The DMO's real job (beyond the transaction)
If the booking disappears, what's the job? Residents. Stewardship. Community.
If AI takes the transaction — and there's a real chance it does — the DMO's remaining job is everything that isn't the transaction. That's where this pillar lives: residents, stewardship, community impact, economic development, the full visitor journey before and after the booking window. The episodes here are the show's longest-running sincere argument (as opposed to its provocations). Nobody on the show thinks DMOs are about to disappear if they can't prove transactional ROI. But everyone on the show believes the DMO that matters in 2030 will be structured around a different question than the one it was built to answer.
6 recent episodes.
Why Aren't DMOs and Vacation Rentals Working Together?
Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe on the relationship the industry keeps avoiding — and what agentic AI is about to do to it anyway.
Are DMOs Facing an Identity Crisis?
Christian Mengel joins live from an airport with three 2026 predictions — and one uncomfortable question about what a DMO is actually for.
Should DMOs Be Responsible for Visitor Safety?
Jason Holic of Experience Kissimmee on the water-safety work his team has taken on — and whether stewardship is the DMO's job or someone else's.
Are Silos Holding DMOs Back?
Danielle Hollander of Visit Orlando on why most DMOs are five organizations wearing the same logo — and what it actually takes to fix that.
What Happens to DMOs When Everything Changes?
A solo, therapy-style episode Stuart opens up in. Widely cited by guests in later episodes as the moment the show earned its reputation.
How Have Our Views Changed After 50 Episodes?
Adam and Stuart revisit their biggest mind-changes. A rare look at hosts willing to be wrong on the record.
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