www.thewest.travel

The West I 94

Match Your Valuable Events with Our Remarkable Destinations

N THIS SPECIAL SECTION ABOUT THE WEST, SEVERAL BUREAU leaders weigh in on two timely industry topics: determining the value of a meeting or event and assessing the importance of room blocks. In their answers, they touch on attendance figures, market segments, group pro- files, economic impact value, exposure value, alternative measurements, return on investment, and potential business. I am sure you will find what they have to say insightful. Once again, this special section of the Western Destinations Guide is a great

one-stop shop and useful resource that will allow you to contact members of the Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (WACVB). Our DMO members are here to sup- port your meetings, conventions, trade shows, and events with attendance-building strate- gies, marketing toolkits, online meeting/event planning guides, housing services, green/sus- tainable tips, and more. They also serve as your on-the-ground in-market experts. As you know, local intelligence is invaluable when it comes to producing a successful meeting, convention, or event. The process of selecting the right destination and planning and producing

a successful event involves a combination of easily accessible information and a solid partnership with local destination marketers. Our bureau profession- als are passionate about their particular western destination expertise, and they are committed to helping your group have a productive and memorable experience. We invite you to head West!

Kathy Smits Board President,Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (WACVB) Vice President, International Tourism, LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau

WesternAssociation of Convention &VisitorsBureaus (WACVB)

950 Glenn Drive, Suite 150 Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 443-9012 (916) 932-2209 Fax

info@wacvb.com www.wacvb.com • www.wacvb.travel www.westerndestinations.travel • www.thewest.travel

pcma convene March 2012 www.pcma.org

WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Kathy Smits Vice President, International Tourism LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Lorene Palmer President & CEO Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Jennifer Wesselhoff, CDME President & CEO Sedona Chamber of Commerce

PAST PRESIDENT

Joel Racker President & CEO Utah Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

DIRECTORS

Bob Brown President & CEO Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tracy Farhad

Executive Director Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

Bill Malone President & CEO Park City Chamber/Bureau

Stephanie Nowack

President & CEO Tempe Tourism Office

Wes Rhea Executive Director Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sara Toliver

President & CEO Ogden/Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Teresa Stephenson