TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – February 23, 2024

35 years ago, I made the decision to leave broadcast journalism to enter the corporate world in a communications capacity. I’ve never looked back but occasionally people ask me if I regret leaving the media business. The short answer is no, although if I could have parlayed my brief radio stint into a career as a late-night talk show host, I might still be behind a microphone today.

That said, it’s amazing how things come full circle…or at least partially full circle. With the advent of podcasting, many wanna-be talk show hosts like me get to interview subject matter experts from around the world as part of our day jobs.

As you may know, since the start of 2023, I’ve set up a giant Yeti mic in front of my computer screen and interviewed 20 tourism industry leaders representing private businesses, DMOs and sector associations for TIABC’s Voice of Tourism podcast series. Although the podcasts are delivered in audio only, each is recorded via video as well so that I can look guests in the eye as we’re conversing. The experience has been both educational and fun.

The podcasts are somewhat scripted. I generally prepare questions in advance and follow an outline unless or until guests say something intriguing that leads our conversation down a different path. To this point, I’ve only been asked to edit one comment where the guest felt her remark would be misconstrued.

Similarly, for a number of years I’ve had a chance to moderate sessions with special guests at various conferences. Again, my hidden talk show host persona is exposed to the audience albeit with the added responsibility of fielding ‘live’ questions from attendees. Most recently, I moderated a panel discussion at the Impact Travel and Tourism Sustainability Conference.

In less than two weeks, I’ll be switching on my talk show voice again at the BC Tourism Industry Conference to facilitate Q&As with Premier David Eby, federal Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada, as well as the executive team from Destination BC. While many of the questions will come from delegates via Slido, I’ve prepared a backup list on a variety of issues.

For Premier Eby, I aim to explore topics ranging from sustainability, public safety and housing, to workforce, the value of tourism to government, the BC budget, and the latest developments regarding Land Act amendments, among other issues the province is grappling with. At the same time, questions by delegates could steer our discussion in a completely different direction…which I suspect would make the entire experience more challenging and interesting for both of us.

As a former lawyer turned political leader, it’s a forum Premier Eby prefers. I’m counting on attendees to influence the content for all three sessions where I have the privilege of playing ‘talk show’ host.

Whenever I have the opportunity to watch a late-night talk show (which is not often because I’m usually sleeping) I try to pay close attention to the host to learn new interview techniques or better ways to manage guests. Same goes for podcasts or radio talk shows that I listen to. I don’t necessarily model myself after anyone in particular but I do attempt to emulate best practices and have fun when I’m behind the microphone instead of in front of it…which is a whole other discipline that I’d rather leave to others if I could.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC