Patrick Howard, 2010 Hospitality HEROES of the Year Winner

Please join us for our Annual Meeting and Hospitality Awards on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 8:45 a.m. at The Classic Center.  CVB Director Chuck Jones and staff will present the FY 11 annual tourism report and FY 12 program of work, as well as state updates from the Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference, held Sept. 11-14 in Macon.   In addition, the Annual Athens Hospitality Awards will be presented, including:

• Hospitality HEROES of the Year
• Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership
• Classic Host

Jared Bailey accepts the Al Burris Award for Creative Expression from Governor Nathan  Deal and GDED Commissioner Chris Cummiskey

Athens CVB and local hospitality professionals gathered Sept. 11 - 14 in Macon for professional development and networking with industry counterparts from througout the state.  Conference attendees benefitted from sessions in marketing, sales, leadership, and advocacy along with keynote addresses from industry leaders.

A highlight of the conference was the Governor's Luncheon, when Athens-Clarke County was announced as one of Georgia's latest Camera Ready Communities and AthFest and UGA's New Media Institute were honored with the Al Burris Award for Creative Expression for the iphone application developed for AthFest.   

Mark Adams attended the Connect Marketplace conference August 22 - 24. The conference was attended by over 500 meeting planners, sports tournament officials, and religious conference organizers. Mark had 48 individual meetings with event organizers. The CVB's goal is to obtain two new bookings from the Connect event. Key meetings included the president of Conference Direct, regional representatives from Helms Briscoe, and the meeting planner for American Canoe Association. 

August, by the numbers: The CVB booked 6,349 future room nights in August.  The CVB also produced 15 new leads for business and hosted four site visits during the month.  The CVB is pleased to announce that Athens has been selected to host the Georgia Republican Party's 2013 Convention, which will bring 2,000 - 2,500 delegates & alternates to Athens.

 
The CVB hosted local hoteliers on September 8 to introduce them to the new www.VisitAthensGA.com website.  The presentation outlined new features that provide additional marketing and promotional opportunities such as additional photos, video, and offers. 

Football Season is Here!

• The CVB's Athens Hosts will again assist gameday fans at five service tables inside Sanford Stadium and four outside the stadium. The staff are able to answer stadium questions  and distribute maps, dining guides, and other Athens vistor information.
   
• The Classic Center and CVB will again host meeting planners at home football games.  During select games, a pre-game tailgate at The Classic Center will showcase the new expansion.
   
• VisitAthensGA.com has a special Football Weekend landing page full of helpful information for hotels, residents, and visiting fans.  Check it out here for info on parking, dining, last-minute hotel rooms, and things to do.

The Athens CVB extends a warm welcome to new CVB Sales Manager Danielle Evans.  Danielle is an Athens resident who comes to the CVB from The Ritz Carlton - Reynolds Plantation.  Danielle will be responsible for meetings, convention, and social markets.  Her strong background in hospitality and tourism is a great fit for the CVB's sales team.  Please stop by to meet Danielle or contact her at devans@VisitAthensGA.com, 706.357.4433.

The current Bread for Life class recently participated in a week of orientation to the Athens hospitality industry and available career paths.  CVB Director Chuck Jones presented a tour of Athens.  Students toured the Lyndon House Arts Center, East West Bistro, the Athens Welcome Center, and Foundry Park Inn & Spa. Thanks to all the local partners who worked with these students. The Bread for Life graduation luncheon will be held November 10.
 
 

The CVB and The Classic Center participated in the United Way's Day of Caring on August 31. Chuck Jones rolled up his sleeves to assist with landscaping work at the Family Counseling Service of Athens.