Project update: Destination Canada features VCM Implementation Guide
In the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating processes to help advance place-making and destination development strategies across British Columbia. A lot of this work lands at the intersection of tourism and economic development. Many places across BC and Canada are considering how to approach tourism to bolster the local economy. Other destinations are trying to reduce the impacts of overtourism. Both new and established tourism economies need to plan for the long term and the future generations who will call these places home. The approach must be designed to acknowledge and align with community aspirations. Tourism is shaped by local government decisions. Successful community-based tourism occurs through collaborative relationships with local government and community organizations, recognizing and respecting local interests. To support communities across the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region, I led the creation of a new guide. Designed to accelerate actions for the region’s
SOAR to reach new aspirations
Use this planning tool to transform your future Fall is often a time of year to plan ahead and make change for the new year. For many, it’s also time to dust off your strategic plan and update it for the next few years. When my clients are looking to design an engaging and uplifting planning workshop, SOAR is a tool that I recommend. I first used SOAR in the middle of the pandemic with a client who was stretched thin. We needed to inject energy and lightness into the planning process so we could rise above the day-to-day and look forward. SOAR focuses on planting seeds rather than pulling weeds. We introduced a new tool that allows organizations to focus on the positives and envision a thriving future. We shaped the dialogue around 4 themes: Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results (SOAR). SOAR focuses on elements that are more likely
A Hierarchy for Effective Strategic Planning
The Language of Strategic Planning I love wordsmithing. Playing with words to simplify and clarify ideas is something I find challenging and satisfying. I benchmark clever copywriting and corporate communications that has a unique and compelling voice. Carefully chosen words break through the clutter and get your target audience’s attention. When I begin a strategic planning exercise for my clients, we define the anchors of the plan to outline the strategic direction. Before launching a planning exercise with your leadership team and Board, find out if everyone is starting from the same page. Chances are, you’ll need shared definitions so that everyone is rooted in the same foundation. Strategic Planning Hierarchy I am a big fan of starting with Why? Why does your organization exist? Why does your team show up at work each day? As Simon Sinek has shared: “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you
Stop using a standard agenda; these changes make meetings inclusive and memorable
Change your agenda to shift energy, build momentum People are craving in person connection over virtual meetings more than ever. To make the most of in person events, how can you keep everyone engaged and on the edge of their seat? Don’t rely on conference coffee or sugary treats for stimulation, intentionally design an agenda with an ebb and flow that keeps energy high and everyone talking long after the event. My approach to keep the energy high: Set the right tone Once an invitation is sent, this will set the tone and convey a certain energy. Don’t blow it! Before hitting send, take time to create a compelling message that is clear, enrolling, and sets expectations for participants. Diving headfirst into the agenda can water down the first few moments of your event. Be creative and create some ripples in the room before launching into the deep end. Don’t
Guaranteed tips to keep in-person workshop participants energized
We’re out of the Zoom room and in-person meetings and workshops are back! What a breath of fresh air. That means it’s also time to refresh how I design experiences like workshops, meetings and events. With an in-person meeting, very detail of the experience can contribute to a memorable and transformative experience: the venue, connection exercises, energizers, food and drink, breakouts and learning opportunities. To keep everyone energized from start to finish, these are my guaranteed tips for experience design: 1 – Select an ideal venue One group I work with had only ever met in a virtual space over the last three years! We needed a venue that had flexible use of the space so we can invite connection between members. We also wanted a bright space with natural light and windows that open for fresh air! Bonus – the beautiful ocean views and city scapes were a welcome
Why We All Need to Celebrate Earth Day
Atmospheric rivers, drought, wildfires, heat domes, poor air quality and more… These are challenges the tourism partners I work with face every day. Planning for scenarios like weather extremes has become an essential part of our collaborative efforts in destination development and management. The realities of climate change can be daunting and sometimes paralyzing. I think the antidote to fear is action. Doing something small or large every day feels empowering. It generates a sense of optimism even with the challenges we all face. To give back in my community, I volunteer with a local environmental non-profit in Whistler, the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE). 🌎 Every April 22, individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life unite in a global effort to advance sustainability and climate action, marking the annual Earth Day. This year, AWARE has rallied community partners to come together and celebrate Earth