What Smart DMOs Can Learn From Burning Man
By now, many have heard about this past year's Burning Man and the challenges some experienced with rain and mud. While much of the press coverage was way overblown, many experienced burners indicated it was a great time, as it always is.
I had the good fortune of attending Burning Man for the first time and was absolutely amazed at what I saw and experienced. I will definitely be back in future years. But in taking a closer look at Burning Man, I concluded there is much a smart DMO can learn from the Burning Man community.
First, Burning Man is one of the world’s unique events that fosters creativity, community, and self-expression. While it may not directly align with traditional tourism or marketing organizations, valuable lessons can be learned from the Burning Man experience. Here are some of my takeaways:
1. Authenticity and Participation: Burning Man emphasizes participation rather than passive consumption. Destinations can learn from this by creating opportunities for visitors to actively engage with the local culture and community. Encouraging authentic experiences and interactions can create a connection with a destination and a more meaningful and memorable experience.
2. Community and Collaboration: Burning Man thrives on community and collaboration. Similarly, destinations and DMOs can focus on building a strong sense of community among locals and visitors alike. By fostering connections and encouraging collaboration, destinations can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Burning Man is known for its artistic expression and innovative installations. Destinations can draw inspiration from this by incorporating creativity and innovation into their marketing strategies and attractions. Encouraging local artists and supporting creative initiatives can enhance the visitor experience and set a destination apart.
4. Sustainability and Leave No Trace: Burning Man is firmly committed to sustainability and leaving no trace, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility. As press reports indicated, some attendees could have done a much better job managing their impact, but the organization continues to work toward that goal. While there were many examples of people leaving trash along the way and at the site, the Black Rock Playa is highly scrutinized by the Bureau of Land Management to return to pre-event conditions. Destinations and marketing organizations can learn from this by prioritizing sustainable practices and promoting responsible tourism.
5. Embracing Uniqueness and Diversity: Burning Man celebrates individuality and diverse forms of self-expression. Destinations can learn from this by embracing their unique qualities and promoting the diversity of their culture, heritage, and attractions. Celebrating the differences that make a destination unique can attract a broader range of travelers and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
While Burning Man's principles may not directly translate to every destination or marketing organization, valuable concepts can be adapted to create more engaging, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences. Sometimes, one's best ideas come from places and experiences you least expect.
Strategy and Creativity Matter
For more information, contact Carl Ribaudo at carl@smgonline.net