Utilizing the Value of CVB's by Jodie Cady, CMP, CTA

Recently, Nate Melvin with Discover Kalamazoo sat down with Jodie Cady, an Events Manager with Michigan Association of Realtors for a Q&A on "Utilizing the Value of CVB's".   

1.       How has utilizing CVBs made your life easier as a planner?

Let’s face it—we may not admit it but we all love one stop shopping.  How else can you explain the growth of Meijer?  Working with a CVB is one stop shopping for the meetings industry.  CVB’s are the direct line to the resources in their area.  When you can submit an RFP to one person and get responses for all your needs it is a win/win and it makes accomplishing goals easier.  I value the resources that CVB’s offer and their commitment to the success of my meetings and events.

 

2.       Were there any surprises you encountered when you first starting using CVBs—things CVBs do you were not previously aware of?

I think many planners don’t realize that depending on the financial impact of their program on the city, the CVB may be able to help offset the meeting costs.  An example of this would be if you need to use motor coaches to shuttle attendees from hotels to a convention center and the CVB can offer the service to the organization for no additional cost.  I know this was a surprise to me when a CVB offered it in a proposal.  

3.       What are some examples of things CVBs have done to add to the quality of your conference for your attendees?

Too many to mention!  Some of the highlights include registration desk staff, restaurant reservation services, tours, marketing pieces to promote the area activities and event web pages directed towards our event.  These would be at the top of the list.  Every CVB has a long list of special services.  I think every planner needs to review them and take advantage of as many as possible!

4.       Are there any myths about CVBs you’d like to dispel?

I would like to take issue with two: CVB’s send your lead to everyone in their network, and all RFP’s need to come to the CVB first for them to provide services.

One, your leads go to only the properties that can meet your needs outlined in your RFP. Reputable CVB’s are not going to waste your time or theirs sending leads out to properties that could never meet your needs.  If you are getting information on properties or suppliers that will not work I suggest you look at the information you are providing the CVB with before jumping to conclusions.

The second—when CVB’s don’t get credit for your lead because you worked directly with the hotel instead of starting with them.  There may be some truth to this, but the bigger truth is that it is the CVB’s job to promote the city and bring business—if they are brought in at the first or fourth round of the process, it doesn’t matter.  However if you are hoping for assistance in your program it is best to start with who is going to know the most about the destination—the CVB!