29: What Is Next For Our Industry? with Roger Dow

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is an honor and a pleasure to be speaking to Roger Dow today. Roger is the president and CEO of U.S. Travel. He has had an amazing career, and in today’s conversation, he gives us some insight into what’s happening on Capitol Hill regarding our industry. He also talks about the unique way he got into the industry, the effect the pandemic has had on it, and what he predicts for its future. It’s a very interesting conversation, and we know you’re going to enjoy it!</span></p> <p><strong>Roger Dow’s Bio</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Roger Dow is president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the Washington, D.C.-based organization representing all segments of travel in America. Their mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the leading travel industry advocate, Dow and his team regularly meet with the executive branch and congressional leaders to advance policies that benefit the broader travel industry. His efforts have resulted in major legislative victories, including his instrumental role in establishing and renewing Brand USA, the highly effective national travel and tourism promotion program. Dow and U.S. Travel are also leaders of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, which promotes and defends the value of face-to-face business meetings, trade shows, conferences, and conventions.</span></p> <p><strong>Starting as a lifeguard</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Roger stumbled into the meetings and events industry a long time ago, back when he was in college. He had completed his lifeguard training and was looking for work. He could not find a job as a lifeguard until he eventually approached a new hotel that was opening, called the Marriott. They employed him, and he spent the next three summers working at their pool as a lifeguard. </span></p> <p><strong>After college</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After college, Roger struggled to find a job. The gen