Meeting News - February 25, 2008 - (Page 13)

Edited by Elizabeth West elizabeth.west@nielsen.com CVBs New Book Looks At CVBs from the Inside Orlando—Meeting planners looking to get a better understanding of what goes on inside a CVB may want to check out the newly released book Managing Destination Marketing Organizations: The Tasks, Roles and Responsibilities of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive, cowritten by Bill Peeper—former president of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and past Destination Marketing Association International chairman—and colleague Robert Ford. Two years of research plus 22 interviews with DMO executives, as well as dialogue with association leaders and senior hotel sales executives, are highlighted in the book, providing insight into the successes, challenges, and nuances of CVB management. “We have some chapters that focus on CVB stakeholders, and clearly, meeting planners are primary stakeholders in the success of a CVB. For them to understand the kinds of pressures that bureaus [face] in their respective communities gives them a greater understanding of why some things can happen and other things can’t happen for their groups,” said Peeper. “Also, it’s important for them to understand the tensions that exist: Sometimes, the convention center and hotels have different goals— they’re not always in sync. I think it would really be helpful for planners, of both large and small events, to understand these realities.” The book is available online for purchase at www.managingdesinationmarketingorganizations.com. MeetingNews 13 Chicago Goes for the Gold Event in Sports Vies for 2016 Summer Olympics; Games may be springboard for destination investments In Chicago, the Magnificent Mile could become Marathon Mile if the Olympics come to town. Chicago—Olympics fervor is now official in the Windy City, as Chicago has submitted its applicant file to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2016 Summer Games. Among the details in the bid submitted by Chicago 2016 are proposals for five new event venues across the city, as well as an Olympic Village in the city’s South Side. “We certainly think that there’s a long-term legacy in store if Chicago hosts the Games,” said Patrick Sandusky, a spokesperson for Chicago 2016. “This will really have a positive impact on the city. For example, the Village would be going into an area that really needs a stimulus and revitalization—and the result would be a new neighborhood for people to enjoy.” Though it’s early for meeting planners to know the exact details of city improvements that would be made if Chicago were selected, they have plenty of reasons to root for the city’s selection: New meeting and special event spaces, improved citywide transportation, and revamped hotels, to name a few. According to Sandusky, the Windy City’s hosting of the Games would undoubtedly translate into increased enthusiasm for future Chicago events. “Obviously, Chicago is an amazing city. It’s a sports town, it’s got diversity, and it’s got a beautiful natural setting on a lake and parks,” said Sandusky. “And, if Chicago is selected for 2016, the spotlight on the city as a destination would get brighter.” The next major step in the host city selection process will happen in June, when the IOC narrows down the number of applicants to a short list. Chicago’s competitors include Madrid, Tokyo, and Prague. Phoenix CVB Goes to Dean For New Board Chairman Phoenix—George Dean, a Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau board member for 12 years, was recently announced as the CVB’s new chairman. Previously, Dean filled the posts of secretary and treasurer for the bureau. Dean is currently president and chief executive officer of the Greater Phoenix Urban League; before that, he was CEO of the nonprofit’s affiliates in Sacramento, CA, and Omaha, NE. He has more than 25 years of www.meetingnews.com tenure with the Urban League. “Dean’s acclaimed expertise in running a not-for-profit organization has made us stronger—and will continue to make us stronger,” said Steve Moore, president and CEO of the CVB. Through his work with the Urban League, Dean garnered acclaim for raising the organization’s visibility in communities and steadying its fiscal accountability. He is distinguished for raising more than $3 million for the advancement of minorityowned ventures. More Destinations Go By Way of Cross-Marketing Pact New York—State capitals Baton Rouge, LA; Providence, RI; Raleigh, NC; and St. Paul, MN, have teamed up as the Capital Cities Collection, a collaborative sales and marketing effort among their convention and visitors bureaus. The four cities, though geographically and culturally diverse, have similar-sized meeting spaces and facilities and are looking to offer planners a time-saving, one-stopcontinued on page 14 February 25, 2008 http://www.managingdestinationmarketingorganizations.com http://www.managingdestinationmarketingorganizations.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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