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A Quick Reference of Member Programs and Services
The Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus is dedicated to the professional growth of its members. WACVB’s primary goal is to promote and expand the influence of the convention and visitor industry through education. The association serves more than 140 member bureaus in the Western United States and Western Canada.
Educational Programs
Destination Marketing Tech Summit and Vendor Showcase
Creative and energizing, the Tech Summit and Vendor Showcase includes dozens of technology strategies and solutions to benefit your staff and your organization. Meet with vendor representatives at the Vendor Showcase. In a comfortable, casual and friendly environment, you and your staff will be engaged on all levels.
Meetings/Conventions Sales Institute Training Program (SIT I & SIT II)
The two-day Meetings/Conventions Sales Institute Training Programs are for convention/meetings sales managers and directors of sales. The programs are specifically designed to refine existing techniques, introduce new selling skills, and accelerate the sales knowledge of sales personnel. The programs are designed and presented by Steve Steinhart, Steinhart & Associates, and presented in conjunction with the March or April Tech Summit and the October Annual Meeting. The Association offers an introductory program (March or April) and an advanced program (October).
CEO Forum
The Forum is designed to provide CEOs with strategies for surviving at the top—and includes discussions on solving management problems, working with volunteer leaders, and understanding issues in the meetings and travel industries. The Forum is scheduled for July or August.
Travel Industry Marketing & Sales Training Program (TIMST)
The two-day Travel Industry Marketing & Sales Training Program is leisure-focused and would be of interest to bureau sales staff responsible for the tour and travel and leisure markets. The job of travel sales managers is to look at the tourism picture in their communities and determine practical programs to increase room night bookings and revenues, contributing to a more diversified and economic base for the destinations they represent. Instructor Tere Stamoulis, The Stamoulis Group, is a veteran of the hospitality industry. This program is presented in conjunction with the October Annual Meeting.
Annual Meeting, Vendor Showcase and Best Idea Program
Professional growth opportunities await you at the annual conference. The sessions focus on creative and resourceful marketing strategies, innovative technologies, and tips for adapting to industry trends and organizational demands. The conference also includes a Vendor Showcase featuring trade publications, technology/information systems, and marketing and research firms. The showcase provides a relaxed yet productive business environment for delegates to meet with sponsors and vendors to discuss services and products. The objective of the Best Idea Program is to share innovative techniques or imaginative approaches to promoting your destination, managing your organization, providing services, and communicating with stakeholders. The Best Idea Booklet is uploaded to the Resource Library. Submit your entries in the Best Idea Program today using the Online Project Form.
Publications
Membership Directory
WACVB’s membership directory, with member-bureau profiles, is now online. Each bureau profile lists key senior staff and includes a brief sketch of the bureau. Click here or on Members. Select either a state/province or input a bureau name to begin the search function. Then, you may search using the other fields.
Peer Resource Guide
The Peer Resource Guide is the Association’s “Yellow Pages” for member expertise. When you need information or assistance specific to your work remember that our own WACVB members have a wealth of experience and expertise. The individuals listed in the various areas of expertise have offered to provide advice and counsel when contacted by a WACVB colleague. Click on Members on the homepage to locate the Peer Resource Guide.
Newsletter
The quarterly newsletter, NewsNotes, highlights WACVB activities and features industry and member news.
Western Destinations Guide
On an annual basis, WACVB partners with CONVENE, the award-winning journal of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), to produce a special Western Destinations Guide (March distribution). This valuable marketing opportunity is available exclusively to WACVB members to showcase Western destinations.
Surveys Online
Bureau Budget Survey
WACVB annually conducts a bureau budget online survey with results available to participating member bureaus. The survey is designed to determine member budget classifications and to provide a focus on those items affecting a bureau’s budget.
CEO and Staff Salary and Benefits Survey
The purpose of this online survey is to determine the salary and benefit schedules of bureau CEOs and staff members, as well as to collect data on such items as employment contracts and benefits. The survey results provide valuable information for member bureaus to use in planning and budgeting activities. In addition, participating CEOs can prepare individualized reports based on selected criteria such as bureau budget, type of bureau, number of full-time employees, etc.
Other Services
Web Site (www.wacvb.com)
The Association’s site is designed primarily to assist and inform member bureaus and their staffs. WACVB created this site to serve as a communication tool and an information resource to promote and expand the influence of the convention and visitor industry through education. Check out upcoming events, review WACVB programs and services, download materials from the Resource Library, investigate job openings in Position Announcements, and check out links to industry organizations. The “members” area includes e-mail and Web site links to member bureaus.
Position Announcements
The position announcement service is available, at a minimal fee, both to member and nonmember bureaus seeking to fill CEO and senior-level staff vacancies. The announcements are posted to WACVB’s Web site at www.wacvb.com
Resource Library
Members looking for sample materials--such as bylaws, job descriptions, employment agreements, and marketing plans--are invited to download online library materials at www.wacvb.com; contact staff for the user name and password to access the library materials. The materials are contributed by members and are available to assist in managing CVB operations and planning marketing strategies.
Online Event Registration
Members may register online at www.wacvb.com. Online event registration is available using an event registration form, with the addition of a secure credit card payment area. Members may also download an event brochure and registration form, complete the form, and fax or mail it to the Association office, along with a check or credit card information.
Credit Card Payment Program
In conjunction with the online registration service, WACVB offers members, nonmembers, and sponsors the convenience of a credit card payment program. Registration fees, sponsorships, member dues and more can be paid using American Express, MasterCard, or Visa.
E-mail Communications
Contact staff with your questions and comments at info@wacvb.com.
Scholarship Programs
The WACVB Education and Research Foundation administers multiple scholarship programs available to bureau CEOs and staff members. Scholarship materials and applications for the programs may be found on the WACVB Web site – click on Foundation/Scholorships.
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