In this episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is joined by Stephen Ekstrom, the co-founder and CEO of Learn Tourism. Stephen, a self-described "professional tourist" and digital nomad, shares his unique perspective on the travel industry and continuing education for DMO professionals. He talks about the origins of Learn Tourism, a nonprofit organization founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to fill gaps in professional development. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills and emot...
Aug 19, 2025•48 min•Ep. 397
In this episode, Adam talks with Allison Brooks and Cameron Molloy from Visit Mesa about a campaign that secured national media attention and numerous awards with a budget of only $20. The team discusses how they leveraged the arrival of the wildly popular Savannah Bananas baseball team to create Banana Week, a community-wide event that went far beyond the baseball game. Allison and Cameron share their philosophy on innovation, risk-taking, and the importance of empowering team members to bring ...
Aug 12, 2025•46 min•Ep. 396
In this episode, join host Adam Stoker and guest Danielle Hollander, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Orlando, as they explore the importance of strategic planning for destinations of all sizes. Danielle shares how her agency background prepared her for her role as CMO and how Visit Orlando used the challenges of a leadership change during COVID-19 to reset and develop a new strategic plan. She explains why the strategic planning process is just as important as the final document and offers advi...
Aug 05, 2025•50 min•Ep. 395
In this episode, Adam chats with Deana Ivey, President of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation. Deana shares pivotal moments in her career, including taking on roles outside her job description, and her philosophy on promoting growth and embracing creativity within her team. She also tells how Nashville balances its iconic "Music City" brand with constant innovation, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and being intentional with your brand to ensure lasting success. Subscribe...
Jul 29, 2025•41 min•Ep. 394
In this episode, Adam sits down with Stuart Butler, CMO at Visit Myrtle Beach, for a candid conversation about the broken state of RFPs in destination marketing. They unpack the structural flaws in the traditional procurement process, highlighting how outdated formats and misaligned incentives often lead to failed partnerships. Together, they explore innovative approaches to agency selection, the importance of relationship-first thinking, and why “dating before marrying” a vendor could transform...
Jul 22, 2025•58 min•Ep. 393
In this episode, Adam sits down with Rochelle Hicks, director of tourism at Visit Mississippi, to uncover the secrets of securing permanent destination marketing funding. Rochelle shares her valuable insights and hands-on strategies for building sustainable financial models that transformed Visit Mississippi's budget from $2 million to $17 million. Learn how to navigate complex funding landscapes, find untapped resources, and build long-term financial stability that extends beyond annual appropr...
Jul 15, 2025•45 min•Ep. 392
Adam introduces his latest innovation, a technology designed to solve the disconnect between destinations and their stakeholders. 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 Brand Revolt. If you are interested in any of Brand Revolt’s services, please email adam@thebrandrevolt.com or visit www.thebrandrevolt.com . To learn more about the...
Jul 09, 2025•5 min•Ep. 391
In this episode, Adam sits down with Eric Knopsnyder, the Director of Public Relations and Community Outreach at Go Laurel Highlands. They discuss the changing world of PR, where the roles of journalists and content creators increasingly overlap, emphasizing the significance of relationship capital in building strong community partnerships. Gain insights on strategic outreach, developing engaging stories, and experimenting with new media to enhance the success of your marketing efforts. Subscrib...
Jul 08, 2025•40 min•Ep. 390
In this episode, Adam sits down with Mike Testa, President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, to explore how a challenger destination can evolve into a national tourism leader. Mike reveals how Sacramento transitioned from a convention-reliant city into a vibrant, multifaceted destination through bold strategic moves—like establishing the first Tourism Improvement District, launching nationally recognized music festivals, and claiming its title as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. This episode unpacks h...
Jul 01, 2025•41 min•Ep. 389
In this episode, Adam sits down with Ryan French of the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association and Charity Toombs of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail to uncover powerful strategies for state-level organizations and local DMOs to work together. This episode reveals how statewide initiatives, like the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, can serve as significant drivers for tourism and how local DMOs can leverage these programs to maximize the visitor experience and economic impact. Discover how open communic...
