Take 10! CVB Questions - answered by Arlene Sheff, CMP - sheffcmp@gmail.com
From the Oct. 26, 2011 Webinar, CVBs: Maximizing Your Meeting’s Potential
1. Is it useful to include a CVB if we can only use preferred hotel chains?
Yes, because CVBs provide a great deal of information about a specific city, i.e. off-site venues, restaurants, attractions, other bookings in city, transportation, weather, airport information, direction, etc.
2. Do CVB's typically list their member companies on their web site(s) so you can research who they represent?
Yes, typically they do.
3. CVB's do not charge...do DMO's?
Both CVBs and DMOs operate similarly... the difference is in what they are called.
4. Do you recommend to always start search for a destination venue in a city with CVB? Or, Are there instances where event planners should go directly to a local DMC without reaching out to a CVB first?
If you want to find out everything about a specific city, the CVB should be your first contact. They provide unbiased resources which might include various DMCs and other types of suppliers. Some CVBs will assist in bidding out your supplier needs. In other cities, you will need to bid them out yourself.
5. Are there any services for "greening" an event. carbon credit calculations, special recycling bins, composting standards, etc
Some CVB web sites provide a great deal of information about green meetings. With other CVBs, a call to their office can provide the information.
6. If I want to contact multiple CVBs at once for destinations I am considering...what are my options? Do I have to go to each one of their websites?
DMAI at http://www.destinationmarketing.org is a trade association made up of CVBs and DMOs. Sign up at empowermint.com to learn how to compare CVBs/DMOs. They provide an RFP service.
7. Will CVB's be helpful after hotel agreement has been made?
Yes. They provide an insight into their city - including services other than the hotel. i.e. transportation, restaurants, off-site venues, calendar of events, directions, airports, etc.
9. Do CVBs base the amount collateral they can give a group on the amount of room nights?
Yes. Many services provided by CVBs that require a fee are based on room nights booked. Some are flat rates, while others are sliding scales.
10. Do CVB's provide specific services with government meeting planners?
That would be a good question to ask the CVB in the city you're interested in. CVBs are excellent liaisons with city government.
BONUS QUESTIONS
11. Can CVBs handle registration services for all size groups?
Some CVBs don't have enough staff to handle registration for large groups. They can refer to staffing companies.
12. Is it appropriate or expected to extend gratuities to your CVB rep at the end of your program?
While monetary gratuity is not appropriate for CVB sales manages, a note of praise indicating how your needs were met might be sent to the sales manager's boss.