"Communication. Cooperation. Recognition. Unique experiences.
Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) (as well as Destination Management Organizations, Tourism Bureaus and similar entities) are usually the initial point of contact for meeting and event planners. But these organizations cannot effectively represent their communities if they operate alone. In order to best serve meeting planners, CVBs need to have strong partnerships with event venues, hotels, restaurants, attractions, local governments and area transportation providers. By building and constantly renewing these partnerships, CVBs supply the synergy that helps ensure successful meetings and events, providing rewarding experiences for meeting planners and participants.
In April 2019, the American Quilter's society (AQS), headquartered in Paducah, Ky., will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Spring AQS QuiltWeek eent. The CVB helped facilitate and promote partnerships throughout the community that support the international, multi-venue event and make guests from around the globe feelwelcome. "In fact," said Lynda Peters-Jones, director of convention sales, "Paducah is known as Quilt City USA® for the synergy of partnerships that make this long-standing event a "bucket list" experience within the quilting community."
By Marcia Bradford, Convention South