Jun 24, 2025•53 min•Ep. 388
In this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, we're bringing you Adam's live keynote from the 2025 PRSA Conference.This talk tackles one of the industry’s toughest truths: playing it safe might be the biggest risk of all. Adam dives into what it really means to evolve as a destination marketer, drawing lessons from icons like Kodak and Blockbuster to bold moves in places like Myrtle Beach and Kazakhstan. You’ll hear provocative questions, surprising parallels, and a call to actio...
Jun 17, 2025•56 min•Ep. 387
In this episode, Adam welcomes Kevin Boyle, General Manager of Seaside, Florida, to discuss creating unparalleled destination experiences through authentic lifestyle brands. Kevin shares his unique journey from college comedian to destination expert, and how his experience has helped him understand what visitors truly want from their stay. He also reveals how Seaside has meticulously crafted a choreographed visitor experience and why innovative brand partnerships prove there is more to a lifesty...
Jun 10, 2025•40 min•Ep. 386
In this week’s episode, Adam talks with Matt Libber, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex, about the impact of sports tourism on destinations. Matt shares his journey and offers DMOs advice on building strong partnerships with facilities and event operators, navigating challenges, and maximizing sports' economic and community benefits. He also emphasizes the importance of advocating for tourism funding with elected officials. Subscribe to our newsletter ! The Destination Mar...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 385
In this episode, Adam sits down for a solo episode packed with insights on the key trends shaping destination marketing today. From the accelerating adoption of AI and its impact on the industry to the growing importance of stakeholder communication and innovative content strategies, this episode provides a roadmap for DMOs in 2025. Explore the necessity of calculated risk-taking, the value of owned media, and the importance of engaging both visitors and local communities in a rapidly changing w...
May 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 384
In this episode, Adam joins Brand Revolt Production Manager, Matt Henson, to discuss Matt’s background in destination marketing and content production. Matt shares his insights on the importance of high-quality content creation, his experience working with destinations like Wrangell, Alaska, and his transition to the agency world. Learn practical tips for capturing effective video, audio, and photography, and how a 'content first' approach can amplify your destination's marketing efforts. Subscr...
May 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 383
In this episode, Adam sits down with Liza Graves, CEO of Style Blueprint, to redefine how destinations should approach media and content. They challenge the traditional view of paid advertising, advocating for storytelling and collaboration with publications to create engaging campaigns. Liza provides actionable insights on crafting effective pitches for earned media, leveraging a content-centric strategy, and understanding the power of audience connection to drive the tourism industry forward. ...
May 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 382
In this episode, Adam sits down with Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Myrtle Beach and co-host of Destination Discourse. They discuss critical issues facing DMOs, including the impact of AI on travel planning, the importance of personalized experiences, and the evolution of website engagement. Stuart challenges the industry to confront uncomfortable truths, offering a roadmap for DMOs to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Subscribe to our newsletter ! The Destination Marke...
May 06, 2025•46 min•Ep. 381
In this episode, Adam sits down with Josh Rudelbach, destination marketing and data strategist at Carson Valley, Nevada. Josh and Adam dive into how historical storytelling can set your messaging apart from the crowd. From pioneer settlements to local legends, this episode provides actionable insights for destination marketers looking to leverage their unique heritage and create a deeper connection with their audience. Visit Carson Valley Subscribe to our newsletter ! The Destination Marketing P...
Apr 29, 2025•14 min•Ep. 380
In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam Stoker dives into risk-taking in destination marketing with guest Brent DeRaad, President and CEO of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Brent shares his philosophy on embracing calculated chances to achieve impressive results. They explore the importance of investing in a destination's product, fostering collaboration with local government, and identifying unique marketing angles. Listen to learn how to overcome the fear of fa...
Apr 22, 2025•17 min•Ep. 379
In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is joined by Mark Thompson, Executive Director of Visit Plano. Mark shares his insights on destination marketing, focusing on Plano's unique position as a corporate and youth sports destination within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They discuss the importance of regional collaboration, the power of exceptional servicing, and strategies for attracting diverse visitor segments. Mark also highlights Plano's thriving food scene and the DMO...
