Thanks to all who came out on March 20 for our CVB Advisory Board meeting.  At this interactive session, attendees had the opportunity to weigh in on a number of current industry trends and opportunities. The CVB received a great deal of valuable feedback that we will take into consideration as we plan for FY 14, which begins July 1, 2013. 

 

Look for a survey invitation from us soon, to provide another opportunity for input from the local hospitality industry.  

706-357-4433.

 

  

The CVB is excited to be working with current website vendor Simpleview to implement a comprehensive Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) system designed specifically for destination marketing organizations and used by about 200 CVBs. The CRM will launch for FY 14 and will be implemented for all markets and areas of CVB activities. 

 

An Extranet feature allows local partners to update website listings, submit images and special offers, as well as to review and respond to meeting and convention leads.  Additionally, a convention calendar and other live-time meeting and convention reports will be available via the Extranet.  Look for more information and a training session this June or July.

 

  

March was a productive month for the CVB sales division, which booked nine future conventions with an expected attendance of 7,870, totaling 7,894 room nights, with estimated direct spending of $3,785,440.

 

Sales Director Tripp McKenney is continuing to pursue the sports market. He attended the annual meeting of Georgia Sports on March 5th and will attend the National Association of Sports Commissions Sports Event Symposium in Louisville, KY,  April 22-25, in partnership with Georgia Sports. Tripp has held recent site visits for prospective sports events.

 

Tripp, Kelli, and Christina will also attend the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) monthly luncheon in Atlanta on April 17.  GSAE is a key target for the CVB, which will be advertising in the next 12 monthly enewsletters sent to these state association executives.

 

  

The latest new feature at www.VisitAthensGA.com is user reviews, provided via Yelp.  User reviews consistently rank as the most sought after and highly regarded travel information, so it is only natural that the CVB website should include as part of our mission to be a one-stop-shop for Athens travel planning. While we would not recommend that any local business disable this integration, we do have the ability to turn off Yelp reviews at the listing level upon request.  For more information on the CVB website, please contact CVB Marketing & Communications Director Hannah Smith at 706-357-4430 or hsmith@VisitAthensGA.com.

 

  

Are you, or someone you know, looking for a fun volunteer opportunity that allows you to spread your knowledge and love of Athens with others?  The CVB is recruiting more Athens Hosts, the CVB's and Welcome Center's volunteer program, and will be holding training on Wednesday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m. Athens Hosts help with registration, greeting, Athens information, or whatever is needed to be hospitable to guests.  Athens hosts may work during Classic Center conventions as well as other venues around town.

 

  

Join us at the Small Business Summit,  an all-day event for local Athens businesses on May 31st at The Classic Center. The Summit will provide businesses the opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired through a range of breakout sessions, exhibits, roundtable discussions, networking events and more. 

 

Steve Baker, VP of The Great Game of Business, will be the keynote speaker and will demonstrate "The Only Sensible Way to Run a Company."

For more information on the 2013 Small Business Summit or register for the event, please visit www.smallbizathens.com.  

Exhibit space and a limited number of sponsorships are still available for those interested in the Small Business Resource Fair.

Kelli has also attended the Young Professionals Network at Little Kings Shuffle Club, Chamber Ambassadors at Pauley's Crepe Bar,  and Georgia Chapter of Meeting Planners International at Wyndham Atlanta Galleria. 

April 18 - 21
Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage
Athens to Macon
atpilgrimage.com 

May 2 - 3
Heritage and Cultural Tourism Seminar,
GDEcD  Eatonton  Register and more information
here

 

May 31

Small Biz Summit
The Classic Center
More info:
smallbizsummit.com 

June 20
CVB Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting
Georgia Museum of Art
8:45 networking
9:00 meeting

RSVP:  
Venessa Banks 
706-357-4430 

 

State marketing resources & industry stats are available at www.MarketGeorgia.org