Cassandra Matej, senior vice president, sales and services for the Dallas CVB, says planners often don’t know about the array of complimentary and low-cost services bureaus can provide for groups. Matej and other industry people offer the following points:
CVB Misperceptions:
- CVB services cost money or get kickbacks on meetings booked through them.
- CVBs broadcast leads to every member, resulting in an avalanche of solicitations.
- If you are using a hotel company’s national sales office, you don’t need the CVB.
- CVBs only help citywide conventions, not small meetings.
- The host hotel(s) can provide all the needed information and resources.
Why use a CVB:
- The CVB has deep destination knowledge about many things other than hotels, including off-site venues and restaurants. The bureau can connect planners with leaders in their organizations’ industries who will benefit the program in a variety of ways, including attendance-building.
- While the hotel national sales office may know their brand, the CVB is the local destination expert. Sales offices can’t have deep knowledge about every location.
- A majority of CVB convention services are complimentary or of nominal cost.
- A CVB drives economic success and enhances the quality of life in the local community. A partnership with a CVB shows support of the community.
- Cities use the data from CVBs to enhance infrastructure like convention headquarters hotels and attractions that benefit visitors.
- CVBs can provide customized services as well as move mountains.
