Destination On The Left
384 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 107 ratingsDestination On The Left is a travel and tourism industry podcast hosted by Travel Alliance Partnership. Each episode explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices for both consumer and travel trade marketing programs. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry.
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Episodes
Episode 34: Find the Right Role for Every Team Member, with Larry Broughton
July 26, 2017 08:00 - 40 minutes - 55.5 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how to create a fiercely loyal team from Larry Broughton. Larry Broughton is an award-winning hotelier and entrepreneur, CEO, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and former US Army Green Beret. As Founder and CEO of Orange County, California-based broughtonHOTELS, CBS News has called Larry the nation’s foremost expert on leadership and entrepreneurship, while the host of Travel Channels hit show, Hotel Impossible, says he is, among the top hospitality...
Episode 33: Give Family Travelers the Resources they Need, with Rainer Jenss
July 19, 2017 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MBIn this episode, you will learn about family travel and the options families have beyond Disney World, from Rainer Jenss. Rainer Jenss brings a wealth of experience and expertise as President and Founder of the Family Travel Association. Before putting his professional expertise and personal passion to the ultimate test by traveling around the world for a year with his wife and two young children in 2009, Rainer was a Vice President and thirteen-year veteran of the National Geographic Soci...
Episode 32: Give Your Customers the Tools They Need, with Cassandra Harrington
July 12, 2017 08:00 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBIn this episode, you will learn about America’s first wine trail from Cassandra Harrington, Executive Director of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Cassandra has been director of the CLWT since December of 2014. In her time with the Trail, she and her coworker Kathy have completely rebranded the organization, have increased event attendance and have generated a solid social media presence. Cassandra has years of experience working in the tourism industry, having held positions at various winerie...
Episode 31: The Building Blocks of Social Media, with Camille Zess
June 14, 2017 08:00 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how social media helped Casa Larga Vineyards have a great 2016 from Camille Zess, consultant at Break the Ice Media. By the time Camille left college she was already an accomplished writer. As a writing minor, she took many classes in different types of writing including memoir, which involves real storytelling. And storytelling is key in marketing communications, advertising and public relations. She also trained intensively in grammar and in teaching...
Episode 30: Using Partnerships to Increase Customer Purchases, with Rose Hapanowich
June 07, 2017 08:00 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MBIn this episode, you will learn about generating return visits from customers who stop at a stopover destination from Rose Hapanowich. Rose Hapanowich is director of travel and tourism for Destiny USA. Rose has an extensive background in retail as a result of working in department store, specialty shop and outlet shopping venues prior to joining the management team of Carousel Center, initially as Assistant Marketing Director and later as Director of Marketing, where she successfully ass...
Episode 29: How to Manage a Destination in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, with Drew Broderick
May 31, 2017 08:00 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBIn this episode, you will learn about managing a destination through all four season from Drew Broderick. No day is ever the same for Drew Broderick, director of sales and marketing for Bristol Mountain and Roseland Adventure Attractions, which is comprised of Bristol Mountain Ski Area and Fall Sky Rides, Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures and Zip Line Canopy Tours, Roseland Waterpark, and Roseland Wake Park. Her enthusiasm for tourism and attractions began with a summer college internsh...
Episode 28: Collaborative Programs Bring Regions Together, with Sarah Blackwell
May 24, 2017 08:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBIn this episode, you will learn about programs that bring together counties, hotels, amusement parks, and more from Sarah Blackwell. Sarah Blackwell joined BTI in 2013, bringing a fresh perspective, creativity and attention to detail to every client project she works on. A highly talented writer, she becomes the “voice” of many diverse clients for their stories and blogs — no easy trick. It takes tremendous imagination to write about winter attractions when it’s eighty degrees and summer o...
Episode 27: A Collaborative Region is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts, with Laury Poland
May 17, 2017 08:00 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how regions can collaborate together and pool resources to do things together that they could not do alone from Laury Poland. As president of Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association (FLWCTMA), Laury Poland is responsible for creation, coordination, administration and implementation of all FLWCTMA programs and initiatives to promote economic development in the Finger Lakes region of the state of New York. A native of Rockville, Maryland,...
