464. Insights from the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno Part 2, with Nicole Mahoney
Release Date: 02/18/2026
489. Building Collaboration Across Borders and Waterways, with Sally Berry
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sally Berry, Tourism Director for Great Lakes USA and Cruise the Great Lakes. Sally shares how an unexpected career path led her into tourism and eventually to one of the industry’s most collaborative regional organizations. We discuss the power of partnerships, the rapid growth of Great Lakes cruising, and why thinking beyond traditional destination boundaries creates stronger visitor experiences and more resilient communities. Sally also offers practical insights into building meaningful collaborations that benefit destinations,...
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488. Community Conversation: Strengthening Tourism Through Advocacy
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I host a special Community Conversation featuring Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara; Tony Snell-Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion at Visit Milwaukee; Steven Coyle, Director of Government Relations for Transportation Policy at the American Bus Association; and Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. Together, they explore the many dimensions of advocacy in the tourism industry, from legislative engagement and community partnerships to storytelling, relationship building, and...
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487. Building Culinary and Agritourism Through Collaboration: Conversations from the Taste of Place Summit
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, we bring you Part 2 of our Roadshow series recorded live at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, the Summit brought together destination leaders, economic development professionals, and tourism organizations exploring how culinary tourism can strengthen local economies and create more distinctive destination identities. Through conversations with Ellen Walker-Matthews, Elaine Zedack, Eiblis Doherty, Ceri Chong, and Bryanna Kumpula-Yung, we explore how...
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486. Food Tourism Begins with People: Conversations from the Taste of Place Summit
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, we bring you the first of two Roadshow episodes recorded live at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, the Summit gathered culinary tourism and agritourism leaders, destination professionals, farmers, chefs, producers, and artisans from across Canada and beyond to explore how food connects visitors to people, culture, and place. Through conversations with Tam Anderson, Jenni Lessard, James Eddington, Carl-Éric Guertin, and Monica Frost, we uncover a common...
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485. Building Stronger Communities Starts with an Open Mind, with Bradley Kautenburg
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Bradley Kautenburg, Executive Director of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce in Algoma, Wisconsin. Bradley shares how a small lakeside community neighboring some of Wisconsin’s best-known tourism destinations has embraced its authentic character as its greatest strength. We discuss the power of collaboration, the importance of remaining open to change, and how destination leaders can build stronger organizations by focusing on community, partnerships, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions. What You Will Learn in This...
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484. How Research and Collaboration Is Transforming Erie, with Chris Temple
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Temple, Director of Communications at Visit Erie. Chris shares how Visit Erie has transformed its destination brand through an extensive research-driven process, positioning Erie as a four-season destination built around authentic experiences, outdoor recreation, and the lifestyle of the Great Lakes. We also discuss how strategic partnerships, community engagement, and thoughtful destination development are helping Erie build momentum while creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike. What You Will Learn in This...
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483. Leading with Authenticity and Resilience, with Lauren Bennett McGinty
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota. Lauren shares how Minnesota has evolved its destination marketing strategy beyond traditional tourism promotion to focus on storytelling, quality of life, and reputation leadership. We discuss the development of the state's Star of the North brand, how Explore Minnesota responded to unexpected national attention with authenticity and compassion, and why collaboration across agencies, industries, and communities is shaping a stronger future for tourism. Lauren also shares...
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482. Customizable Luxury and Brand Stewardship in Beverly Hills, with Julie Wagner
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau. Julie shares her journey from the cruise and hotel industries to leading one of the world’s most iconic destination brands. We explore how Beverly Hills continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy, the challenges and opportunities of marketing a globally recognized destination, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and destination stewardship. Julie also discusses how Beverly Hills is redefining luxury for the next generation of travelers and...
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481. From Port to Community: Rethinking the Cruise Experience, with Shelly Hartfield
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Shelly Hartfield, Vice President of Destinations for Victory Cruise Lines. Shelly shares how her passion for destinations evolved from a career in maritime operations into a role focused on creating meaningful connections between travelers and communities throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Atlantic Canada, and the U.S. East Coast. We explore the power of collaboration in cruise tourism, how unexpected challenges often lead to remarkable guest experiences, and why destination stewardship, community partnerships, and...
