Meeting & Event Planners: Conventions
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eetings and conventions are the backbone of the ACVB. The development of a downtown hotel will be a valuable asset for the long-term growth for this market. The core belief of the ACVB is that building trusting relationships through personal contact is key to growing group business. v
Objectives: 6/1/2019-5/31/2020
Meetings Hosted & Serviced Meetings: Delegates: Direct impact:
210 53,931 $19,117,205
Assisted Bookings Meetings: Delegates: Direct impact:
80 6,530 $1,043,660
Future Bookings Meetings: Delegates: Direct impact:
167 66,492 $23,698,017
Increase hotel bookings by 5%. Grow government meeting business by capitalizing on $94 federal per diem. Alert meeting planners to new and improved meeting space inventory.
Strategies:
Direct sales to known meeting and association planners. Advertising in industry publications. Targeted email campaigns. Quarterly sales calls to the state capital to court meeting planners. Update convention video showcasing Abilene for sales bids.
Renovations and expansion at the Taylor County Expo Center already are attracting new business.
Incentives for sizable conventions that use the Abilene Convention Center. Conduct a local sales blitz to encourage locals to bring conventions to Abilene. Austin Sales Blitz to 200 meeting planners to share news about Abilene’s new and improved venues after groundbreaking for new convention hotel downtown. Exhibit and network at tradeshows: • Southwest Showcase • Meeting Planners International • Texas Society of Association Executives • Connect Texas Seek out new marketplaces and publications to promote the downtown convention hotel. Target government meeting planners.
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