Convention bureaus have one basic problem: Many corporate planners aren't sure what they do. Here are some common misconceptions — followed by the facts — provided by the Destination Marketing Association International.
MISCONCEPTION: CVBs only book hotel rooms and convention space.
FACT: They can introduce meeting planners to a range of services in a city — from restaurants to rental cars.
MISCONCEPTION: CVBs own or run the convention center in a city.
FACT: Only 5 percent of CVBs run the convention center in their city.
MISCONCEPTION: CVBs charge a fee.
FACT: CVB services are free, funded by hotel occupancy taxes.
MISCONCEPTION: CVBs only work with large groups.
FACT: More than half of all meetings involve fewer than 200 people. In fact, larger bureaus often have staff dedicated to small meetings.
CVBs also have statistics on hotel room and meeting space in the city, as well as a calendar of events to help planners avoid conflicts.
