Convention-Services Leaders Discuss Better Planner Partnerships

On the heels of Destination International’s Convention Sales and Services Summit in Dallas in late April, 18 senior convention-services directors from DMOs nationwide spent a day discussing how they can be better partners to planners of citywide conventions as well as single-hotel meetings. All are members of Event Services Professionals Association.

“The biggest issue we addressed is how to change the perception among planners that we simply provide staffing assistance, brochures and other marketing materials and partner referrals,” noted Amanda Fox, vice president, operations & events for Visit Rochester.

“Over the past several years, we’ve become community connectors who are central to getting meeting groups intertwined with local organizations and assets, allowing an event host to leave a lasting impact and legacy in the community along with that memorable experience for their attendees.”

David Taylor, director of destination services and facilities experience for the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, agreed. “Our focus is on being truly strategic partners for an event group’s overall experience in our destination,” he said. “That means using our deep knowledge of local resources to make the right connections that help groups meet their event goals.”

Specifically, a DMO’s convention-services team can leverage the assets of the destination’s corporate base and nonprofit organizations whose mission and expertise match up with an incoming group.

“Whether it be securing session speakers, building CSR and other volunteer initiatives or increasing the number of sponsors and vendors, we have the local connections to do all that,” Fox said.