Destination On The Left

Neal Sherman is the founder and President of TAGeX Brands, a global firm that creates marketplaces for surplus equipment, inventory, and other assets. With a sound foundation in the food industry, TAGeX has expanded into other sectors and focuses on generating return on assets and reducing waste. TAGeX Brands connects buyers and sellers in a common marketplace. The industries served include retailers, restaurants, grocery chains, manufacturers, distributors and convenience stores. ​ For over thirty years, TAGeX and its affiliated firms have helped clients deal with the challenges of growth, transition, and decline. Serving up to 35,000 locations per year, TAGeX has been a pioneer in the outsourcing of equipment and facility transitions. The firm boasts a multitude of sales channels that serve clients and customers across the nation. After years of growth and the need for a larger facility, TAGeX Brands relocated its operations from the Washington D.C. area to the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, near Sherman's hometown of Geneva. This move was prompted by his role in the development of a 1,000-acre portion of the former Seneca Army depot. ​ Sherman is a committed member of the Young Presidents Organization, with 20,000 members in 300 Chapters in 100 Countries. He has served in a number of roles for the group including Chapter Chair of the Empire Chapter in Rochester, New York, home of YPO Founder Ray Hickok. Neal chaired the Miami YPO/WPO Global Leadership Conference. In 2017, Neal was inducted into the Fellows Program at the Culinary Institute of America, which is widely recognized as the world's premier culinary college with an industry-wide reputation for excellence and more than 49,000 alumni. ​ Sherman was appointed to the founding Executive Board of the Remanufacturing Industries Council (RIC). The RIC serves as the industry advocate for all sectors engaged in Remanufacturing, a market valued at over $100 billion, employing over 500,000 people. ​ Among a variety of charitable pursuits has been a life-long commitment to cancer causes and disadvantaged youth. Sherman has been honored by a number of organizations including Young Women's College Preparatory School of Rochester, The Center for Youth, and New Leadership for Israel Bonds. His unique experience and perspective on the restaurant and broader business environment has been sought by the media, business leaders, and government officials. He has provided his perspective and analysis to a range of media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, USA Today, The New York Times, Nation's Restaurant News, Franchise Times, and the Restaurant Finance Monitor. Sherman has also spoken at a number of industry conferences. Sherman has a BA in Government from The American University in Washington, D.C., studied Economics at the University of London and received a Masters of Business Administration from New York University. He has been a frequent lecturer on college campuses and an adjunct Professor of Marketing at Columbia Union College. ​ Neal has been married for over thirty years to his wife Pam, a lawyer, actress, syndicated columnist, and global speaker (www.ThePamSherman.com). They have launched two children in the world and live in Rochester, New York. On our podcast, we are joined by Neal Sherman, the founder and President of TAGeX Brands. In our discussion, Neal shares his perspective on the hospitality and food industries amidst the global crisis. He talks about what it will look like when we come out on the other side, and what strategies we can use to thrive during this crisis. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Neal's perspective on the hospitality and food industries amidst the global crisis What the pandemic has done to the restaurant and hospitality industries, and what it will look like when we come out on the other side Strategies that businesses in the hospitality and restaurant industries can use to thrive during this crisis How restaurants are adapting to the limitations of lockdown Some of the initial rollout contingencies we are seeing in Texas, and how restaurants are navigating them How these changes are forcing us to reinvent the restaurant experience How Neal helps businesses monetize what they aren't using Restaurants in Distress Neal Sherman is the founder and President of TAGeX Brands, a global firm that handles all aspects of facility closure and equipment liquidation in the food industry. TAGeX is a mediator between buyers and sellers of restaurant equipment, facilitating transactions in a common marketplace for the betterment of the industry as a whole. On our podcast, Neal shares his perspective on the hospitality and food industries amidst the global crisis. Neal's experience on the operations side of the restaurant business enables him to provide a unique viewpoint on what the pandemic has done to the industry. He talks about what it will look like when we come out on the other side, and what strategies we can use to thrive during this crisis. Change is Inevitable Many of us have seen the numbers depicting the impact that the global pandemic has had on the hospitality and restaurant industries. But Neal Sherman sees them through an entirely different lens. As of last week, 130,000 restaurants were closed in America, eight million people were displaced from their jobs, and the industry will lose about $225B in total. That number is only the operators—if you take into account all of the ancillary industries as well, the numbers are amplified. It is painful to watch, and even more painful to experience, but change is inevitable and we have to figure this out on our own. We can choose to sit in the corner and sulk, or we can get back in the ring and fight—it is our decision to make. Communication is Key The thin margins associated with the hospitality industry contribute to its volatility. But restaurants were not made to sustain protracted periods of time with no business. In most industries, businesses do not operate with a six-month cash reserve, and restaurants have even less of a cushion. They are doing what they can to adapt. Creative twists on take-out and delivery strategies are helping restaurant owners recoup some of their losses. But it is only making up around 10-20%. Restaurants have to balance reopening with what is feasible based on their books, but communication is the key to making it work. Many operators are negotiating sacred topics that are never traditionally negotiated, such as bank loans, rent, vendor terms, etc. It is not going to be easy Website: https://www.tagexbrands.