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Just ask your CVB!
Meeting tips from Chris Church
By Chris Church, bureau services manager
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
3433 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54914
800-236-6673
The best way to get the most service from a convention and visitors bureau is to ask. It sounds basic, but if you don’t ask, we won’t know how to help you out.
Case in point. One of our clients called and asked for a list of specialty boutique shops. The group was going to be here in November, and the event planner knew some members of her group would spend their free time Christmas shopping.
“Well, what kind of places would they like? Gift shops, crafts, and toy stores?” we asked.
“Sure…all of the above,” she said.
We went to work, and what started as a one-page list of interesting shops ballooned into five pages listing nearly 100 stores that offer everything from craft items to gourmet cooking supplies to doggy boutique items. This list has become hugely popular with a lot of groups that have free time and want to explore some one-of-a-kind sites.
It’s not unusual to be asked about a list of potential sponsors. There is no “one size fits all” list. However, after we start asking the right questions—Who are your vendors? Where does your association do its banking? Which office supply company do you work with?—we’re off and running. Within a few minutes, we’ve helped identify some solid leads.
What about florists, caterers, entertainers, bus companies and trophy shops? Oh, geez! Easy. We’ll gladly put you in touch with the people you need.
My favorite question is “Can you help us come up with a project that our group could contribute to when we’re in your area?” Wow! Can we ever. More often than not, meeting planners ask that their attendees bring nonperishable foods or donate money to a local food pantry. Occasionally, we get groups that want hands-on projects. One association had more than 500 of its members fan out across the community and work at nature centers, senior centers and playgrounds. The project got a lot of media play, the attendees had a great time and the recipients were thrilled.
So, please ask. It gives us a chance to show off a little bit, and more importantly, we do the footwork to save you time and money.
About Chris Church
Church, the bureau services manager for the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, got into the hospitality, tourism and convention business by accident in 1990.
“A friend told me the CVB needed someone to edit their new newsletter,” said Church. “I love to write, so I thought the job would be perfect. Ten years later, I’ve never had time to write one newsletter. I’m busy working with convention groups.”
Whether groups want minimal assistance (visitor guides and maps for their delegates) or have substantial needs (off-site event planning, volunteer help, translators, children’s programs), they rely on Church to make sure it all happens. She works with 200 groups each year.
Church says that last-minute requests, minidisasters and organizational glitches (what she calls the “yikes” factor) help make hers a lively job. A few recent heart-stoppers she’s handled include
- The shuttle bus just left, and I’m supposed to be on it!
- I’m late, I don’t have time to park my car, and in 10 minutes, I’m supposed to be the main speaker. Can you help?
- Uh-oh, our association forgot to order a bus, and our tour is tomorrow.
“Each day is different from the next, and calming the waters is part of the fun.” Said Church “When someone’s blood pressure is off the chart, and you can make a difference, you have a friend for life.”
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