Episode 26: Build Relationships with People that Bring Customers in Your Door, with David Stern
May 10, 2017 08:00 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how to get 50% of all your customers from referrals. Driven by a conviction that the business of selling creates freedom, David brings an exceptional 40-year career as a salesperson, speaker, coach, and author of “Are you for real?!” (Aviva, 2015), an inspiring sales-career survival guide. He empowers all types of individuals to new heights thanks to his time-tested methodologies, an ability to motivate others beyond their expectations, and his genuine...
Episode 25: Attracting Visitors to All of the Wonderful Museums in New York State, with Erika Sanger
May 03, 2017 08:00 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how the Museum Association of New York (MANY) is consistently growing their tourism efforts from Erika Sanger. Erika Sanger joined MANY (Museum Assoc. Of New York) after serving twelve years as the Director of Education at the Albany Institute of History and Art. There she provided vision for the development of programs for adults, children, schools, and families, focusing on object-based learning and digital initiatives. She had led the institute’s di...
Episode 24: Tourism Professionals as Lifestyle Developers, with Valerie Knoblauch
April 26, 2017 08:00 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBIn this episode, you will learn about why collaboration at the regional level makes a huge difference from Valerie Knoblauch. Valerie is President and CEO of the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection where she has worked since 1984 when she was hired as the organization’s first employee. In her role, she is responsible for guiding a team of tourism marketing professionals who are charged with promoting all of the fun experiences offered in Ontario County and the Finger Lakes region. Valerie thr...
Episode 23: Get Locals Engaged in Tourism, with Brittany Gibson
April 19, 2017 08:00 - 37 minutes - 51.5 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how leveraging your social media in the tourism industry can help you to bring in more visitors from Brittany Gibson. In her capacity at the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, Brittany is responsible for promoting Schuyler County’s tourism industry by creating and implementing tourism marketing and public relations programs. She is also responsible for developing and implementing programs to increase the visibility and credibility of the Chamber. B...
Episode 22: Content is King, with Ramjee Chandran
April 12, 2017 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBIn this episode, you will learn from Ramjee Chandran about the evolution of tourism publishing, and why creative content is as important now as it was in 1989. Ramjee Chandran is an entrepreneur, writer, publisher, and musician with 27 years of publishing experience. As a journalist, his articles have been published in India and other countries. Most of Chandran’s publishing career involved magazines related to the tourism industry including city guides and business travel magazines – both...
Episode 21: Creating Experiential Opportunities, by Debbie Meritsky
April 05, 2017 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MBIn this episode, you will learn about the importance of creating opportunities for both guests and other small businesses from Debbie Meritsky. Debbie is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute and has worked in the food industry for over 30 years with an emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Debbie is co-owner of the Black Sheep Inn & Spa located in Hammondsport in the Finger Lakes region of NYS. As the Inn chef, she is an avid proponent of sourcing local organic food...
Episode 20: How Activity & Collaboration Feed Off of Each Other, with Jacob Taddy
March 29, 2017 08:00 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBIn this episode, you will learn about non-profits in the travel and tourism industry from Jacob Taddy. Jacob Taddy is the founder and Executive Director of Onwards, a non-profit organization connecting people through unique travel experiences that empower local entrepreneurs. After working on service projects in the Navajo Nation, Skid Row in Los Angeles, and construction sites throughout the US and the Caribbean, Onwards was born when founder Jacob Taddy recognized a need to shift how he,...
Episode 19: 10 Strategies for Successful Collaborations, with Nicole Mahoney
March 15, 2017 08:00 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBYou have heard our guests talk about co-opetition- that really cool thing that happens when competitors come together to collaborate on a project or program in order to create something bigger than they could have done on their own. This podcast recaps ten strategies for successful collaborative partnerships that we have learned from our guests. What you’ll learn about in this episode: Strategy #1: Communication — why clear communication requires talking on the phone or in person — not ju...
Episode 18: Attracting Visitors to All of New York State, with Gavin Landry
March 08, 2017 09:00 - 41 minutes - 56.4 MBIn this episode, you will learn about how New York is consistently growing their tourism efforts from Gavin Landry, the former Executive Director of Tourism at Empire State Development. Gavin Landry joined Empire State Development (ESD) as the Executive Director of Tourism in March of 2013. Mr. Landry’s appointment came at a time of continued tourism growth across New York State and amidst the launch of a series of new tourism initiatives by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Thanks to the support ...