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-sherman-0781016/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tagexbrands/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAGeXBrandsLLC/ Twitter: @TAGexBrands Episode Transcript We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

A true visionary and entrepreneur, Brian has over 13 years of experience in the property management and vacation rental industry. Passionate about the budding potential of investing in the Finger Lakes region, and fueled by his love for the area and the outdoors, Brian was inspired to buy 80+ acres of local farmland. Dreaming of the possibilities this land could offer to the public, he formed Lincoln Hill Farms LCC and hired a team of various individuals with the necessary skills and talents to transform this beautiful farmland into an all-inclusive venue and agricultural attraction. When Brian is not busy working and managing his ventures, he enjoys relaxing with his wife and three children. He also enjoys supporting ROC City Values, a non-profit organization that he founded which sponsors a 5k Walk/Run each June in support of the Rochester City School District. In this episode of Destination on the Left, we are joined by Brian Mastrosimone, owner of Lincoln Hill Farms on Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York state. In our discussion, Brian talks about the challenges of launching his dream business. He also discusses his use of creativity in the development project, which has yielded numerous different types of uses for visiting guests to enjoy. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How the idea for Lincoln Hill Farms was conceived The different expansions and developments Brian spearheaded to make Lincoln Hill Farms what it is today Different types of events and facilities that you will find at the Lincoln Hill Farms compound What Brian has done to help Lincoln Hill Farms stand out from the crowd Brian's vision for Lincoln Hill Farms this year and in the future How Brian is navigating the challenges posed by the global pandemic Successful partnerships and relationships Brian has formed to collaborate and expand Lincoln Hill Farms Advice for people who are looking to become entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism space Lincoln Hill Farms Brian Mastrosimone is the owner of Lincoln Hill Farms, an agricultural attraction and entertainment venue in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. Brian's background in real estate enabled him to realize his vision for developing over seventy acres on Canandaigua Lake into a multipurpose agricultural destination. This project has spanned the last six years and it is finally coming to fruition, but by no means was it an easy ride. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Brian talks about the challenges of launching his dream business. He also discusses his use of creativity in the development project, which has yielded numerous different types of uses for visiting guests to enjoy. A Unique Agricultural Destination Today, Lincoln Hill Farms has expanded to ninety-five acres with three houses, a centralized barn, an event pavilion, and repurposed silos. They do anything from music concerts and family outings to corporate events and weddings. Despite all of the unique attractions that Lincoln Hill Farms has to offer, it is a working farm too. They have animals, an acre garden on which they plan to build a kitchen, and this year they are growing an acre of CBD plants as well. These elements of the farm are not their primary source of revenue, but it adds an extra layer of authenticity to amplify the experience. It takes a creative touch to achieve this type of balance and truly stand out from the crowd. Driven by a Creative Vision One of the main drivers of Brian's creativity is his decision to embrace the farm feel. It is a farm-based more on the space itself and how it is used rather than what the farm produces, and the concept has been unbelievably well received by tourists and locals alike. Everything they do is focused on catering to the visitor's experience and what those transitions will look like. While Brian navigates the challenges posed by the current global pandemic, he and his team continue to find new ways to realize their vision for Lincoln Hill Farms. Website: https://lincolnhillfarms.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mastrosimone-b8306a198/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lincolnhillfarms

Carla Pendergraft is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a B.A. degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has a master's degree in business from Texas State University. Since 1990, she has worked for the Waco Convention Center and Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau, first in the convention sales area and for the last 4 years, as Director of Marketing. Carla is the proud grandmother of Aviana, who is 8 years old, and Rosie, 2 years. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Carla Pendergraft, the Director of Marketing for the Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau, discusses the growth of tourism in Waco, Texas. She walks us through the introduction of tons of new attractions like Magnolia Market at the Silos, and she explains the impact that television shows like Fixer Upper have made on Waco's community and brand. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Carla's journey into the travel and tourism industry What Carla has done to help Waco stand out from the crowd How Waco overcame its negative image and increased tourism How the Waco brand has changed over the last thirty years The main drivers of tourism for Waco and how Carla has leveraged them How CVBs can do their job while serving the locals How destination marketers are playing a role in local support instead of just tourism alone Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau Carla Pendergraft is the Director of Marketing for the Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau in Waco, Texas. Since 1990, Carla has developed a broad perspective on the success of her community and the Waco brand. She was there for the Waco Siege of the Branch Davidians compound and witnessed the rebound of the Waco brand after the smoke cleared. There is a lot to be said about a community's willingness to band together and thrive, especially in times like these. That is why Waco continues to stand out after years with Carla at the helm. In this episode, we talk about the success of the Waco brand and how it has changed throughout Carla's carer. We also discuss the significant impact Magnolia Market at the Silos and Fixer Upper has made on the growth of tourism in Waco. An Uphill Battle Carla fell into the CVB world by accident, but she has been there for thirty years now without having the same job once. There are certainly some glamorous elements to the job, but for the most part, it is all about getting in the trenches and figuring out how to make your destination stand out. Because of Waco's history, standing out was never the problem. It created an uphill battle for destination marketers like Carla who were tasked with shedding Waco's negative image. Texans have always known Waco well, but people across the world determine the appeal of smaller destinations in one or two thoughts—if they are negative, it is a lot harder to market the destination. Putting Waco on the Map As time went on, the Waco community began to develop organically. Baylor was always a major driver of tourism and as the school grew, so did the travel market. Waco became home to many new attractions like the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Texas Rangers Museum, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and it is the birthplace of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Fixer Upper on HGTV. Everyone in Waco has a story about how the television show impacted their life. It completely changed the public perception of Waco and made the CVB's job so much easier. Instead of fighting a negative image, they could focus on using creativity to grow. There is always a way to cut through the noise with creativity and collaboration, and Waco is a testament to that. Website: wacoheartoftexas.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlapendergraft/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/waco-cvb/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WacoCVB/ Twitter: @WacoAndTheHoT

Rebekah Greenhill is the director of sales and marketing at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia. She and her husband, David Greenhill, also own and operate Middleburg Life magazine and Greenhill Stables. They are based in Middleburg during the summer and Wellington, Florida in the winter for the equestrian and polo season. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Rebekah Greenhill, the director of sales and marketing at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, shares Greenhill's story. She explains what brought national and international recognition to this Virginia farm winery. And she talks about some of the strategic partnerships that helped them expand into new markets. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Greenhill Winery & Vineyards shares the Virginia farm life with their guests The different types of strategic partnerships Greenhill formed to grow their business How Greenhill built an entirely unique experience for its visitors What Greenhill is doing to stand out from the crowd The types of visitors that Greenhill is targeting and how they target them How Rebekah has used creativity to solve unique marketing challenges in the wine industry How Greenhill is working with the local community to build its brand Greenhill Winery & Vineyards Last year we had the pleasure of doing an episode with Beth Erickson, the president and CEO of the Loudon Convention & Visitors Association. Loudon County has become the premier region of East Coast wine and Beth provided us with a glimpse into the development of Virginia's wine industry. So, to learn even more about the growth of Virginia's wine scene, we invited Rebekah Greenhill, the director of sales and marketing at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, to join us next. In the latest episode of the Destination on the Left podcast, Rebekah explains how Greenhill designed a unique visitor experience and how they formed strategic partnerships to grow their business. 