TTIA Texas DMO Empowered

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1 TTIA Texas DMO Empowered June 18-19, 2015 Waco, Texas Barry H. Biggar President/CEO Visit Fairfax (And proud to be called a Texan)

2 Advocacy: The Act of Pleading for, supporting, or recommending; active espousal Lobbying: To solicit or try to influence the votes of members of a Legislative Body. To try to influence the actions of public officials, especially Legislators.

3 Communicate To impart knowledge of; to make known. To give or interchange thoughts, feeling, information, or the like, by writing, speaking etc. To express thoughts, feelings, or information easily, clearly or effectively. Critical tools necessary to communicate clearly and precisely to all stakeholders of a DMO. Language: Spoken and written Intonation; facial expressions; and body language Industry Jargon: what to use and specifically to whom

4 Advocacy. Is it essential? Five years ago I dedicated 10% of my job to advocacy. -Today I dedicate 75% of job to Advocacy. CEO Of a DMO

5 Stakeholders: DMO Board of Directors Local Elected Officials State Elected Officials National Elected Officials Local Government Appointed Officials Local Government Staff; City/County Manager, P&Z, Health, Parks and Rec, Tax Department, Budget/Finance Department, Transportation, Police and Fire Chiefs, Sheriff Local Business Community Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Authority

6 Stakeholders: Residents Community Organizations Educators: Superintendents, Teachers; K-12 and Post Secondary Media; Editorial Staff and Reporters. Print, Electronic Media Hotels Attractions Restauranteurs Retail Employees of the Industry Airport Authorities Travel/Tourism Industry Associations

7 We have a great story to tell! We are an essential element in the Economic Engine of the Destination We are a major tax generator that brings in new, incremental money to the local economy We create infrastructure for use by the visitor that benefits the local citizenry and commerce year round We are critical to the success of other businesses We play the key role in creating the Brand for the destination.

8 What we know For Sure: We cannot get support if they don t know we exist or who we are and what we do. People need to fully understand what we do. Being aware and understand the role of a DMO is KEY to garnering support. When people understand the benefit s visitors provide the community, they are more likely to support our needs. We are vulnerable to adverse funding, government regulation and policy decisions that have big impacts on our Industry. Take nothing for granted, the political winds can change in a moment s notice.

9 Topics of Importance: And how to address them. Relevance-Value Geo/Political Issues Natural and man-made Disasters Financial- Budgetary/Revenue Transparency Justifying Travel and Entertainment Spend Salary Disclosures Product Development Infrastructure Education Economic Development Funding and Funding Models

10 Topics of Importance: How to address them. Convention Center- Costs and Management Sports Venues Social Responsibility Environment-Preservation Quality of Life Outside Competitive Factors OTA s and Third Parties

11 Advocacy is a long term endeavor. A long term perspective is key! Key Stakeholder Worksheet Stakeholder Biographies Attend meetings of your Local Government Attend Town Hall Meetings. Institute town hall meetings. Meet individually with all elected officials Meet individually with all Board of Directors Meet individually with all GM s and Director of Sales Get involved on Committee s, Advisory Boards. You are a resource. Offer your expertise. Stay informed, Discuss the issues, Get on Record, Volunteer.

12 Thank you! Question and Answers (Hopefully)