The document discusses the importance of collaboration in community development and tourism, advocating for creating experiences that appeal to both residents and visitors. It emphasizes the significance of engaging diverse stakeholders, valuing their contributions, and celebrating achievements to foster a sense of ownership and sustainable growth. The overarching message is to focus on authentic local experiences and effective wayfinding strategies to enhance the community's unique offerings while preserving its heritage.

1. Connecting Communities Creating ExperiencesPhillip Anderson –ReThink!

2. PlacemakingMaking places people want to live, learn, work & play…and visitWhat all of us long for, I suspect, is to love the places in which we live and to live in places worthy of love. – Scott Russell Sanders

3. The 4Cs of Development Convene and ConverseWhat do we want? Why? Collaborate Who should do it? How should we do it?CelebrateThat was hard work and rewarding

4. Convening BasicsLet the collaboration define the geography and partners, rather than geography determining the collaborative effortUse a neutral convener so there aren’t perceived agendasConvene natural parties at first, general audiences secondConvene local, regional, state, and national parties

5. Convening ToolsRegional and Local Summits

6. Design Charrettes

7. Small groups

8. Focus groups

9. Rotating meetings in community/region

10. Specific techniques

11. Engage existing networksConversing StrategyInvest in the process, the product will come

12. Focus on “and” not “but”

13. Invite by appealing to their values and views

14. Neutral, safe space

15. Open-ended questions

16. Hook ‘em and connect ‘emCelebratingCelebrate the all the accomplishmentsRe-energize the volunteersShow progress to fundersEnjoy new relationshipsByway Ribbon-Cutting

17. Why Collaborate?Composer Stephen Sondheim says, “Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you've got to wait 'til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration.”

18. In Tourism and Hospitality, the traveler is our last collaborator, do we give them enough credit?Collaboration is Ultimate ModelThe ContinuumNetworkingAlliancePartnershipCoalitionCollaboration

19. A Collaborative FrameworkWorks from the Inside-Out, not the Outside-In

20. Opportunity agenda, not a detailed plan

21. Starts from where you are

22. All about “we” not “me”

23. A journey, not just a destinationCollaboration is the X FactorIdeas, not answers, but together we find solutions

24. Starts with imagination, then pursue funding

25. Abundance over scarcity— “There’s enough to go around”

26. You cannot collaborate with those who don’t want to Cultivating New Circles

27. Differing Perspectives

28. When Goals Intersect Collaboration is PossibleProjects

29. Traits of effective collaborationShared visions/Common Ground

30. Valuing voices, views, and skills

31. Recognition of each partner’s strengths and weaknesses

32. Effective communication

33. Clear leadership roles, support roles, and responsibilities

34. It is hard work

35. Goals build, Agendas divide