100% Virginian Wine The Virginia climate poses major challenges for winemakers in the area because the weather is erratic and the soil is not always perfect. So, one of the ways that Greenhill Winery & Vineyards stands out from the crowd is by embracing those challenges and showcasing the unique flavor profiles that they create. Greenhill uses 100% Virginia grapes while other local wineries outsource them, so it makes Greenhill more consistent, but it also captures the essence of Virginia's unique soil and climate. The 100% Virginian wines have received national and international recognition with characteristics that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Build a Unique Visitor Experience Another way that Greenhill Winery & Vineyards has cut through the noise and built their brand is by showcasing their identity as a privately-owned farm winery. Greenhill has truly embraced the farm life and it has been woven into the visitor experience as a whole. Guests get to witness the whole operation, not just the tasting room, and they have cows, honey bees, horses, and much more. Greenhill is inviting its visitors to join this lifestyle and be apart of a unique experience that very few wineries can offer. To learn more about the growth of the Virginia wine industry and what the future holds for Greenhill, listen to the latest episode of Destination on the Left. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenhill-winery-vineyards/about/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenhillWineryVineyards/ Twitter: @GreenhillWine Website: http://experiencegreenhill.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenhillwine/ We will be hosting our second Destination on the Left Virtual Summit featuring 15 amazing speakers that will be held on April 1-3. The great thing about this summit is it's free! There is no travel cost for you and you can do it from the comfort of your own office. Click here to learn more details: https://breaktheicemedia.com/podcast/summit/

For ten years Andria has been leading DMO strategy and development by working with the travel industry to navigate the world of data and analytics. Currently, Andria serves as Senior Director of Tourism and Hospitality at ADARA, providing strategic direction and drives cross-team decision making to grow enterprise opportunities in the Americas. Along with her passion for advancing the travel and tourism industry, Andria brings to the team ten years of destination marketing and research experience, as well as expertise in leveraging data to enhance marketing efficiency and promote DMO advocacy. Prior to joining ADARA Andria spent seven years in research leadership positions for destination marketing organizations, including Research Director roles at Georgia Tourism and Texas Tourism. Andria is an active member of the travel and tourism community, serving on the board of directors for the Travel and Tourism Research Association. She is a proud Texas Aggies receiving both her Bachelor's and Master's degree from Texas A&M University. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Andria Godfrey, the senior director of tourism and hospitality at ADARA, discusses the data evolution in travel and tourism. She explains the importance of using data to tell a story, she talks about privacy and how it affects our access to data, and she explains why we need to better understand human behavior and the 'why' of our visitors. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Andria's journey into the travel and tourism industry The importance of data storytelling How privacy impacts the data we have access to The importance of understanding human behavior and the 'why' of our visitors Different ways that Andria has solved challenges using creativity and collaboration How to personalize your communication with travelers Examples of data that we have access to but may not be considering Using Data in Travel and Tourism Andria Godfrey is the Senior Director of Tourism and Hospitality at ADARA, a company that provides the travel and tourism industry with greater visibility into the needs and wants of in-market travel consumers. They use people-based insights to increase marketing efficiency, foster growth, and maximize the value of a DMO's customer portfolio. In the latest episode of the Destination on the Left podcast, Andria discusses her role at ADARA, the importance of data storytelling, how privacy affects access to different types of data, and why we need to better understand human behavior and the 'why' of our visitors. It's All About the Big Picture Nowadays, it is difficult to find someone who works at a destination that doesn't geek out about data. Artificial Intelligence is commonplace, and it has enabled communities of all sizes to access more data than they've ever had access to before. It is extremely exciting for all DMOs, but it also presents new challenges as we figure out how to use it. Understanding data for a single destination is powerful, but understanding the same data in the context of the travel industry as a whole is unbelievably powerful. That is the ultimate goal as we mold our data into something meaningful. Data That Tells a Story When DMOs understand the story their data is telling relative to the travel and tourism industry as a whole, it enables them to create more effective messaging. For decades, DMOs have designed their communication strategy to tell their destination's story, but using the right data can give that story even more meaning. It can help DMOs direct their communication efforts to the ideal target audience so they can create a real connection. They can articulate why the destination should matter to them and help them understand what they will get out of their experience. To learn more about ADARA's work with data collection and measurement in the travel and tourism industry, listen to the latest episode of Destination on the Left. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andria-godfrey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/adaraglobal/ Website: adara.