I decided to take her advice and did just that.
I started volunteering at Winterthur,
and soon one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was working there part- time. Then I moved into a full-time market- ing position at Winterthur working with the motorcoach industry. It was then that I fell in love with the tourism industry.
Today I am so blessed, as we all are in this fabulous industry, to have many wonderful friendships with people all across the world. Many of these relationships become like family.
At the time that I left Winterthur, I wasn’t looking for another position. However, I had heard about an opening at the Greater Wilmington CVB for the director of tourism development position. I love collaborating and bringing people and ideas together, so it was a career move that seemed perfect for me. I held the position for three years, until eventually becoming the executive director for the bureau. And to think, it all started just because I volunteered.
The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau (GWCVB) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1978 and chartered by the governor of Delaware, the New Castle County executive and the mayor of Wilmington. We are the destina- tion marketing organization for northern Delaware, seeking to bring in business from the SMERF markets, group tour, leisure vis- itors, and travel industry.
When it comes to our clientele, not only do we have those customers who are looking for a conference location or a wedding venue, but many of our members also are our clients. We always are looking for ways to improve our efforts.
One way we do so is by getting involved with industry associations. These days, I am mainly involved with Destination Marketing Association International and with our regional convention and visitor bureau part- ners. In years past, I was very involved with the American Bus Association, as well as
with the National Tour Association. I enjoyed the relationships I forged through these associations, and I still keep up with many of the friends I made, especially through social media like Facebook and Instagram.
Always moving forward, the Greater
Wilmington area is poised to take some big steps in hospitality in the near future. We have the Westin Wilmington Riverfront opening in March of 2014. Having this facil- ity connected to the Chase Center on the Riverfront will be a big plus for the market. Several other hotels will be opening in 2014 in the area, too, including a Hampton Inn and a Four Points.
In addition, we are seeing more collabora- tion among our members. For example, eleven of our attractions came together recently to take part in the Brandywine Passport, which offers amazing savings from Memorial Day to Labor Day. (
brandywinetreasures.org)
Also noteworthy, coming to our area is Winterthur’s “Costumes of Downton Abbey,” an original exhibition of exquisite designs from the award-wining television series - on view from March 1, 2014 until January 4, 2015. Approximately 40 histori- cally-inspired costumes from the television show will be displayed and supplemented with photographs and vignettes inspired both by the fictional program and by real life at Winterthur. (
winterthur.org)
My advice to those just starting out in this industry is to do a lot of traveling. Travel, travel and travel some more. The experi- ence and connections made during that time can prove to be invaluable.
For anyone who will be coming to the Greater Wilmington area, I want to encour- age them to spend some time and truly explore our area. Too often I have heard people say, “Oh, we’re just driving through.” Stop and experience our many offerings, from restaurants to attractions to meeting and event venues. Greater Willmington has so much to offer.
Always moving forward, the Greater Wilmington area is poised to take some big steps in hospitality in the near future.
We have the Westin Wilmington Riverfront opening in March of 2014. Having this facility connected to the Chase Center on the Riverfront will be a big plus for the market.
Several other hotels will be opening in 2014 in the area, too.
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 97
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