BILL GEIST
Bill is the Chief Instigator at DMOproz (aka Zeitgeist Consulting), a firm specializing in strategic planning, governance, destination development and legislative issues for Destination Marketing and Management Organizations (such as convention and visitor bureaus, tourism-focused chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and communities).
Bill is the author of Destination Leadership and a contributor to Fundamentals in Destination Marketing. He has provided consulting services to over 200 Destination Marketing Organizations since 1995 and is a popular speaker on marketing, trends and destination development across North America. He also hosts the DMO sector podcast DMOU (Destination Marketing Organization University).
Prior to forming Zeitgeist Consulting, Bill served as the President/CEO of the Greater Madison (WI) Convention & Visitors Bureau from 1990-1995. During his tenure, he was the lead spokesperson and co-strategist for the successful public referendum fight to build the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Convention Center. He also succeeded in doubling the Bureau's sales and marketing budget and oversaw the launch of one of the Top 25 Marathons in the nation. Before moving to the Madison CVB, Bill led the Kankakee County (IL) CVB and landed the first multi-year contract ever awarded for the American Power Boat Association's National Outboard Championships.
Prior to his Destination Marketing work, he held various management and programming positions with broadcast media in the Chicago area. Bill has served as the President of the Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Tourism Federation. Past associations have included stints as Vice-Chair of the Wisconsin Governor's Council on Tourism and the past Chair of the Wisconsin Professional Speakers Association. He currently serves on the Destination International Foundation’s Board of Directors. Bill holds an Executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Kenyon College.
TERRI WHITE
Terri’s business card says "High Priestess of Client Services". And, after more than 20 years running the DMOproz office, she is so much more than just that. She’s the one that makes sure your every need is met, every question answered and that Bill shows up as scheduled! She is your secret weapon, ace in the hole and confident confidant.
Today, Terri oversees all online community stakeholder and Board surveys, manages our Destination Assessment process for select clients, oversees the website, book orders and more. She juggles that along with all logistics and communications flowing in and out of the firm on a daily basis.
Client Services isn't just a title, it is a passion. We're all about top level service…just ask our clients! Prior to joining Bill at the DMOproz compound, Terri was a Customer Sales and Service trainer for American Girl and advocate for clients for other firms in Madison WI over the years. Making sure that your questions are answered and your needs are met is part of her DNA.