While face-to-face meetings and travel have paused, staying connected with peers and hospitality partners is more important than ever. In this series of videos, hear directly from your CVB and DMO friends for updates on cities around the country and some warm words of encouragement.
Your favorite destinations for meetings, events and incentives will be waiting for you and your groups when business is moving again—until then, stay safe!
Visit Sacramento
Sarah Atilano, Chief of Strategy and Market Growth
Hi everyone. It’s Sarah Atilano. I’m the chief of strategy and market growth with Visit Sacramento. Here we are in Sacramento, mid-construction at the Safe Credit Union Convention Center. We know that it is a hard time for everyone right now. We are just really looking forward to welcoming you back to our city to a brand new building in early 2021. Take care everyone.
Explore Asheville
Stephanie Brown, President and CEO
Greetings from Asheville, North Carolina. I’m Stephanie Brown, president and CEO of Explore Asheville, here with support from our team to all of our meeting planner friends and colleagues around the country.
We understand just how hard it is to plan a successful meeting and the tremendous talent that it takes to make a memorable event. And we understand how frustrating it is to rebook and deal with cancellations, especially while you’re facing challenges in your own personal lives associated with the COVID-19 crisis.
We look forward to reconnecting with you when the time is right. And until we have the chance to work with you again, we send you our very best wishes for good health to you and your families.
The Greater Raleigh CVB
Dennis Edwards, President and CEO
Hi. I’m Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of The Greater Raleigh Conventions and Visitors Bureau. If these times of uncertainty have taught us anything, it’s that collaboration leads to innovation.
Human interaction matters. Creativity matters. And therefore, whether it’s the exchange of ideas that take place or simply the emotional lift of seeing each other once again, the bottom line is meetings matter. You matter. Stay strong. And together, we will get through this and be even better on the other side.
We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh real soon. And always remember to choose kindness. Thank you.
Lincoln CVB
Kelsey Meyer, State Associations, Hobby, Group Tour Markets
Hello. My name is Kelsey Meyer, State Associations, Hobby, Group Tour Markets, and I am with the Conventions and Visitors Bureau in Lincoln, Nebraska. The team at the Lincoln CVB has been thinking a lot about people in the tourism and events industry lately. And we wanted to share a quick message of appreciation for one of the hardest hit industries of the virus.
The work you do to bring people together face-to-face may be at a standstill. But please know, each day, we are getting closer to bridging that gap and being back together. When that time comes, countries, states, cities, near and far will be here to welcome your groups with open arms. I cannot wait to welcome meetings back to Lincoln. Until then, keep up the good work. We are Tourism Strong.
Lake Geneva
Stephanie Klett, President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva
Hi everyone. I’m Stephanie Klett, president and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva. There’s a saying I really like and it goes, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf.” And that’s exactly what we’re all doing right now. It will not be like this forever. So, until then, hang tough and most importantly, stay safe.
Orlando
Mike Waterman, Chief Sales Officer for Visit Orlando
Hello from Orlando. My name is Mike Waterman, Chief Sales Officer for Visit Orlando. In my 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, I can say without a doubt, this has been the most unusual time in our history. We are seeing an unimaginable economic impact on our businesses, colleagues and friends. And at times, we felt like our whole world is turning upside-down.
But we’re also seeing incredible acts of kindness, new ways to stay connected and support our communities. And a true heart-felt appreciation for face-to-face, in-person contact, which bodes well for our industry and its eventual recovery.
And while it will undoubtedably look different on how we do this, I have no doubt we will get there. While timing for reopening may be uncertain at the moment, and the exact measures are still being determined, one thing’s for sure: our destination’s home to some of the most trusted businesses in the industry. Orlando is known for taking safety seriously. And we will come up with ways to host our visitors safely and securely, yet still provide the experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
On behalf of the entire Orlando destination, our convention centers, hotels, restaurants, theme parks and attractions, we have an entire region that is looking forward to hosting you again soon.
And I personally can’t wait to see you on the show floor.
Read next: Inspiring Stories from the Meetings Industry During the Coronavirus Crisis
