing field, sharing innovative case studies and evolving philosophies.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 20134 min

199: Brad Barnett • Insourcing to Build Authenticity and Leadership Capacity

When one leads a Destination in one of the most remote regions of the country, one often must view their role through different eyes. And Visit Keweenah’s Brad Bennett certainly qualifies as one of the sector’s more innovative minds. From a civic-first mindset to his contrarian, deliberate choice to buck convention when it comes to destination marketing, Brad believes his philosophy has resulted in more authentic communication and increased capacity to lead destination development initiatives. Join us for this fascinating conversation with one of the bright new voices redefining Destination Leadership.

September 30, 2026Episode 20035 min

198: Olivia Toth • Building Destination by Maximizing Existing Strengths

In our work around the country, we rarely see DMOs that target first year college students as potential semi-permanent 4-year visitors. In this episode of DMOU, Knox County OH CVB Executive Director Olivia Toth shares how her DMO has developed not one but two separate Visitors Guides designed specifically for the region’s two colleges. We’ll also discuss how the DMO is doubling down on trail development as a destination magnet and how they’ve supported regional trail promotion and development. Join us.

September 9, 2026Episode 19933 min

197: Travis Scott • Meeting Destination Challenges Head-On

In this episode of DMOU, you’ll meet Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear, who, in his first three years there, has developed actionable solutions to several of his destination’s challenges. Undependable snowfall resulted in a move to a 4-season message and off-season asset development. An increase in visitor-related trash inspired a more aggressive focus for the DMO’s Foundation, Care for Big Bear. And, the Line Fire of 2024 inspired the development of a robust crisis preparedness plan and a break-through partnership with Airbnb.org. Join us.

August 27, 2026Episode 19830 min

196: Kristen Pironis • Building Trust and Community Investment in Your DMO

When Kristen Pironis took the helm of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, she had her work cut out for her. The DMO was emerging from a crisis of confidence in a COVID world. How she set out to rebuild the organization is the fascinating tale she tells on this edition of DMOU…and the keys are disarmingly simple (yet often go unused). Plus, a Bonus Round question that would make Mona Lisa Vito proud . Join us.

August 12, 2026Episode 19738 min

195: Gary Sherwin • The Power of a Private-Sector Tourism Improvement District

Gary Sherwin is the CEO of Newport Beach & Company, a DMO that features an organizational model that I’ve always believed to be the most elegant and effective out there . Indeed, we featured it prominently in our position paper, “ A New Vision for Community Development .” Well, the innovation hasn't stopped there as Gary has recently helped develop a private-sector Tourism Improvement District in which the hotels contract directly with Newport Beach & Company with no municipal intermediary. It’s probably not for everyone…but you owe yourself a listen. Plus, Gary discusses the past 20 years of Destination Branding since his book Destination Brand Science was released…and one of the most unusual Bonus Round Questions we’ve ever had. Join us.

July 29, 2026Episode 19630 min

194: Kyle Edmiston • What's Ahead for Destinations International

Fresh off our time in Portland at the Annual Convention of Destinations International, we had the opportunity to welcome Visit Lake Charles CEO and new DI Board Chair Kyle Edmiston to the DMOU microphone. The result: a wide-ranging conversation in which we discussed the upcoming search for a new DI CEO, what Kyle is looking for in the DMO sector’s next leader and his goal of continuing to build a culture of excellence throughout the organization. We also discuss the similarities and differences between the Brand USA Board and that of DI. Join us.

July 8, 2026Episode 19529 min

193: Meaghan Ferrigno • Destination Canada's Bold Embrace of Data, Research and AI

Destination Canada is very likely the most innovative DMO on the planet when it comes to redefining the tourism industry’s impact (both social and economic). Now, they have developed the Canadian Tourism Data Collective, an insanely expansive hub of research and information that is available not just for their use but the use of over 280,000 tourism businesses throughout the country. Destination Canada’s SVP, CFO and Chief Data and Analytics Officer Meaghan Ferrigno shares how the Collective was developed, what it means to the industry and how two new industry tools have emerged from the data, Aurora AI and Tourism Twin. Join us for this sensational conversation.

June 24, 2026Episode 19430 min

192: Matt Pivarnik • Making the DMO-Chamber Combo Work

Matt Pivarnik has held community leadership positions in Tulsa, Topeka and, now, in Myrtle Beach. All three DMOs have been connected in one way shape or form to their Chamber of Commerce, organizational structures that have increasingly fallen out of favor over the past 30 years. But Matt has made each one work through collaboration, shared vision and a clear understanding of how revenues can and should be invested. Join us for this fascinating conversation with one of the truly innovative minds in the Chamber-DMO-EDO space.

June 10, 2026Episode 19333 min

191: Kristen Reynolds & Michael Jacobson: The 15 Year Journey to Create Chicago's TID

Establishing a Tourism Improvement District is rarely easy…but in Chicago, it took almost 15 years. But, when the City Council approved the first TID in Illinois earlier this year, the vote was unanimous. On this edition of DMOU, Choose Chicago’s Kristen Reynolds and the CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Michael Jacobson, share how this final push was different and how regional collaboration among groups previously on the sidelines won the day.

May 27, 2026Episode 19244 min

190: Chris Ihrig • Developing a Pathway to Destination Leadership

I've always referred to my friend Chris Ihrig as "the Culture Guy" (probably because his company is called Fired Up! Culture). But after reading his latest book " Would You Work for You ," I now realize that he's "the Leadership Guy." Join us for this fascinating conversation on how leadership is developed and how leadership begets culture...and how organizational culture results in success. And, a chance to score a free copy of Chris' book.

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

Domain Details Page

BusinessInvesting

The Bottom Line

Alexander Spencer

BusinessInterviews guests