Destination Marketing Episodes

Visit Boone County: Natural Wonders, Rail Rides to River Adventures Kris Blocker, Executive Director for Visit Boone County, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. Kris has dedicated the past eight years to promoting Boone County, Iowa's unique charm and natural beauty. With an appreciation for the distinct landscape shaped by the Des Moines River Valley, Kris tirelessly works to highlight what sets Boone County apart from the rest of the state. Through her efforts, Kris aims to d...

Visit Mansfield Texas: Outdoor Adventures and Community Charm Tim Roberts, Marketing and Promotions Manager at Mansfield, TX CVB, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. In this episode, we dive into the best of Mansfield, which offers an inviting blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. We'll explore breathtaking outdoor destinations like Oliver Nature Park and Cedar Hills State Park and nearby adventures outside Mansfield. Tim will share insights on the vibrant community,...

Visit Hagerstown: History, Cultural Trails, Baseball, and Outdoor Adventures Dan Spedden, the President and CEO of Visit Hagerstown, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. In this episode, we dive into Hagerstown, Maryland's vibrant community and economic revitalization. We'll explore how this charming city, just 70 miles from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, draws visitors with its rich historical significance, outdoor activities, and unique local attractions. Discover the impact...

Visit 29 Palms: Dining, Events, Natural Beauty, and Slow Travel Breanne Dusastre, Director of Marketing for Visit 29 Palms, joins us on today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Twentynine Palms is a premier travel destination in California's Mojave Desert and is at the steps of the iconic Joshua Tree National Park. Breanne highlights the town's commitment to supporting nonprofit conservation organizations and its ongoing downtown revitalization projects. We also explore why Twentynine P...

Visit Historic Carson City: Iconic Trails, Scenic Adventures, and Seasonal Festivals Lydia Beck, Marketing & PR Manager at Visit Carson City, joins us on today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Located a short drive from Lake Tahoe. Carson City offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities, great food, and comfortable lodging. We explore Carson City's rich history, including the Kit Carson Trail, Victorian homes, and key attractions like the Governor's Mansion, the Nevada St...

Catherine Jenkins, Marketing and Communications Manager for Visit Central Delaware, joins us on today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Catherine takes us on a journey through Central Delaware, a charming region steeped in rich history and vibrant community events, from the NASCAR races and Delaware State Fair to the hidden gems like Amish Country Bike Tours and the serene Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. We'll explore why this small but lively area is a must-visit. Catherine als...

This is the 10th and final episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX as hosts of the OWAA 2024 annual conference. Edgar Cazares has been busy at the OWAA's annual conference. As the head of business development for !ah Chihuahua!, Edgar and his peers play crucial roles in promoting this beautiful Mexican destination. During day two of the conference, Edgar spent time with us to share his insights with attendees...

This is the 9th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX as they host the OWAA 2024 annual conference. Brooke Underwood is a passionate advocate for El Paso's unique charms. She relishes the variety of beauty and activities that the desert offers. Brooke will share insights into El Paso's diverse and collaborative tourism structure, the strategic efforts that have bolstered the city’s reputation, and heartwarm...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today's special episode, Discover Gems in Northeast Tennessee: Reflections from the OWAA Inaugural Field Fest 2024, we're diving into the recent OWAA Field Fest—a groundbreaking event that brings outdoor enthusiasts, writers, and journalists to lesser-known, rural destinations. We're joined by attendees and hosts who made this event a stellar success. We'll hear firsthand experiences from a dynamic mix of guests who explored northeast T...

Discover Unicoi County—Today, we're thrilled to have Austin Finch, the economic development director for the Joint Economic Development Board of Unicoi County. This is our ninth and final episode promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Austin is passionate about growing Unicoi County’s economy through outdoor recreation and tourism. Get ready for insider t...

Visit Knoxville —Green Spaces, Artistic Flair, and Hidden Gems is the eighth episode in our series promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Our guest is Kristen Combs, the Director of Communication and Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. Kristen shares insights on the best outdoor activities and hidden gems in Knoxville, including unique experiences lik...

Visit Kingsport—Outdoor Adventure and Economic Growth is the seventh episode in our series promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Our guests are Lara Potter and Chelsea Ketron. Lara is the vice president of Visit Kingsport, and Chelsea is the Director of Marketing. In today's episode, you'll hear all about the unique attractions that make Kingsport a mus...

Discover Greene County—Outdoor Adventure and Economic Growth is the sixth episode in our series promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Our guest, Jeff Taylor, the president and CEO of Greene County Partnership and Discover Greeneville, joins us to discuss the vibrant outdoor life in Northeast Tennessee. In this episode, we dive into how Greene County is b...

Explore Bristol, TN/VA—Outdoors and Tourism Highlights is the fourth episode in our series promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Our guest, Matt Bolas, Executive Director of Explore Bristol, the tourism office for Bristol, TN, and Bristol, VA., unveils deeply rooted insights into the unique twin-city landscape straddling Tennessee and Virginia. Matt shar...

Elizabethton and Carter County, TN Outdoors and Tourism Highlights is the third episode in our series to promote Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. We have the pleasure of journeying into the heart of Northeast Tennessee with Luke Freeman, the tourism director for the scenic region of Elizabethton and Carter County, TN. In this episode, we're peeling back the ...

Northeast Tennessee's Hidden Gem: An Outdoor Guide to Morristown is the second episode in our series to promote Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Anne Ross, the savvy director of tourism for the Morristown Chamber of Commerce, takes us on a virtual journey to the picturesque town of Morristown, Tennessee, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and v...

This episode is the first in a series to promote Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the Outdoor Writers of Association of America's (OWAA) inaugural Field Fest event. Our guests are Alec Castro, the director of sales and public relations for Visit Johnson City, and Allie Bynum, marketing and membership curator for the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. Alec shares highlights of the heart-pumpi...

Melea Hames is the social media manager at Visit North Alabama, also known as the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. She is also the host of the Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast. WHAT WE DISCUSSED How did the idea for the North Alabama Waterfall Trail come about, and what factors were considered when selecting the waterfalls to include on the trail? How has social media played a role in promoting the North Alabama Waterfall Trail and attracting visitors to the region? H...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! Kay Donaldson, the director of the Alabama Bass Trail, is our guest today. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of fishing tournaments and angling in Alabama as Kay shares some incredible insights and experiences with us. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Who influenced Kay's love of fishing in the waters of North Alabama? What are the main reasons people travel to North Alabama for fishing? 3. How has the Alabama Bass Trail expanded marketing efforts in ...

Jackie McGonigal, Coordinator at Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventures Series Podcast today. Jackie is a passionate outdoor educator with a strong background in outdoor leadership, environmental science, and education. Growing up in the community, Jackie spent significant time on the waterways she now teaches on. With a desire to combine her academic knowledge in biology, ecology, and community-based conservation with outdoor recreation, Jackie beca...

Eston Colvin is the Public Relations Coordinator for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. Enjoy our episode with Easton as we discuss all things fishing, angling, conservation, and the delicious eating aspect of Golf Shores and Orange Beach. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED 1. What are some of the different species of fish that can be caught in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area? Which fish are particularly exciting or challenging to catch? 2. What are the opportunities for fishing and outdoor activiti...

Kim Smith, Marketing Director at Heart of Appalachia, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. Recognizing the Coalfield Counties have a unique culture, history, and scenic beauty, the VA Legislature created the Heart of Appalachia in 1993 to tell that authentic story and promote this region as an exciting tourism destination. Focusing our exciting outdoor adventure and serene scenic beauty to encourage Virginia's southwest treasure. Topics Discussed What is the Heart of Appalachia ...