Creative Collisions & Community Impact: A Conversation with Dan Janes of Madden Media

Introducing Dan Janes: A Trailblazer in Tourism Marketing and Community Building

In this week’s episode of Learn Tourism's Business Class podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Dan Janes, the innovative CEO of Madden Media. Dan's journey into the tourism industry is anything but ordinary, starting with his roots in angel investing and academia and ending with his lead of a prominent media agency that’s redefining how communities engage with tourism.

Dan’s story begins with a serendipitous connection and a cold introduction to the tourism sector, which he initially perceived as akin to chambers of commerce rather than the vibrant industry it truly is. His fresh perspective, rooted in solving community challenges, revealed tourism as a powerful tool for economic development and community enhancement.

At Madden Media, Dan has spearheaded a remarkable transformation. From a print-centric operation to a multifaceted agency, Madden Media now excels in areas like experiential marketing, public relations, and digital strategy. Dan attributes this growth to his experience in the military, where he learned the value of building empowered, interconnected teams that can adapt swiftly to challenges.

Dan’s insights into the future of AI and its implications for tourism are particularly intriguing. He acknowledges the current hype around AI but emphasizes the importance of cultural readiness and purposeful implementation. His practical approach to AI, combined with his commitment to community and values-driven tourism, highlights the evolving landscape of our industry.

In our conversation, Dan also touches on his values, his strategies for maintaining close relationships within a growing team, and his reflections on sustainability and regenerative tourism. His commitment to enhancing communities through tourism, rather than just selling vacations, sets a meaningful precedent for the industry.

Don’t miss this engaging episode, in which Dan Janes shares his journey, vision, and the driving forces behind Madden Media’s success. Listen to the full conversation on Apple Podcasts, and join us in exploring how creative collisions and community focus can shape the future of tourism.