Speaker to address tourism trends

Jan. 30, 2007

By Russell Stigall

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Learn the zeitgeist of tourism from the funny and informative mind of Bill Geist.

The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce are hosting Geist, a national tourism marketing expert Feb. 7.

The joint meeting of the chamber and the MSCVB membership luncheon starts at noon at the Palmer Moose Lodge. Geist is the owner of Zeitgeist Consulting. The firm specializes in tourism trends and marketing.

A recognized industry leader, Geist speaks about the effects of tourism on local economies, and current marketing trends.

Geist talks about &#8220changes in the way consumers choose the products they crave, how experience is becoming a hotter commodity than possessions, (and) the time poverty that drives us all,” according to Geist's Web site.

Speaking about &#8220The Power of a Tourism Economy” Geist will be the keynote speaker during the chamber meeting. Following, Geist will hold the workshop, &#8220Today's Trends are Tomorrow's Dollars.”

&#8220Even if you don't have a ton of money, sometimes just standing out in a crowd is all you need these days,” Geist said on his Web site.

Geist makes subtle, but effective points. He shows two signs advertising &#8220Fresh Eggs.” One is graphic-designed and professionally printed, the other looks handwritten that morning. The handwritten sign looks fresher and reflects on the eggs. The site then flips the two signs around to read &#8220Flight Lessons.”

&#8220It's not what you say, but how you say it,” Geist said.

And he is funny. Geist points out on the Web site that cruises are cheaper per month than assisted living.

&#8220If I can figure out how to get from boat to boat, I know how I'm going to spend the last five years of my life on a never-ending cruise,” he said.

Geist's speeches are informative and entertaining, according to the site. He uses props, success stories and examples throughout a presentation that matches his advice for marketing.

&#8220It is about speed. Make it fast, make it easy, make it fun,” he said.

For more information or to RSVP contact Casey Ressler, Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau membership manager, at 746-5037 or casey@alaskavisit.com.

Contact Russell Stigall at

352-2267 or russell.stigall@

frontiersman.com.