HARTFORD, Conn.
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for the state of Connecticut, in partnership with the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau, has announced the formation of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB), an entity dedicated to increasing the state’s convention, meeting and sports events business. The CTCSB is a public-private partnership funded by dues from member organizations and a $1.3 million investment through DECD.
“The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau marks a real change in how Connecticut is streamlining efforts to pursue leads and cultivate major events for the state,” said Randy Fiveash, Director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism/DECD. “This is an organization that—in conjunction with state agencies and economic development initiatives—will focus on bringing in additional revenue and creating entertainment and hospitality jobs for Connecticut.”
“In a small state like Connecticut, it makes great sense to maximize our resources and represent the hotels, meetings and sports venues, attractions and restaurants throughout the region,” said Michael Van Parys, President of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, who headed the former Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Developing qualified leads or serious interest from a variety of group markets, our marketing and public relations strategy includes targeted direct sales, interactive on-line marketing, and an expanded presence at industry trade shows across the nation.”
With an eye on bringing new revenue into the state, the CTCSB will intensify outreach and marketing efforts to meeting planners and sports promoters for international, national and regional associations. It will continue to manage convention support and housing services for the Connecticut Convention Center and will head up convention support services, membership staff, the Connecticut Convention Advisory Board and the Sports Convention Advisory Board.
