Giving a new city a shot
Incentives can be key in getting meeting planners to take a chance on a new destination, according to Shirley Smith, director of sales for the Central Pennsylvania CVB in State College, Pa.
“Some of our potential clients think that we are in the boondocks. We are really not. The incentive would bring them in to take a look at us. It is a way to say thank you for giving us the opportunity.”
There are a number of ways groups can use the Central Pennsylvania CVB’s incentive. Some apply the funds they receive toward their masterbill; others opt to add an extra such as ice cream social, planned with the assistance of the CVB.
Some donate the incentive to a charity. Others have used it to boost interest in their conference by having a raffle or awarding gift cards as prizes for attendees.
“We’ve seen a lot of good things come from it,” said Smith.
In Boulder, the bureau is staying flexible with its incentive program.
About one-third of the monies designated for the incentive program will be aimed at meetings; the rest could be used for festivals and other events. Although the program is specific to the November-April time period, it does not apply only to new business.
“Keeping some of our events during this time is very important, so if this investment would keep something going that was generating tax revenue, we would have that serious conversation,” said Mary Ann Mahoney, executive director. “It is easier to keep an event than to find a new one.”
303-442-2911
www.bouldercvb.com
800-831-1844
www.kissimmeecvb.com
800-817-5266
www.planocvb.com
800-358-5466
www.visitpennstate.org
800-747-7800
www.visitquadcities.com
