Daniel Mishell
Summary
Knowledgeable travel industry researcher with proven track record in project management and leading teams to successful outcomes. Adept at working with vendors on project deliverables and pricing, filtering key insights from quantitative and qualitative studies, and helping form marketing and communications strategies that align with organizational goals. Familiar and trusted member of the travel research community through several different roles with the Travel & Tourism Research Association and California Travel Association.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Client Relations Manager
Dean Runyan Associates
07.2018 - Current
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key clients and partner vendors, promptly addressing concerns and ensuring their needs were met
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities by tracking travel industry trends and participating in conferences, networking events, and online discussion forums
- Facilitated the negotiation and execution of contracts with clients, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding
- Directed bi-weekly staff meetings to focus on high-level status reports and cross-company discussions of opportunities or challenges pertaining to projects and business practices
- Co-led company Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion education and training
Owner & President
Dan Mishell Consulting
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed research consulting business focused on travel research and marketing insights
- Managed day-to-day business operations and developed a foundational understanding of small business operations
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and to develop and implement sound methodological solutions
Research Director
Visit California
08.2008 - 06.2017
- Managed $1 million + research budget in support of Marketing and Communications for the State of California's official tourism marketing agency
- Collaborated closely with Marketing and Communications leadership to develop 5-Year Strategic Plans and establish strategic goals for $30 million - $80 million advertising and marketing budget
- Established two-way communications with mid-level and senior staff at travel-related entities throughout California including Destination Marketing Organizations and major attractions such as Disney and Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Presented at Visit California Marketing, Communications, and Rural Committee meetings as well as at Leisure & Hospitality conferences and business meetings
Research Manager
LA INC., The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau
01.2001 - 07.2008
- Directed the collection, organization, and application of tourism industry-related data for the official tourism marketing arm of the City of Los Angeles
- Utilized proprietary software to analyze traveler profiles and identify top opportunity markets for marketing and partnership strategies
- Addressed ad hoc inquiries from member businesses, media, and government officials
- Authored monthly 'Travel Stats' document combining travel industry statistics with qualitative insights of relevance to LA INC.'s 1000+ member businesses
- Built demographic reference sheets, cost comparisons, and air lift and airfare lists for key conference sales bids, assisting a record 43 citywide convention bookings in FY 07-08
- Regular presenter of tourism data to the local travel and tourism industry
Education
Master of Science - Biometry
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Stanford University
Stanford, CA06.1988
Skills
- Knowledge of market research methodologies and current travel research products & services
- 10 years experience with research project management
- Work experience with client and supply-side agencies
- Strong written and verbal skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products
- Masters degree in statistics-related field
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team of seven to revise and re-invent research methodologies and business practices at long-time travel impacts provider, Dean Runyan Associates
- Facilitated strategic planning efforts for the Travel & Tourism Research Association in 2015, working to better align the objectives of the International association with its seven Chapters and to try to meet the needs of both Practitioners and Academics
- Served as an integral part of the Visit California industry relations team to help increase the agency's annual budget from $50 million to more than $100 million in FY15-16
Associations and Committees
- Board Member; Treasurer, Greater Western Chapter, Travel & Tourism Research Association, 07/2021Current. Help set budgets and maintain financial records for GWTTRA.
- Sustainability Committee Member, California Travel Association, 01/2023Current. Serve on inaugural Sustainability Committee to help the California Travel Association explore destination management strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of travel and educate members on best practices.
- Board Member; President (2015), Travel and Tourism Research Association, 07/20126/2016. Served a four-year term on the Executive track of the TTRA Board of Directors, holding positions of Membership Chair, Conference Planning Chair, President, and Board Chair.
Additional Education & Service
- Public Policy Coursework, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 01/2021 04/2023
- Parent School Board, Secretary, West Campus Foundation for Excellence, Sacramento, CA, 06/202301/2024
Timeline
Client Relations Manager
Dean Runyan Associates
07.2018 - Current
Owner & President
Dan Mishell Consulting
07.2017 - 06.2018
Research Director
Visit California
08.2008 - 06.2017
Research Manager
LA INC., The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau
01.2001 - 07.2008
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Stanford University
Master of Science - Biometry
University of Southern California
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