Chad

A digitally savvy tourism organization | Chad Wiebesick | #SoMeT14AU Barossa Valley, Australia

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• published: 29 May 2015
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People don't trust brands, they don't trust governments and they're bombarded with advertising messages. So, how do we inspire people to visit Michigan? The key for Pure Michigan is to focus on those that people trust; people like themselves; friends and family. All we can do as a destination brand is to empower people who visit Michigan to tell the story themselves – it’s a more powerful and trusted message. In this presentation, Chad will share his experiences in empowering travellers to help tell the Pure Michigan story, including creating an Instagram influencer program. There's some risk in handing over your social accounts to strangers. But with trust, great things can happen - and in doing so Michigan has demonstrated success beyond any other State DMO in the US. There are many lessons learned by Pure Michigan that can be applied to any business. Chad will take you on his Journey so you can apply his learning to yours. Chad Wiebesick is the Director of Social Media and Interactive Marketing for the State of Michigan’s tourism office, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Chad manages Pure Michigan’s social media efforts across eight social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr, YouTube and a blog. Pure Michigan’s social media presence ranks among the Top 10 worldwide among Skift’s analysis of more than 400 destinations globally. Pure Michigan was the first state tourism agency in the United States to host a Google+ Hangout and continues to be one of the top-ranked state tourism agencies, with the U.S. Travel Association awarding Michigan a 2012 Mercury Award for "Best Use of Social Media" in the nation. Think Social Media recently ranked Pure Michigan’s social media presence the best in the United States among all destination marketing organizations (DMO). Pure Michigan has ranked either #1 or #2 for 14 of the past 15 quarters – the highest rankings of any state. Additionally, michigan.org continues to be the most visited state tourism website in the United States for seven years in a row. Chad is a recipient of Online Media & Marketing Magazine's "America's Top 20 Interactive Media Rising Stars," and a national finalist in Media Magazine’s “Creative Media Awards” competition. ___ The Social Media Tourism Symposium, known as SoMeT, is the only conference of its kind that provides an opportunity for destinations and tourism businesses to share ideas and learn how to leverage social media within the tourism industry. SoMeT attracts leaders in destination marketing from around the world. SoMeT conferences take place three times a year in Australia, Europe and North America. The event features the best presenters, case studies and campaigns to create world-class programs. Our attendees form a year-round, passionate community whose members continue to share ideas and insight long after a conference ends. Learn more about SoMeT's global conferences: http://www.sometourism.com/ Follow SoMeT on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoMeTourism Like SoMeT on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoMeTourism