‘Second-Tier Cities Have to Try a Little

Harder’ Lynne Valentic, CMP, Conference Director CustomManagement Group(CMG)

Wedetermine first- and second- tier cities by size of city, infrastructure, and generally whether

or not it’s a popular city to visit. The second-tier cities are not that far behind first-tier cities. Second-tier cities have to try a lit- tle harder to get their destination noticed, but after a visit to the city, you are usually pleasantly surprised. The costs are lower than first-tier cities, a factor for many associations.We consider third-tier cities very low-budget cities, which are great for many associations on a tight budget. In second-tier cities, we find more value for your money,

MORE FLEXIBLE:

In Lynne Valentic’s experi- ence, second-tier cities

do a better job of putting together an affordable meeting package.

reduced hotel rates, lower costs on food-and-beverage, more availability for dates, and greater flexibility to negotiate. Since dates are sometimes easier to find, you do not have to contract too many years out.We find the people are very friendly. CVBs are an asset when evaluating and contracting with any

city. Second-tier destinations have to try harder to fill the space in their city, so there seems to be more of a need to communi- cate and negotiatewith an association to put together an afford- able meeting package.