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdaraGlobal/ Twitter: @AndriaNGodfrey @adaraglobal We will be hosting our second Destination on the Left Virtual Summit featuring 15 amazing speakers that will be held on April 1-3. The great thing about this summit is it's free! There is no travel cost for you and you can do it from the comfort of your own office. Click here to learn more details: https://breaktheicemedia.com/podcast/summit/ Episode Transcript We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Tanner Knorr manages EplerWood International's new business, develops the newsletter, and continues to build a presence for the company via public relations, social media, and events. Tanner holds a Bachelor's in Archaeology and a Master's in Administrative Studies, concentrating in Economic Development and Tourism Management from Boston University. He was also a Teaching Assistant at Harvard Extension. He owns a business called Off Season Adventures that strives for sustainable tourism practices in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Nepal, and is the President of Second Look Worldwide, a 501(c)(3) organization that sponsors infrastructure improvements around tourism destinations in the developing world. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Tanner Knorr, the Program Manager at EplerWood International and the Founder of Off Season Adventures, joins us to talk about Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism. He discusses the impact of crisis scenarios and overtourism on destinations, and explains what we can do to manage unaccounted for destination costs to provide local infrastructure and protection of eco and sociocultural systems for tourism and local people. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How to access The Invisible Burden Report, a report that helps destinations uncover and account for hidden costs to protect and manage vital assets worldwide Why The Invisible Burden Report can help DMOs support responsible tourism growth The primary goal of The Invisible Burden Report and how it came about Who was involved in the collaborative effort it took for The Invisible Burden Report to materialize The individual subsectors of a destination that are affected by overtourism Phase two of the research report and what we can expect to see The key findings of last year's research report The concept of holistic accounting and how it works Collaboration in a Time of Crisis Tanner Knorr is the Program Manager at EplerWood International and Owner and Founder of Off Season Adventures. He is a self-proclaimed sustainable tourism entrepreneur who is dedicated to making infrastructure improvements around tourism destinations in the developing world. Through our conversation, Tanner discusses the recently-released research study, Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism. At a time when our industry is in turmoil due to the impacts of the global pandemic, there is an opportunity to open our minds to new ideas and possibilities. Download the research report and start understanding what we can do to support responsible tourism growth. The Invisible Burden The Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism report was put together by EplerWood International, the Cornell Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise and The Travel Foundation in the UK. The main goal of this report is to uncover the "invisible burden" of tourism which Tanner defines as the unaccounted for destination costs to provide local infrastructure and protection of eco and sociocultural systems for tourism and local people. It is difficult enough for destinations to find those pieces of the puzzle, so EplerWood International and its collaborators are stepping in to help them manage and finance more efficiently. Overtourism When we talk about The Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism report, there are a number of different subsectors of a destination that are affected. When tourism populations exceed the populations of the destination, we start to see destinations crack under the weight of it. It affects things like energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, solid waste, sewage, and other natural and social capital. Tanner Knorr and his associates are working diligently to mitigate the risks of overtourism and manage the issues that have already arisen. Currently, they are working on phase two of The Invisible Burden where they will provide the necessary skills training to people on the ground. Website: http://www.eplerwoodinternational.com/ https://offseasonadventures.com/ Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism Report: https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/invisible-burden/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-c-knorr-40a2a666/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/off-season-adventures-llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/eplerwood-international/about/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OffSeasonAdventures Twitter: @tannercknorr @EplerWood