Apr 15, 2025•21 min•Ep. 378
Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a full-length look at Adam's keynote presentation at the One West Tourism Alliance's Tech Summit. In this key note, Adam explores the value of taking risks and how to navigate risk taking as a DMO. He also brings up a few examples of creators Brand Revolt looks to for inspiration as well as a few examples of Brand Revolt clients and how they take risks. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subs...
Apr 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 377
On today's episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Andrew Miller, the founder, farmer and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms in Washington State. Andrew discusses his varied background that took him worldwide via the military and what led him to settle down and become a tulip farmer. The conversation then shifts to an in-depth look at how he markets his farm to visitors and the thought process behind his innovative marketing strategies, like having nighttime events at his farm a...
Apr 08, 2025•44 min•Ep. 376
Birgitt Vaughan, the Director of Public Relations for Sonoma County Tourism, joins Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast to talk all things earned media. Birgitt touches on her background and how building relationships with journalists drove her to want to work in public relations. She underscores the importance of building those meaningful relationships with journalists with a story about how she used those strategies to get an article published about her destination in t...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 375
Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a special collaboration with Destination Discourse, Adam’s other podcast with Stuart Butler from Visit Myrtle Beach. Adam and Stuart sit down with Katie Briscoe, CEO of MMGY Global, for a spirited discussion about the merits and challenges of paid and owned media strategies in destination marketing. Tune in for valuable insights from both sides of the table as Adam argues in favor of owned media strategies while Katie stands her ground on t...
Mar 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 374
Joining Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is Natalie Wallon, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Discover Kalispell, Montana. Natalie shares her background and journey into destination marketing, with stops as a lacrosse coach in Montana and at an SEO agency along the way. Natalie and Adam then discuss Discover Kalispell's creative take on promoting responsible recreation with their "Treat it Like Grandma's House" initiative. She touches on what makes this camp...
Mar 18, 2025•32 min•Ep. 373
As a small destination surrounded by large cities like Chicago and Indianapolis, Wabash County, Indiana needed to find a way to stand out when marketing its DMO in those cities. Christine Flohr, the Executive Director of Visit Wabash County, joins Adam on today's episode to talk about how she utilized different athletic events, such as the Dam to Dam Bike Ride, to do just that. She highlights how these events benefit visitors and locals alike and can drive visitors to want to move to Wabash Coun...
Mar 11, 2025•44 min•Ep. 372
Today’s special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast is a webinar hosted by the One West Tourism Alliance that Adam took part in alongside some familiar faces who you might have heard from on previous podcast episodes. Joining Adam on this webinar is Robb Wells from Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands, Melea Hames from Visit North Alabama and Stuart Butler from Visit Myrtle Beach. Each panel member shares their successes with creating owned content for their respective destina...
Mar 07, 2025•54 min•Ep. 371
In September of last year, Hurricane Helene devastated many parts of the world, with one of the most severely affected areas being the Southeastern United States. Spencer Bost, the executive director of Downtown Spruce Pine, joins Adam on today’s episode to share how he first experienced Spruce Pine as a park ranger and how that eventually led him to work for its DMO. He also highlights what makes Spruce Pine a great destination, from its variety of amazing restaurants to its outdoor recreation ...
Mar 04, 2025•37 min•Ep. 370
Becky Large, the Executive Director of the Champion Autism Network and the CEO of the Autism Travel Club, joins Adam on today’s episode to share her insights on autism-friendly travel and the strides she has made in making destinations more inclusive for autistic travelers. She showcases the initiatives she’s led for Visit Myrtle Beach, including the TV show "Traveling the Spectrum" and the destination’s autism certification. Becky and Adam also discuss how getting your destination autism-certif...
Feb 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 369
The satirical mockumentary "Borat" was released in 2006 to worldwide critical acclaim but in Kazakhstan, where the titular character hailed from, the film was more controversial. For the Borat sequel in 2020, Kairat Sadvakassov from Kazakh Tourism wanted to do things differently, so he capitalized on the character to increase awareness of Kazakhstan as a tourism destination, even co-opting Borat's famous catchphrase, "Very Nice!". Kaiarat joins Adam on today's episode to talk about how his gambl...
Feb 25, 2025•45 min•Ep. 368
