KSU's Tyler Reinagel moderates Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau's panel

KENNESAW, Ga. (Feb 7, 2022) — Kennesaw State University’s Associate Vice President of Economic Development Tyler Reinagel moderated a panel for the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau's (GACVB) annual conference in Columbus, Ga. on Local Government-Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) relationships on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022.  

Reinagel’s previous work with GACVB and his current role at KSU presented a natural connection between the CVB/DMO leadership and local governments. He moderated alongside community leaders from across the state. This panel brought together two of Georgia's city managers, Mr. Tim Young of the City of Hapeville and Mr. Isaiah Hugley of Columbus, for a discussion about how CVB/DMO leaders can most effectively engage with their local government leadership. In addition, Mr. Jay Markwalter, executive director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, reflected on his time as a DMO leader in Lawrenceville, Dahlonega and Lumpkin County, and Augusta-Richmond County and what lessons he learned in working with local governments leaders in very different types of communities across Georgia. 

The primary goal of KSU's Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement is to build bridges within the community and make sure that communication between economic stakeholders in Georgia is open, constructive and holistic. Reinagel’s efforts in supporting Georgia's CVB/DMO leadership by helping them better understand how to approach their city and county managers for discussions about their work and impact is an important part of that goal.  Understanding the perspective of partners will result in improved communication, more effective collaboration, identification of shared goals and a more vibrant and sustainable tourism industry in communities across Georgia.