Jim Bartoo has been the director of marketing and public relations at Nashville Zoo since 1999. During that time, he has seen the Zoo grow from local awareness to national and international recognition with more than 1.2 million guests visiting in 2019. Before coming to Nashville, Jim spent seven years marketing the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, OH. He is accomplished in all aspects of marketing and communications initiatives across the Zoos owned, earned and paid platforms. Jim lives in the Bellevue area (southwest Nashville) with his wife Carole and two daughters, Emma and Grace. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Jim Bartoo, the Marketing and Public Relations Manager of the Nashville Zoo, joins us to share his story. He discusses the challenges of marketing a zoo when the destination brand experience is Music City, and he shares the creative solutions his organization has developed to fit into Nashville's brand. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Nashville Zoo's Expedition Peru exhibit received top honors in exhibit design by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Why the women's bathroom at the Expedition Peru exhibit as well as the men's room in the Zoo's Entry Village were named America's Best Bathrooms by Cintas in 2019 Jim Bartoo's journey to becoming the Marketing and Public Relations Manager of the Nashville Zoo How Jim's role has changed over twenty years with Nashville Zoo What Jim and his team have done to help the Nashville Zoo stand out from the crowd Why Nashville Zoo shifted its focus from the local market to the visitor market a couple of years ago Why construction can create a negative effect on your visitor audience How the Nashville Zoo went from a work-in-progress to a full-fledged destination How Jim's team responds to actionable visitor reviews Nashville Zoo Jim Bartoo is the Marketing and Public Relations Manager of the Nashville Zoo. He is a lighthearted and enlightening individual who brings so much value to the table. Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, a light-hearted conversation that doesn't harp on the widespread panic is a much-needed change of pace. Jim discusses the challenges of marketing a zoo when the destination brand experience is Music City, and he shares the creative solutions his organization has developed to fit into Nashville's brand. His perspective on partnerships and collaborations are invaluable, and he has helped bring more than 1.2 million visitors through the gates in the last year. Adaptive Marketing Nashville has a large tourism market and visitors have a certain expectation when they travel there. Being a zoo in the market has been very challenging, but Jim has learned a lot in his twenty years there. At first, it was about letting people know they were there in the first place. The marketing efforts were initially designed to get the local populace over to the zoo to sample what was going on. Discounted or free admission, promotional events, and fundraisers were just some of the ways they managed to draw traffic. But as things progressed, Jim and his team were able to focus on promoting specific exhibits and events at the zoo itself. People became more familiar with it over time, but that does not detract from the challenge Jim faced in separating the zoo from the city. Becoming a Destination When you talk about destination marketing, everything is very brand-centric. DMOs are responsible for fulfilling the brand experience they create and ensuring that the experience a visitor has circles back to the brand itself. But that is difficult to achieve when your experience is not complete. Nashville Zoo struggled to wow visitors while major exhibits were being built because the guests felt as though they were missing out on something. When the Expedition Peru exhibit was completed, however, visitors could finally navigate a continuous circuit of attractions. Jim shifted the marketing focus from building anticipation and began to construct the identity of the zoo as a destination. The zoo is not a place for live music or drinking, so they are not the poster child of the Music City brand. But their hard work and creative marketing have put them on the map anyway. Website: www.nashvillezoo.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bartoo-4b80377/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nashville-zoo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillezoo Twitter: @JimBartoo @NashvilleZoo

Erica Paolicelli is a Partner at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates and War Horse Brewing Company located in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Erica joined the company in 2007, before it opened its doors and helped grow the destination and brand which now sees 150,000+ visitors annually, has distribution regionally to over 300 locations, and employs 150 full and part-time employees. The campus at Three Brothers houses Iron Heart Coffee Company, a café serving lunch (and soon to be dinners) daily and also hosts private events. Erica is a strategic planner, marketer and brand builder at heart with a keen business sense. She serves on several regional boards including the IDA, the NY Wine Industry Association, the Finger Lakes Community College Advisory Board, and Geneva Community Projects. Together with her colleagues, Erica is one of the founders of the successful Rose Soiree held annually in downtown Geneva which has raised $30k in funds donated to local community organizations. Erica is a firm believer that the rising tide raises all ships and she thinks it's her calling to inspire collaboration within her community to help the Finger Lakes continue to be recognized as a premier destination on a global scale. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Erica Paolicelli, Partner at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates and War Horse Brewing Co., explains how she and her team are responding to the current coronavirus pandemic. She discusses the creative solutions they thought up and implemented since the shelter-in-place and social distancing restrictions have gone into effect. And she talks about the unique visitor experiences that make Three Brothers Winery a destination in and of itself! What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Three Brothers Winery is a destination in and of itself Why the experiences offered at Three Brothers Winery are unlike any other wineries in the country How Three Brothers is developing products like their new wine spritzer to accommodate curbside pickup and delivery Why Three Brothers decided to lean into their online presence in response to the global pandemic How Erica and her team are responding to the current coronavirus pandemic Creative solutions that Three Brothers has thought of and implemented since the shelter-in-place and social distancing restrictions have gone into effect How Three Brothers is using old school communication techniques to garner support from the local community The Ultimate East Coast Wine Destination Erica Paolicelli is a Partner at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates and War Horse Brewing Company located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region in New York State. In our discussion, Erica shares so many creative ideas about how to navigate the coronavirus pandemic in the travel and tourism industry. Erica and her team have thought up and implemented innovative solutions in response to the shelter-in-place and social distancing restrictions have gone into effect. And their ability to use creativity and collaboration is one of the many reasons Three Brothers Winery is a destination in and of itself! Rally Around a Vision Erica started with Three Brothers as an intern before the winery was anything like it is today. Over time, she moved from $15/hour to a 1% share in the company and, eventually, she started buying stock as well. Erica became a partner because she believes in Dave Mansfield's vision, and that vision made Three Brothers what it is today. It is no small task for a leader to energize people around their vision or to keep their ego out of the mix. Dave did both, and his ability to see what Three Brothers could become combined with Erica's drive and ability to execute led Three Brothers to become one of the top wineries in the Finger Lakes region. Use Creativity to Open New Streams of Revenue The Three Brothers campus has three wineries and a brewery, each with an entirely unique experience from shopping to food and entertainment—it is Disney World for adults. The creativity that makes Three Brothers a destination has also helped them navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Luckily, they have been deemed an essential business because they are a beverage manufacturer, but the tasting rooms and communal spaces have been shut down. They decided to lean into their online presence to engage their current audience to drum up excitement for future events. They are generating long-form content to add value to their customers and give their readers something to look forward to. They are even doing wine slushies to-go which has driven pick-up orders significantly, and they added merchandise to the website. Coupled with a push for real conversations between Three Brothers leadership and their clientele, Erica and her team have seen an outpour of support from the local community and wine lovers all over. Website: https://www.3brotherswinery.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-paolicelli-67700912/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-brothers-winery-and-estates-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3BrothersWineries Twitter: @Erica3Bro @3BrosWine

A thirty-plus year veteran of the Travel & Tourism industry, Amir leads the entire Longwoods international team responsible for the development and execution of all facets of the organization from program development to customer acquisition and retention. He joined Longwoods in 2015 from his previous role as Vice President, Partner Engagement with Brand USA, the public-private partnership serving as the destination marketing organization dedicated to increasing international visitation to the US. He led the team responsible for helping to increase Brand USA's partnership base and ensuring that participants received excellent service throughout Brand USA's deployment of joint marketing programs. During his tenure, Brand USA grew its base to 475 partners, comprised of destination marketing organizations, convention and visitor bureaus, attractions, travel brands, airlines, and tour operators. Prior to joining Brand USA, Amir served as Director of the Ohio Office of Tourism. Under his leadership, the state's marketing programs realized a tremendous return on investment and contributed to the growth of the state's $40 billion tourism economy. The programs he developed leveraged industry and nontraditional partnerships that generated $14 in new state and local taxes for every $1 invested and included active participation by thousands of Ohio's tourism-related businesses. He has also served as Executive Vice President of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, Assistant Director of the Ohio Tourism Division, and Sales & Marketing Manager with the Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau. He has been recognized with a number of Industry honors including Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing award (2014) by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI); The Ohio Tourism Industry's Highest Honor, The Paul Sherlock Award; and The State of Ohio Distinguished Service Medal. Amir holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Dayton. In this episode of Destination on the Left, Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International, joins us to share his story and talk about market research in travel and tourism. Amir discusses some of the trends he has seen as DMOs rush to respond to the COVID-crisis, and he talks about the changes in traveler sentiment as the pandemic continues to unfold. