From 360 virtual reality tours of convention centers to virtual FAMs and wellness workshops, CVBs have creatively marketed their destinations for meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meetings industry veteran Bonnie Wallsh interrupted her retirement to do a meeting site inspection for the U.S. Census Bureau and found things have changed a lot since COVID-19. Read more.

CVBs/DMOs have been hit hard by staff reductions stemming lost revenue from COVID-19. Meetings Today reached out to several to see how they are triaging their services during the pandemic.

Read how CVBs in Baton Rouge, El Paso and New York City worked with planners to reevaluate and adjust 2020 meetings or events in the wake of COVID-19.

In the video, which premiered at Destination International’s 2020 Annual Convention, Black executives from destination marketing organizations around the country share their experiences with racism in their lives and in the tourism industry.

With 30 years of tourism and hospitality experience, Larry Sieg takes the top slot at Meet AC following Jim Wood’s departure at the end of 2019. 

Edward Harris, chief marketing officer of the Philadelphia area’s Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), has left the tourism promotion organization to accept the job of president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. 
 

The Philadelphia CVB Board of Directors hired Gregg Caren as its new president and CEO, replacing Julie Coker, who accepted the position of president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. Read more.

The Philadelphia CVB’s Julie Coker has postponed her start as head of the San Diego Tourism Authority—and salary—to help Philadelphia’s tourism community navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Read more.

While most services offered by CVBs and DMOs are free, some planners still go directly to hotels and other suppliers when they set up their events. These Florida CVB and DMO professionals explain why meeting planners should rethink that approach.