Marc Kaminetsky, national sales manager at Discover Lehigh Valley, talks about his bureau that serves the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as Lehigh and Northampton counties, and what he and his coworkers can provide to visitors coming to their area.
“We work with our partners to be the driv- ing force between potential business and our hotels, attractions and transport com- panies,” says Kaminetsky. “We meet with those planners and sell the Lehigh Valley, help send the RPF that goes to our part- ners, and once a meeting has been booked, we remain with that client not only until the week that the event takes place, but even after it is over when we are rehashing the details to learn from the experience and to create repeat business. As with anything, you want to put your best foot forward so they will want to utilize your services again in helping with future meetings.”
As the eyes and ears on the ground for meetings of any size, Kaminetsky adds that his CVB can assist with everything from hir- ing a DJ to arranging transportation to pro- viding welcome bags and more, even after a facility has been booked. “We really help them dot their I’s and cross their T’s as they’re moving down the line.”
In particular when it comes to smaller meeting groups, Kaminetsky notes how Discover Lehigh Valley recognizes their importance and happily helps to accom- modate them while visiting the area. “As a CVB, we look at each piece of business as being important to the region. While a 50 person meeting might not be ideal for a larger hotel property, it may be perfect for a limited service property or unique meet- ing space. And, oftentimes, a smaller prop- erty might not have the sales staff or ability to be out there in front of the planner, so they lean on us for assistance, as well.”
Kaminetsky says there is no doubt that smaller meetings are just as important as large conferences to his destination, because they are working with partners of Discover Lehigh Valley and helping expose attendees to the area who may not have been there otherwise. “For us, we look at that as an opportunity. For instance, a board meeting of 25 may be a chance to
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 25
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Montgomery County, Maryland, located just outside of Washington, DC, is well-suited to hosting small meetings.
A variety of venues here include a range of sizes and price points from full-service hotels to retreat lodges to conference centers.
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