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Amir's journey into destination marketing and the travel and tourism industry How Longwoods Intl. is tracking traveler sentiment How Amir is seeing destinations respond to the global pandemic How Longwoods Intl. is adapting their business model to meet the needs of the COVID-crisis How destinations are using creativity to respond to the pandemic How traveler sentiment has changed since the pandemic was declared a national emergency Why crises produce some of the travel and tourism industry's best work The short term and long term responses we are seeing in DMOs across the country Traveler Sentiment Amidst the COVID-Crisis Amir Eylon is the President and CEO at Longwoods International, a respected leader in market research that helps drive destinations toward their goals. Amir and his team have been tracking traveler sentiment for years, but in the midst of this global pandemic, Longwoods International has started tracking traveler sentiment every week. Their objective is to inform and serve the travel and tourism industry as we collaborate to determine the best response to the COVID-crisis. Researching Traveler Sentiment Amir is a marketer who happens to run a market research company, so he speaks our language. He understands how to use research to produce robust marketing strategies and he has been in the travel and tourism industry for almost thirty-two years. In destination marketing, research not only provides us with a roadmap of where to go, it provides us with information about whether our strategy is working. It enables us to accomplish more with our ideas and resources which is especially important when the going gets rough. A Light at the End of the Tunnel Some of our industry's best work has come out of crises. And be it 9/11, the great recession, or the COVID-crisis, the great minds of travel and tourism have continued to shine by taking creativity, collaboration, and partnerships to a new level. Traveler sentiment has changed drastically since the pandemic was declared a national emergency. The numbers are not necessarily surprising, but it's not all bad news either. The silver lining in all of this is that Americans are still looking to travel in the next six months. Many trips have been postponed or canceled, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a beacon of hope that we will all make it through. Website: https://longwoods-intl.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longwoodsinternational LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-eylon-2242037/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/longwoods-international/about/ Twitter: @AEylon @Lngwds

In this solocast episode of Destination on the Left, BTI's Nicole Mahoney shares her thoughts surrounding the impact of the Coronavirus on travel and tourism since the pandemic took hold. She discusses the components of great leadership and mental strength and explains the importance of each in times of crisis. What You Will Learn in This Episode: BTI's thoughts surrounding the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic after two weeks of lockdown The importance of great leadership in times of crisis Why leadership is defined by behavior, not title alone Steve Farber's LEAP framework and how to apply it to become a stronger leader How to manage fear in times of crisis Scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset and how each plays a role in this crisis The big idea from Charlie Mackesy's book, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" Emerging Leaders in the Coronavirus Pandemic These past couple of weeks have tested every aspect of our businesses. The Coronavirus Pandemic is yet to hit rock bottom, and it has forced us to push the threshold of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in the travel and tourism industry. There are silver linings in this mess if you're willing to look for them, and one of them comes in the form of team members who are stepping up to the plate. In times of chaos, great leaders will emerge in many different capacities. They are not just leaders by title, they are leaders by behavior, and they are keeping the gears turning as everything around us comes to a halt. The Leap Framework If you didn't get a chance to listen, Episode 166 with author and extreme leadership coach, Steve Farber, we talked about what it means to be a leader. In times like these, great leaders are critical to the survival of every organization. Steve's LEAP framework breaks down the components of great leadership so we can apply them and become stronger leaders no matter who we are. Love – Cultivate love; find love in yourself and love in others to lift everyone up. Energy – Create energy around a vision, a direction, or a response to a crisis. Audacity – Inspire our teams to follow us into unchartered territory in search of solutions. Proof – Leaders walk the walk, prove your commitment through action and not just words. Abundance Mindset Even with the right framework, coaching, and mentorship, leaders succumb to human fallacies and emotions take hold. If we are operating from a place of fear, we cannot operate effectively as leaders because it hinders our ability to make decisions for our organizations. In these difficult times, we must step out of the scarcity mindset and assume an abundance mindset. We need to be forward-thinking, open to opportunity, and to serve as a beacon for our communities. It will take all of us working together to make it through the pandemic and start recovering—but the will to do so must start with a positive mindset. Resources: Book Recommendation: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Email: nicole@breaktheicemedia.com Website: www.destinationontheleft.com/summit Website: https://breaktheicemedia.com/ Twitter: @Break_TheIce Facebook: @BreakTheIceMedia