45: Where Should DMO CEOs Be Spending Their Time? (Kristen Adamo)

In this jam-packed episode of Destination Discourse, Stuart and Adam welcome Kristen Adamo, President & CEO of Go Providence, for a powerful conversation about the evolving role of destination marketing organizations—and more specifically—the CEO’s role in product development and community stewardship.They explore:• How Go Providence helped save WaterFire and turned it into an economic development lever• Why advocacy starts with being at the table, and sometimes means setting the table• How marketers are uniquely positioned to become CEOs (and why more of them should be)• The difference between promoting a destination and shaping it• The importance of “marketing the marketing”—including leave-behind ROI cards, op-eds, and internal newsletters• Why product development is brand management—and the risk of promoting an experience that doesn’t exist• How DMOs can gain influence with elected officials and avoid being seen as a “nice-to-have”Takeaways:→ If you’re not involved in product, you may be promoting something that’s no longer competitive.→ The most successful DMOs act as connectors, collaborators, and quiet power players—without needing the credit.→ Marketing skills (storytelling, communication, vision) are becoming critical CEO traits in a post-COVID world.→ Local advocacy isn’t optional anymore—it’s a core part of destination leadership.→ Want to be indispensable? Tie every initiative back to room nights and community impact.