Costumes for the Professionally Haunted

It’s Halloween, and your inbox is scarier than any haunted house. You didn’t buy a costume because your destination’s Q4 budget review was your horror story. So here you go, Boo, last-minute costume ideas for the Tragically Tourism.

1. The Stakeholder Séance

Wear all black, hold a candle, and whisper, “Does anyone actually know what alignment means?”

2. The DMO Ghost

Drape yourself in old campaign shirts. Float through the room muttering, “We’re still waiting on board approval.”

3. The Undead Grant Writer

Carry a laptop, two Red Bulls, and a look that says I haven’t blinked since July.

4. The Vendor Who Promised ROI

Patagonia vest, hand out buzzwords like candy. Disappear before deliverables.

5. The Social Media Intern Possessed by Canva

Just glue a ring light to your head and repeat, “Can we make it pop?” until someone saves you.

6. The Rebrand Poltergeist

Show up with seven logos and a slogan that rhymes with trauma. Moan, “We just need stakeholder input.”

7. The Visitor Center Crypt Keeper

Surround yourself with dusty brochures and shout, “Would you like a map?” every time someone breathes.

8. The Community Engagement Witch

Carry a clipboard and a cauldron. Stir slowly. Chant, “We heard your feedback!” while throwing it away.

9. The Burned-Out Board Chair

Business on top, bourbon underneath. Say, “We should revisit this in Q1,” then vanish in a puff of denial.

10. The Tourism Fixer (aka You, but Hotter)

Show up in all black, sip champagne, say “I told you so,” and call it strategy.

Tonight’s Forecast: High chance of small talk, low chance of sanity.

🕯️ Come hex out the stress with me at the Haunted Happy Hour: Tourism Edition — 5PM CST, on Zoom.

Costumes optional. Comedy inevitable. Let’s raise a glass to the campaigns that wouldn’t die and the stakeholders who still haunt our inboxes.

🖤 —Jenn, your Patron Saint of Per Diem and Petty Revelations