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!

2012 HSMAI's MEET Mid America Recap

Earlier this month, Meetings Michigan headed to Chicago's Navy Pier to attend HSMAI's MEET Mid America conference. We exhibited with two partners: BOYNE Resorts and the Westin at the Detroit Metro Airport. As in years past, our booth was located in "Michigan Row" along with our friends from Visit Ann Arbor, Discover Kalamazoo and the Detroit Metro CVB.

New for 2012, the show received a complete format overhaul.  In addition to the usual trade show exhibition, planners and suppliers alike were invited to set up pre-scheduled face-to-face appointments.  We met with several planners during the conference who expressed interest in placing their next meeting in Michigan.  Time and time again we meet planners who are just hours away from Michigan but have never considered bringing their conferences or meetings to our great state.

Overall, it was a great show and we hope to exhibit again in 2013!

8th Annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Management Forum

 
Meetings Michigan recently traveled to Orlando for the 8th Annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Management Forum.  The event took place at the Marriott World Center March 25th - 28th. We were joined by 2 of our partners:  Discover Kalamazoo and the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

With the ever changing rules and guidelines of the pharmaceutical meetings industry, the educational opportunities available at this conference are always second to none.  Over 30 breakouts were available as well as panel forums (pictured above), general session speakers and more.

The Physician Payment Sunshine Act was a primary discussion point throughout the 4 day conference. As described by Elizabeth J. Cappiello, "The Physicial Payment Sunshine Act requires pharmaceutical, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers to report to Health and Human Services (HHS) any "payment or other transfer of value" to physicians and teaching hospitals. The first reports will be due March 31, 2013 for the calendar year 2012 reporting period. The report must include information about the amount of the payment, the date on which the payment was made, the form of payment, and the nature of the payment (e.g., gift, consulting fees, entertainment). The PPSA specifically excludes certain transfers of value from this disclosure requirement."

What does this mean to the hospitality industry? Hotels and other vendors will soon be required to provide a full summary of any goods or services a doctor uses while attending an event hosted by a pharmaceutical company.  From shuttle service to the airport to flip charts to a cup of coffee, every penny spent will need to be submitted. Suppliers from all over the country were eager to share their thoughts and concerns with industry experts.  At the end of the conference, we left with many hard-pressing questions answered even though there are likely many more to come in 2012.