Honoring a Legacy: Bill Geist and the Next Chapter

By Adam Stoker —

When reflecting on the voices that have shaped the destination marketing industry, few have carried more weight—or more wit—than Bill Geist. As the founder of Zeitgeist Consulting and the force behind DMOproz, Bill has spent the last 30 years championing destination organizations, challenging assumptions, and leading with unapologetic authenticity.

For many, including those newer to the field, Bill’s influence began long before any formal handshake. His podcast, DMOU, was often the first introduction to the industry’s real conversations—the unvarnished truths, the nuance, the humor, and the urgency. It was the same for me. Before I met Bill, I knew his voice. That podcast became my gateway to understanding what destination leadership really meant, and I soon came to see that voice wasn’t just insightful—it was generous, provocative, and rooted in deep care for the communities we serve.

As the years passed, that virtual mentorship evolved into a real friendship—one defined by mutual respect, encouragement, and shared conviction about the future of this work. His leadership, both formal and informal, has left an indelible mark on my own path and the paths of so many others in this industry.

With the sunsetting of Zeitgeist / DMOproz, it would be easy to talk about an ending. But anyone who knows Bill knows better. This is not a farewell—this is a redirection. A refinement. A chance to channel his formidable experience into a space that needs it now more than ever: board leadership.

In a time when stakeholder engagement, good governance, and support from destination boards have never been more critical, there’s no one better positioned to lead us into this new era than Bill. His voice has always cut through the noise—and now it’s being trained on one of the industry’s most pressing needs.

We’re all better for the path he’s blazed—and we’ll be watching with admiration and excitement to see where he leads us next. [Editor’s note: Bill’s new website is https://www.billgeist.com]

Adam Stoker is the President & CEO, Brand Revolt | Owned Media Thought Leader | Host of the Destination Marketing Podcast | Public Speaker | Co-Founder of TourismIQ