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480. The Power of Crazy Solutions and Human Imagination, with John Franklin Rinehart
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with John Franklin Rinehart, founder of Austin Film Crew. We talk in depth about his latest project in Gonzalez, Texas, and the Texas Legacy in Lights project, a full-scale live-action film projected onto the Gonzalez Memorial Museum. With the film, John is helping the community prepare for future visitors by developing new branding and digital assets that reflect the community. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How John moved from a career in music to becoming a leader in experiential storytelling How thinking differently can create...
info_outlineOn this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with industry leaders from across the country at the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada, to uncover what’s next for destinations, attractions, and travelers. You’ll hear from Josef Kruger of US Ghost Adventures, Aisha Jones of Mystic Seaport Museum, Jana Carter from Visit Annapolis, Kay Calzolari of Visit Winston Salem, Meredith Dollevoet from Cartersville Museum City, Jim Vozzella with 360Chicago, and Debra Tassone from Discover Long Island. Together, they share fresh insights on how storytelling, immersive activities, and hands-on programming are reshaping group experiences.
In this episode, you’ll hear from these industry leaders:
- Josef Kruger: https://usghostadventures.com/
- Aisha Jones: https://mysticseaport.org/
- Jana Carter: https://www.visitannapolis.org/
- Kay Calzolari: https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/
- Meredith Dollevoet: https://cartersvillemuseumcity.com/
- Jim Vozzella: https://360chicago.com/
- Debra Tassone: https://www.discoverlongisland.com/
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How group travel experiences are evolving to focus on immersive storytelling and hands-on engagement
- Strategies for collaboration between destinations, attractions, and local partners
- Trends shaping group travel for 2026, including wellness-focused itineraries and multi-generational groups
- How destinations and attractions are using customizable programming to add value and create memorable moments for visitors
- Why DMOs and attractions are bundling experiences and aligning their offerings to appeal to new travel trends
- Innovative approaches organizations are using to keep travelers engaged before, during, and after their visits
- How getting involved with associations like the ABA contributes to building enduring relationships and fostering continuous growth in the travel industry
Innovation Through Collaboration
Collaboration is no longer a “nice to have”. It’s mission-critical critical. Guests stress the importance of teaming up with regional partners, DMOs, and local organizations. By curating joint itineraries, sharing resources, and feeding each other’s strengths, destinations can offer more complete and compelling travel experiences.
Kay Calzolari of Visit Winston Salem shares how investing in personal relationships with nearby towns and attractions has enabled her to offer valuable regional itineraries, extending stays, and enhancing visitor value. This collaborative spirit isn’t just about logistics, it’s about approaching every partner as part of a larger community, working together to create seamless, memorable journeys for guests.
Trends Driving Group Travel
With the approach of major milestones like America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, destinations are getting creative. Thematic travel is gaining traction, from wellness retreats and service-oriented projects to festivals and Be Revolutionary experiences, as Jana Carter describes for Annapolis. Operators are increasingly tapping into local culture, outdoor recreation, and even culinary partnerships.
Museums are stepping up with exhibits that go beyond static displays. As Aisha Jones discusses, Mystic Seaport Museum is bringing in unique traveling exhibits, like shipwrecks recreated in LEGO, and launching virtual educational programs to grow engagement beyond the museum’s walls.
The Power of Networks
At the heart of this evolution is the network effect. ABA Marketplace events and similar gatherings have become essential for building lasting industry relationships. Whether it’s a first-timer bonding over shared experiences or seasoned pros joining councils and volunteer teams, the connections made drive both business and inspiration.
As several guests reflect, returning to these conferences is like coming home—reconnecting with peers, learning from each other, and growing together.
Resources:
- Josef Kruger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlkdreams/
- Aisha Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishamjones/
- Jana Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-carter-b01b8160/
- Kay Calzolari: https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/Kay%27s%20Profile%20Sheet
- Meredith Dollevoet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-dollevoet-62413615/
- Jim Vozzella: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-vozzella-b53a7416/
- Debra Tassone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-tassone-upward/
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