The next Presidential election is over a year away…and yet, the tempestuous drama of the Democratic Party’s Debate season is in full swing. For some states, we’re rolling into high election season, with some votes just weeks away. The reality: it’s always election season everywhere, all the time. From the day the results are certified, people are strategizing ways to hold or usurp power. And, for those in the increasingly politicized world of Destination Marketing, that means there is no off-season for our engagement with those who wield power and those who covet it.

I lost count of the number of our peers that nudged Terri or me during or after the more philosophical sessions at the Convention and intoned, “you’ve been saying that for years.” While true, the person that says something first isn’t nearly as important as the person that says it next. And next. And next. If you’re not familiar with this concept, click HERE.

The Professional Development “season” really never stops for DMO pros…but, it’s about to kick into high gear with the Annual Convention of Destinations International in a couple weeks. ESTO follows in August and the Upper Midwest CVB Fall Conference in September. Destinations International’s Affinity Summits dot the calendar…and no fewer than seven State Tourism Conferences are scheduled (as is the inaugural TravelAbility Summit) through November. Lots of learning (and even more networking)…which means a lot of storytelling among the professionals whose very job it is to tell compelling stories about what makes their communities attractive. And, that’s why we try to make as many conferences as our schedule permits. Because, as much as our clients and audiences look to us to share stories of successes and missteps, we are thirsty to hear new stories as we all build upon the work of those that went before us.

It happened again recently, as I worked with a DMO Board grappling with a dilemma. The debate rolled for a few minutes until I innocently asked, “why would you do that?" (knowing full well why they were considering it). Almost in unison, three Board members exclaimed, “Exactly!” Which caused the rest of the Board to sit up and question their own position on the proposal on the table. Without the “why” question, the majority of the Board could have simply nodded their heads and gone along. When those three members vocalized what everyone in the room was thinking, it set up a fascinating shift in critical thinking that wouldn’t have happened if somebody hadn’t asked, “why?”

It happens every couple years. As much as the DMO’s Board Members are nodding in unison as I, early in our workshop, explain the difference between a “Strategic Plan” and the “Marketing / Business Plan,” somebody pushes back when they receive the draft. These well-meaning Board members believe the Strategic Plan they have just created is designed to direct staff…but, the plans we help create only include staff in a support role when it comes to community outreach (and occasionally locating some industry research the Board would struggle to find on its own). A Strategic Plan is the Board’s Action Plan. The Marketing / Business Plan is the professional Staff’s Action Plan.