“We provide not only the standard, conventional meeting facility information, but also unique meeting facilities that can fly under the radar. Locations such as the Brandywine
River Museum, the Mansion at Ridley Creek State Park, airplane hangars and the Deck at Harbor Pointe are just a few. “
Tore Fiore, executive director Delaware County, PA’s Brandywine CVB
In addition, these bureaus and organiza- tions can help planners to make a wide range of business connections within a destination, acting as a fantastic network- ing resource connecting these buyers with appropriate suppliers. They also offer the added value of being a resource for obtaining real time updates on every- thing from streets construction to protest group locations and more.
“The age of the DMO has arrived,” notes David M. Jackson, CMP, director of sales for the Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Utilizing our services is fast,
efficient and cost-effective. Planners can really lean on us.”
After all, Jackson says, the primary role of the convention and visitors bureau is to make the planner look good. “The only way we can do that is through outstand- ing customer service. We get the planner what they want, when they want it.”
CVBs offer a wide variety of recommen- dations and services, saving the planner time by helping them narrow down pos- sible service providers to a select few that offer exactly what they need.
In addition, since DMOs and CVBs work almost exclusively with only local ven- dors, they are able to develop strong part- nerships and relationships. The DMO or bureau can then use these relationships to help planners secure good pricing to go along with high quality goods and services.
“We also can help to arrange for profes- sional speakers, and pitch their event to local media. Other possibilities include putting together goodie bags - which is always a fan favorite, as well as take-home items and tchotchkes,” says Jackson. “We can help promote their event through the use of pre-mailers and assist in getting local dignitaries (politicians, celebrities or well known executives) to perform the official welcome for their group, as well.”
Though the Pocono Mountains region is served by the Philadelphia and Newark international airports as well as the air- port in the Lehigh Valley, there isn’t a lot of public transportation in this part of the state. However, Jackson assures, “We can
36 January February 2012
arrange shuttles within two- to three-hour windows for the group, such as from 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm, and 6pm - 9pm, staggering pick-up times set to the arrival schedule of attendees.”
According to Sara Garnett, director of sales for the Greater Wilmington, DE Convention and Visitors Bureau, “At the Greater Wilmington CVB, we can person- ally assist planners with procuring a venue, hotel or any other service they need for their meeting or event. We have relationships with the area’s best proper- ties for meetings and events. We have over 400 members that we are able to tap into, which allows us to further assist the client.”
“Also, we are able to offer personal site tours for planners who wish to see our area,” notes Garnett. “Whether it is a few venues they are considering or area attractions for attendees’ leisure time or team building, we are happy to conduct and guide the planner through the area so they are able to make the best deci- sions for their group.”
Donna Bour is the interim executive director for VisitMonroeville (the CVB for Monroeville, PA - a suburb of Pittsburgh). According to Bour, “VisitMonroeville offers full-service destination manage- ment and assistance, including the distri- bution of meeting planner guides and area information, and convenient com- plimentary shuttle service to transport attendees back and forth between the convention center and area hotels. With a 100,000-square foot convention center, newly built and renovated hotels, and easy access to major highways, Monroeville offers meeting planners a variety of options for events of all sizes.”
Tore Fiore, executive director of Delaware County, PA’s Brandywine CVB, notes that - as primarily a small market meeting des- tination, “We provide not only the stan- dard, conventional meeting facility infor- mation, but also unique meeting facilities that can fly under the radar. Locations such as the Brandywine River Museum, the Mansion at Ridley Creek State Park, airplane hangars and the Deck at Harbor Pointe are just a few. We have logistical information available to share with plan-
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