Episode 17: How to Work with the Media to Change Public Misconceptions, with Mike Linehan
March 01, 2017 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MBThis episode is a little different from most. We will be hearing from a tireless advocate and NYS tourism industry promoter, Mike Linehan. This interview was recorded in October 2016. Mike was gracious in volunteering to be one of Destination on the Left’s first interviews. He was very patient with me and my audio team as we were learning the ropes of podcast production. Mike and I had a fantastic conversation and he shared many insights from his 30 years in the tourism industry. The audio...
Episode 16: Every Traveler Makes A Difference, with Kristy Kennedy
February 22, 2017 09:00 - 35 minutes - 49 MBIn this episode, you will learn how every traveler makes a difference from Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing and The Director of Tourism for the Adirondack Coast Visitor Bureau (ACVB), a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. Kristy has been with the ACVB since 2008. In her current role, Kristy leads the Visitors Bureau’s efforts in developing and implementing a yearly strategic marketing plan to increase tourism in Clinton County. A Plattsburgh native and a graduat...
Episode 15: How to Build a Destination’s Brand When You Don’t Have One Massive Asset, with David Holder
February 15, 2017 09:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBIn this episode, you will learn about what can be done to build a destination’s brand from David Holder, the former President of Visit Syracuse. David Holder did not grow up in Central New York, as you’ll recognize from his slight southern drawl and love of cheese grits. He may not be a native but he is definitely one of the area’s greatest cheerleaders. A love of the outdoors, weather (yes, you heard correctly), great food, and overall quality of life drive David’s passion for the Syracus...
Episode 14: Use Measurements and Track Conversions, with Ralph Thompson
February 08, 2017 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.7 MBIn this episode, you will learn about tracking conversions from Ralph Thompson, President and Chief Brain of eBrains. Formally trained as in finance and as a CPA, Ralph gained basic experience with Price Waterhouse Coopers and then moved on to NYSE regional banking firm where he advanced to become a top finance and administration executive over 10 years. He took his first entrepreneurial step as co-owner and COO of The Martin Agency (an Ad Age Agency of the Year) where he grew the company ...
Episode 13: Creating a Niche Culinary Trail, with Meg Vanek
February 01, 2017 09:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this episode, you will learn about working with partners to create a niche culinary trail from Meg Vanek. Meg Vanek is the executive director of the Cayuga County Convention and Visitors Bureau and has served in this capacity for 20 years. She is originally from the Finger Lakes but left the region at 17, graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and worked in the property management and hospitality industries in southern California and England for 14 years before re...
Episode 12: How to Use Partnerships in the Travel and Tourism Industry, with Kelly Rapone
January 18, 2017 09:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBIn this episode, you will learn about using partnerships to maximize effect from Kelly Rapone. Kelly has been Tourism Marketing Director at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in the Buffalo Niagara region of NYS for the past 13 years, and a part of the Chamber’s Tourism program for 18 years. In her role, Kelly manages implementation and development of the overall tourism marketing program for Genesee County. In addition to her work at the county level, Kelly has been instrumental in se...
Episode 11: Put Yourself in the Client’s Shoes, with Colleen Knopeck
January 11, 2017 09:00 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode, you will learn the skills that transfer from working client side to agency side and traits every PR professional should have, from Colleen Knopeck, Associate Consultant at Break The Ice Media. Colleen uses her passion for writing and storytelling as an Associate Consultant at Break The Ice Media. She brings with her demonstrated success in proactive media relations and brand marketing communications for B2B, B2C, and B2E audiences. Colleen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Comm...
Episode 10: How to Use #Hashtags and Instagram, with Jessica Reilly
January 04, 2017 09:00 - 15 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode, you will learn about using hashtags over a variety of social media channels and how to use Instagram effectively from Jessica Reilly, Associate Consultant, at Break The Ice Media. Jessica is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Political Science. She started at Break The Ice Media in 2016 and brings with her a duality of knowledge, combining her classical PR training with marketing skills. She has a passion for social media and ana...
Episode 9: How to Use Facebook Campaigns, with Camille Zess
December 21, 2016 09:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBIn this episode, you will learn about Facebook ad campaigns from Camille Zess, Consultant at Break The Ice Media. Camille is adept at working in the digital media space. Her passion for creating online and email marketing campaigns shows in the high quality and creative work that she produces. She is an accomplished writer, creating content for social media, websites, blogs, the press, advertising, journalism, and research writing. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hiram Col...
