Your insider’s perspective on where destination, real estate, and economic development intersect, with in-depth conversations about the strategies that turn complex projects into lasting value.
From Grand Park to a Grand Place: Westfield's Next Chapter | Hunden Happy Hour #10
In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, Rob Hunden, President & CEO of Hunden Partners, and Steve Haemmerle, Executive Vice President of Development Advisory Services, welcome Jenell Fairman, Executive Chief of Economic and Community Development for the City of Westfield, Indiana, to discuss how the fast-growing community is shaping its next chapter.From leveraging the success of Grand Park to creating a walkable mixed-use district, investing in downtown, and advancing new sports, entertainment, and community amenities, the conversation explores how Westfield is turning vision into reality. Jenell shares how thoughtful placemaking, public-private partnerships, and strategic investment are helping the city manage growth while creating a more connected and vibrant place for residents and visitors.And we highlight the Westfield Creative Collective, a local nonprofit supporting creative entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for artists and makers to work, connect, and bring their products to the community.Recorded March 18, 2026.
1 Sept 2026
Destination in Motion:The Evolution of Tampa Bay | Hunden Happy Hour #9
In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, Bethanie DeRose, Executive Vice President of Consulting at Hunden Partners, welcomes Santiago Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, to discuss Tampa Bay's evolution and what's ahead for the destination.From destination strategy and placemaking to sports, entertainment, meetings, and leisure tourism, the conversation explores how thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and partnerships have helped shape Tampa Bay's growth. Bethanie and Santiago also look ahead at the opportunities that can continue strengthening the visitor experience, quality of life, and economic vitality across the region.We highlight Tampa City Ballet, a contemporary dance company connecting community through innovative performances, emerging artists, and collaboration while working to advance Tampa Bay as a destination for dance. Learn more at tampacityballet.org. (tampacityballet.org)
17 Aug 2026
Building Greenville: Vision, Partnership, and Place | Hunden Happy Hour #8
In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, Bethanie DeRose, Executive Vice President of Consulting at Hunden Partners, welcomes Heath Dillard, President & CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, to discuss the vision, partnerships, and placemaking that have helped shape Greenville’s growth as a destination.From strategic development and community collaboration to the importance of creating places that serve both residents and visitors, the conversation explores how thoughtful leadership and a shared vision can create lasting value for a destination.We highlight Greenville Together, a community-driven initiative working to address homelessness and housing instability across Greenville County.
15 Jul 2026
Leading Beyond Tourism: How San Diego Thinks Differently | Hunden Happy Hour #7
In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, Bethanie DeRose, Executive Vice President of Consulting at Hunden Partners, welcomes Kerri Kapich, Chief Operating Officer of the San Diego Tourism Authority, to discuss what it means to lead beyond tourism. Together, they explore how San Diego embraces regional partnerships, evidence-based decision making, and long-term stewardship to strengthen both the visitor economy and the community.From research and strategic planning to sustainability, infrastructure, and community development, this conversation highlights how destination leadership can create lasting value for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.And we highlight a San Diego organization making a local impact: the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Through food assistance, nutrition programs, and community partnerships, they help address food insecurity across the region. Learn more at sandiegofoodbank.org (sandiegofoodbank.org).
26 Jun 2026
Building Fort Worth: Leadership & the Long View | Hunden Happy Hour #6
Bob Jameson, President & CEO of Visit Fort Worth, and Mike Crum, Deputy Director of Special Events for the City of Fort Worth, join Hunden Partners to discuss the leadership, vision, and partnerships that have helped shape one of America's fastest-growing destinations.In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, we explore Fort Worth's evolution as a visitor destination and the strategic decisions that helped fuel its growth. From catalytic projects and district development to public-private collaboration and long-term planning, this conversation highlights how city leaders can create lasting economic and community impact through a shared vision for the future.And we highlight a Fort Worth organization making a local impact: Cancer Care Services, an organization that helps cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Learn more at cancercareservices.org.
3 Jun 2026
How Carmel Leads Strategic Development & CNO Campus | Hunden Happy Hour #5
Join Rob and Steve with Nick Weber, the Chief of Staff for Mayor Sue Finkam of Carmel, IN!
13 May 2026
From Mountain Town to Surf City: Destinations That Serve Residents & Visitors | Hunden Happy Hour #4
John Urdi, President & CEO of Visit Huntington Beach, joins Bethanie DeRose, EVP of Consulting at Hunden Partners, to discuss destination leadership and what it means to serve both residents and visitors in evolving markets.In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, we explore John's experience founding Mammoth Lakes Tourism and leading it for a decade before stepping into a more complex coastal economy in Huntington Beach. From setting a direction for destination growth alongside key stakeholders to aligning tourism with community priorities, this conversation highlights how strong leadership and long-term vision can guide destinations through change.
17 Apr 2026
Say Yes: Leadership, Risk, and Moving a City Forward | Hunden Happy Hour #3
Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, joins Hunden Partners to discuss leadership, risk-taking, and what it means to keep a global city moving forward.In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, we explore the mindset behind saying yes to opportunity and how past experiences shape confident, forward-looking leadership. From embracing risk to maintaining momentum in a complex and high-profile market, this conversation highlights how strong leadership and a “never done” mentality can drive meaningful impact for a destination.We highlight an organization making an impact nationwide: Girl Scouts, empowering young leaders through entrepreneurship and their iconic cookie program. Learn more at girlscouts.org.
1 Apr 2026
Becoming a New Self: Tulsa's Next Chapter as a Destination | Hunden Happy Hour #2
Renee McKenney, President of Tulsa Regional Tourism, joins Hunden Partners to discuss Tulsa’s evolution and the opportunity for the city to become a new version of itself.
In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, we explore how destinations define their next chapter and what it takes to lead through meaningful change. From shaping a city’s identity to aligning tourism with community priorities, this conversation highlights how thoughtful leadership and long-term vision can position a destination for its future.
And we highlight a Tulsa organization making a local impact, the Be Heard Movement. BeHeard operates a mobile drop-in center providing showers, laundry, haircuts, and support services to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Learn more at bhmovement.org (http://bhmovement.org)
20 Feb 2026
From Study to Strategy: Shaping Noblesville's Innovation Mile | Hunden Happy Hour Podcast #1
Mayor Chris Jensen joins Hunden Partners to discuss the vision behind Noblesville's Innovation Mile and the arena designed to anchor its growth.In this episode of Hunden Happy Hour, we explore the feasibility study that shaped the project's direction and how evidence-based strategy supports catalytic development. From market validation to long-term placemaking impact, this conversation highlights how public leadership and comprehensive advisory come together to move bold ideas forward.And we highlight a nonprofit near to the Mayor Jensen's heart: Fueled for School. Their mission to eliminate hunger for Noblesville children. www.fueledforschool.org (www.fueledforschool.org)
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