Mary Charleson was thrilled to serve as a lead judge for one of the most important destination marketing organizations in the United States - the U.S. Travel Association, and their annual ESTO Awards. The 2023 awards includ the Destinations Council DESTINY AWARDS, and the National Council of State Tourism Directors MERCURY AWARDS. This is the second consecutive year that Mary … [Read more...]
Ethics & AI: considerations and tools for marketers
Discussions around artificial intelligence these days seem full of hyperbole. Often the outcome is to drive opinions into one of two directions. AI is evil. It will steal jobs, spread misinformation and leave us divided and destitute while we burn and float away. AI is a gift. Sent from the internet Gods, it will increase our productivity, creativity, and leave us sipping … [Read more...]
Marketing as Community Development
A number of years ago I had the pleasure of working with a visionary leader at City University Canada - a Canadian university belonging to a US based private, not for profit, parent brand. CityU Canada has campuses in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton and specializes in delivering graduate degree programs for working adults in the areas of Master of Education and Master … [Read more...]
Playing the Long Game on Social Media
We live in a world fueled by instant gratification. So when someone suggests you be patient and play the long game, it might require some convincing. This post makes the case for playing the long game in your approach to organic reach on social media - with two specific platforms: YouTube & LinkedIn. Picking your platform When considering the best social media platform … [Read more...]
Marketing with Customer Service: the Southwest Airlines debacle
Southwest Airlines, the much-loved US based bargain priced flight carrier was the benchmark for customer service and low priced flights, which WestJet emulated in Canada when they first launched. A disruptive low-cost structure allowed them to be price competitive, while delivering a customer focused attitude of fun in the skies which, endeared them to the hearts of many … [Read more...]