Episode 8: Treat Your Guests as VIPs, with Rhonda Vaccaro
December 14, 2016 09:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBIn this episode, you will learn about destination marketing strategies, the benefits of FAM trips, and strategies for businesses to prepare for groups from Rhonda Vaccaro, Vice President and Senior Consultant at Break The Ice Media. Rhonda has more than 20 years sales and new business development experience. She has worked in technology, environmental services and hospitality and travel industries. She is a master at creating relationships, working with prospects and turning them into sale...
Episode 7: Crafting the Perfect Media FAM Trip, with Sarah Blackwell
December 07, 2016 09:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBSarah Blackwell is a Consultant at Break The Ice Media. Sarah brings knowledge of the public relations industry to her work at Break the Ice Media, including the ability to write, pitch, and tell a great story. Her experience working with journalists and passion for PR and social media has allowed her to help her clients get great exposure and effectively connect with their target audience. She is a graduate of The College at Brockport, SUNY, with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Broadc...
Episode 6: The 5 Most Important Trends in the Travel Industry, with Nicole Mahoney
November 30, 2016 09:00 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBNicole Mahoney started Break The Ice Media in 2009 in response to the evolving needs of small- to medium-sized businesses, in particular, the rise of social media. Break The Ice Media is a boutique marketing and communications firm with a focus on travel, tourism, food, wine, and hospitality. As CEO, Nicole is responsible for working with clients to understand their marketing needs, develop strategic marketing plans and execute those plans. She is also responsible for building a team that ca...
Episode 5: How to Find Great Partnerships, with Jennifer Ackerson
November 16, 2016 09:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBJennifer Ackerson is President and Founder of ALON Marketing Group, a respected tourism sales and marketing consulting company. She specializes in effective strategic development for growing travel and tourism supplier businesses with a focus on B2B and travel-trade client relationship building. Jennifer is a 20-year veteran of the Travel & Tourism industry with experience in the hotel, destinations, attractions and tours, transportation, restaurant, and travel buyer sectors. Jennifer has ...
Episode 4: You Need to Tell the Right Story, with Glenn Clark
November 09, 2016 09:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MBGlenn Clark is the president and creative director of Clark CSM Marketing & Communications. He has worked as a Designer and Creative Director alongside world-class talent at agencies such as Partners + Napier in Rochester and Eric Mower & Associates in Syracuse prior to founding an award-winning agency. His vision for Clark CSM has always been to create amazing work with an attentiveness to a wide-array of clients while specializing in tourism and destination marketing. His clients will agre...
Episode 3: Creating Mutually Beneficial Partnerships, with Leah Mueller
November 02, 2016 08:00 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MBFor Leah Mueller, traveling is more than a job -- it’s her passion. After earning a degree in Travel and Tourism Management from Niagara University, she went on to study abroad before starting her career. Leah has broad and varied expertise in the hotel, attraction, restaurant, and private company sector. She has been with Visit Buffalo Niagara for over 15 years and was a key partner in expanding their international appeal. What you’ll learn about in this episode: Why passion helps you co...
Episode 2: What Works for the Consumer?, with Kelly Blazosky
October 26, 2016 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBLeah Mueller is the Director of Tourism Sales for Visit Buffalo Niagara. For Leah, traveling is more than a job -- it’s her passion. After earning a degree in Travel and Tourism Management from Niagara University, she went on to study abroad before starting her career. Leah has broad and varied expertise in the hotel, attraction, restaurant, and private company sector. She has been with Visit Buffalo Niagara for over 15 years and was a key partner in expanding their international appeal. W...
Episode 1: Enhance the Visitor Experience, with Daniel Fenton
October 18, 2016 14:54 - 42 minutes - 58 MBDaniel Fenton is an Executive Vice President with JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group. He is a 25-year veteran of the Hospitality and Tourism industries. Daniel led a destination marketing organization that completed a highly successfully re-branding, re-structuring effort that is used as a cutting edge model for others. He is the past Chairman of the Board of Destination Marketing Association International where he launched several initiatives designed to drive more effectiveness in Destinatio...