Where We Goin'?

One West Tourism Alliance
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED DAILY

“Where We Goin’?” is the official podcast of One West Tourism Alliance, where professionals in the destination marketing industry share stories, insights and examples that others can learn from. Tune in for tips and ideas for today’s tourism landscape from other destination leaders and experts in the western United States.

Episodes

  1. 11/20/2025

    4: From Training to Transformation: Building Smarter Destinations Through Learning and Experience

    Learn Tourism Travel Portland Education and experience are two sides of the same coin in tourism. In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-Founder of Learn Tourism, and Andrew Moore, Visitor Services Manager at Travel Portland, to explore how professional development and visitor engagement intersect to build stronger, more sustainable destinations. From training programs that upskill tourism professionals, to on-the-ground visitor services that shape how travelers experience a place, Stephen and Andrew share insights on what it means to create destinations that learn, adapt, and welcome with intention. The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    39 min

  2. 10/16/2025

    3: From Planning to Impact: Sports Tourism in Southern Oregon

    In 2013, a bold strategic planning process set the stage for a regional transformation: the creation of the Southern Oregon Sports Commission. More than a decade later, the Commission is driving national conversations on sportsmanship, facility development, and the economic power of sports tourism. In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Schmieder, Founder & CEO of Huddle Up Group, Darren Van Lehn, Director of Sports Development for Travel Medford, and TJ Holmes, Senior Vice President of Travel Medford, to reflect on how vision turned into reality—and what’s next for sports tourism in Southern Oregon. From pioneering sportsmanship programs used across the country, to cutting-edge venues like Rogue X and Lithia & Driveway Fields, to new facilities under construction, this story is a case study in how strategy, leadership, and persistence reshape communities. The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    38 min

  3. 08/21/2025

    2: F*ck the Head Pat

    We said what we said. 🙅‍♀️ In this spicy episode, we’re calling out the condescending “bless your heart” treatment that small DMOs get from big-budget partners. Newsflash: a tight budget doesn’t mean a lack of vision, talent, or impact. So why do some industry players act like collaboration is a luxury item only available to the highest bidder? We’re flipping the script and demanding better—because small but mighty DMOs deserve more than a patronizing head pat and a “maybe next time.” If you're building tools, products, or partnerships in the tourism world, it's time to actually build them for everyone. Not just the shiny big-city destinations with six-figure ad spends. Tune in for some real talk, uncomfortable truths, and a few choice words about equity, innovation, and why the future of tourism depends on inclusion—not exclusion. 🔥 Buckle up. It’s time to talk respect, resources, and real partnership. Travel Santa Ana Zartico The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    28 min

  4. 07/17/2025

    1: Digital First: Tourism Leaders Who Move Fast and Win Big

    In this episode of Where We Goin’?, we’re diving into the power, and the pressure, of early technology adoption in tourism marketing. Melyssa Reeves sits down with Wes Rhea, CEO of Visit Lodi, and Seth Chalmers, founder of Search Party, for a candid conversation on what it really means to be a first mover in a legacy-driven industry. Visit Lodi A Search Party One West Tourism Alliance The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    26 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

“Where We Goin’?” is the official podcast of One West Tourism Alliance, where professionals in the destination marketing industry share stories, insights and examples that others can learn from. Tune in for tips and ideas for today’s tourism landscape from other destination leaders and experts in the western United States.

Information

  • Creator
    One West Tourism Alliance
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) Copyright 2025, Brand Revolt and the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Where We Goin'?