Episode 39: Making the Most of Destinations International Annual Convention with Julie Dennett

Episode 39: Making the Most of Destinations International Annual Convention with Julie Dennett

Whether you're attending your first Destinations International Annual Convention or your fifteenth, this episode is your guide to getting the most out of the industry's biggest gathering. Caleb sits down with Julie Dennett, Senior Vice President of Membership Engagement at Destinations International, to discuss how attendees can maximize their conference experience—from building meaningful relationships and choosing the right sessions to turning inspiration into action back home. They also explore why community is at the heart of DI, how first-time attendees can feel welcome, and the trends shaping the future of destination organizations. If you're heading to Portland—or simply want to become a better tourism leader—this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make every conversation count. Register for Give Me Some Good News Karaoke in Portland here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI1f-_KNpe2EwQServfYKU-4NHyxSqVwyMS2MTrzEgzfmzqQ/viewform [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnkd%2Ein%2Fekp_yyAv&urlhash=ZOY4&mt=fbwexe3F5LGILxs_jXULTLjmLy8NCrzVISO2aG9RnHCoAX-1LwckfHOpSPqHrRzE3JZNaR_WTywNHVI1eot_IgdWJ0vd7NbwzQSEhdVlv8Rgc1_z83IPzB7IbQ&isSdui=true]

Good News from TTRA | Dr. Jeremy Fairley— Turning Data Into Action

Welcome to Good News from TTRA, recorded live from the 2026 TTRA Annual International Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. In this kickoff in-person episode, host Caleb Sullivan sits down with tourism researcher, educator, and thought leader Jeremy Fairley (Greater Insights) for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving relationship between data, leadership, and destination decision-making. Jeremy shares insights from his work bridging academia and industry, including his perspective on why tourism organizations struggle to turn data into action, how destinations can move beyond reporting into real insight, and why collaboration—not silos—is the future of tourism research. The conversation also explores Jeremy’s journey from PhD researcher to professor and practitioner, the importance of teaching and lifelong learning, and how the tourism industry can better connect research, storytelling, and real-world strategy. This episode sets the tone for the TTRA series: thoughtful, honest, and focused on the future of tourism leadership and innovation.

Episode 38: Accessibility Is Hospitality with Kristy Durso

In Episode 38 of Give Me Some Good News, Caleb chats with accessibility advocate, speaker, travel advisor, and founder of Incredible Memories Travel, Kristy Durso, for a powerful conversation about making travel more inclusive for everyone. Drawing from her lived experience as a wheelchair user, military veteran, mother, and tourism professional, Kristy shares how accessible travel impacts far more people than most destinations realize. Together, they discuss why accessibility should move beyond compliance checklists, how destinations can better communicate with travelers of all abilities, and why some of the best accessibility innovations ultimately create better experiences for every visitor. From adaptive surfing in California to creative ways destinations are making Dark Sky experiences accessible, this episode is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable ideas for destination marketers, hospitality professionals, and community leaders. If you've ever wondered how your destination can become more welcoming, more inclusive, and ultimately more successful, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Episode 37: The Work Nobody Claps For: Leadership Lessons from the Florida Keys with Kara Franker

What does it take to lead one of America's most iconic tourism destinations? In Episode 37, Caleb sits down with Kara Franker, President & CEO of the Florida Keys and Key West, to discuss her remarkable journey from prosecutor and journalist to destination marketing leader. Kara shares how she helped rebuild the Florida Keys tourism organization from the ground up, the importance of doing "the work nobody claps for," and why successful destination marketing starts with earning trust from residents. The conversation also explores AI adoption in tourism, community engagement, destination stewardship, and what it means to attract the right visitors—not just more visitors. Plus, Kara reflects on protecting the unique character of the Keys, restoring coral reefs, and creating a future where tourism works with communities instead of happening to them. If you're a destination leader, marketer, or tourism professional, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, change management, and building better tourism for everyone.

Episode 36: The Forest Beyond the Trees - Leveraging Partnerships for Shared Success with Thomas Salley

Thomas Salley returns to Give Me Some Good News as our first-ever repeat guest to discuss his transition from destination marketing organization (DMO) leader to agency professional and what he's learning from the other side of the table. Together, we explore how AI is changing trip planning, why destination marketers need a more dynamic and holistic strategy, and why authenticity remains the most valuable asset a destination can have. We also dive into the importance of strong vendor partnerships, the role of DMOs as community stewards, and why a consultative approach will always outperform a transactional one in tourism. If you're wondering what the future holds for destination marketing, this conversation is full of practical insights and plenty of good news.