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age offers truly top-rate — and gorgeous — convention facilities. This may sound very basic, but as an Alaska destination, we often have to work hard to counter perceptions that we are “rustic” or “frontier” in the facili- ties that are available. The second mispercep- tion that falls right behind is the notion that Anchorage will be an expensive destination. We prove to be exceptionally competitive on a cost basis, which is a surprise to most meeting planners.
Joel Racker President/CEO Utah Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
… meeting planners should know about your destination? Last May, Utah Valley welcomed the Utah Valley Convention Center. This $41-million, 130,000-square-foot facility is Utah’s only LEED Silver–certified, eco-friendly conven- tion center, conveniently located on historic Center Street in downtown Provo. There is no other facility like it in Utah or the Intermoun- tain West. Plus, it’s easy to get here. Utah Val- ley/Provo is conveniently located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake International Airport — a hub for JetBlue, Southwest, and Delta. And beginning this spring, FrontRunner will con- nect with Utah’s newest TRAX Light Rail ser- vice line from Salt Lake International Airport.
… a meeting attendee shouldn’t missing doing or seeing while in your destination? Anchorage really does deliver adventure. Meeting attendees must not miss the chance to experience our outdoors (yes, even in win- ter). From a day cruise to view whales and glaciers to a hike in the mountains or along our Coastal Trail, a wilderness experience is at our doorstep. For winter visitors, skiing, dog mushing, flightseeing, or enjoying our trail system are all great options. Of course, we always recommend that visitors end that experience with a dinner of fresh Alaskan seafood.
… you try to cultivate within your CVB team? Our team is incredibly service-oriented and recognizes that our best sales tool is ensuring that our current meeting delegates have a great experience. Fortunately, we have a very experienced team that cares deeply about the success of our meeting clients.
… meeting professionals should know about your destination? Greater Palm Springs is known for great weather, world-class resorts, events, and championship golf. But many meeting profes- sionals don’t realize we have more than 100 hotels offering many different price points and types of product — from small historic inns and mid-century chic to full-service resorts with national brands. We can accom- modate a group with thousands or create that unique and intimate setting with a few people. We have some of the most unique outdoor venues in the country, including celebrity estates, outdoor sports facilities, and botanical gardens — and our tram can transport your group up 8,500 feet in 10 minutes. But the most unique feature is our surrounding mountain views.
… a meeting attendee shouldn’t miss doing or seeing while in your destination? Experiencing what is unique to our destina- tion: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, The Liv- ing Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden, El Paseo Shopping District, our Mid-Century Modern architecture, plus top events like Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, the Humana Challenge featuring the Clinton Foundation and Health Matters, and the LPGA major tour event Kraft Nabisco golf tournament.
… you try to cultivate within your CVB team? We strive to provide the best and most per- sonalized services for our customers. We have a team of seasoned professionals that understands the industry and the needs of the customer. We customize all of our lead services, site inspections, and keep all of their information confidential.
Julie Saupe President & CEO Visit Anchorage
… meeting planners should know about your destination? Meeting planners should know that Anchor-
Scott L. White President & CEO Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
… you think will change with regard to meetings this year? We see clients booking further out. As rates continue to rise, clients want to ensure they have their preferred dates and rates secured.
. MARCH 2013 PCMA CONVENE 89