On Jan. 1, Roger Dow said goodbye to a 34-year
career with Washington, D.C.-based Marriott International (his last
position was that of senior vice president, global and field sales)
to join the Washington, D.C.-based Travel Industry Association of
America as president and chief executive officer. He replaced
William Norman, who retired this month.
In December, Dow spoke with M&C about his plans
for TIA, which was launched in 1941.
M&C: What issues will you focus on first?
Dow: I would like to step up our efforts in the
government affairs area. When people in government begin to
understand our business, the facts, the revenue loss, the job loss,
they will respond. I’m looking for TIA to have the same recognition
that organizations like the American Association for Retired
Persons and the National Rifle Association enjoy.
M&C: Are there things you would like to change?
Dow: It is not so much change as taking things to
the next level. For instance, we have a signature event called Pow
Wow, which attracts about 5,000 people. I would like to take that
event and others to the next level by bringing the right buyers
like for theme parks or cruises and sellers together. When you
bring the right people together, the result is you have more
efficient shopping.
M&C: What stamp would you like to leave on the
association?
Dow: I am not here to resurrect or turn TIA
around. Bill Norman has built a great foundation for this
association. It already runs like a corporation. What I want to do
is bring to it the pace and focus and the same “where could we be?”
attitude that Marriott International has.