Attractions
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Plans are moving forward to build a more than $40 million Water Magic attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Construction is slated to start early this year with a targeted opening by summer 2013. More than a waterpark, Water Magic will offer myriad water attractions. The first stop for visitors will be Emporium Square, a two-story atrium with a kaleidoscope of water-driven gadgetry such as fountains synchronized to music. The Water Theater will feature water-based productions and guests will even be able to orchestrate their own water symphonies. The entire attraction will recycle its water as well. For more information, call 865.453.8574 .
Destination Dispatch
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The Memphis CVB starting in January will be responsible for the management of the Memphis Cook Convention Center and the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. This change includes sales, marketing and day-to-day operations. For more information, call 901.543.5300.
Programs & Packages
- The Austin CVB recently launched a new communications initiative: managing integrated, customized social media campaigns for meetings and conventions. The CVB worked with the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) when it hosted its annual meeting in Austin in October. Several weeks prior to the conference, the CVB joined forces with the social media agency Sparkloft. Some highlights from the meeting include: BMES’ Twitter followers increased by 461 percent; 76 tweets reached 6,510 attendees, vendors, media and outside parties; and the BMES Facebook page was viewed 1,085 times during the conference. For more information, call 512.474.5171.
Green Scene
- Last October, the Central Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, in partnership with the Orlando/Orange County CVB, introduced the Central Florida Green Destination Initiative with the goal of making Orlando the greenest destination for conventions and tourism in the country. With support from local lodging, meeting, dining and support industries, the Hospitality Advocacy Committee set a mission to build awareness and establish a network of green properties/venues to serve as role models for the hospitality community. For more information, call 407.363.5847 or visit http://orlandomeeting.com.