If you’re looking for a way to educate your site selection committee or potential convention attendees about an upcoming meeting destination, you might consider beginning with a visit to a few popular social media websites. In a growing trend, many CVBs across the Midwest are utilizing more online resources for teaching groups about the exciting things to see and do in their cities.

According to Allison Potter, SMERF sales and marketing manager for the Dublin, OH CVB, “We utilize social media daily to interact with consumers and provide the latest information about our city as a meeting destination. Using sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr helps us to reach the meetings market with new arms and lead them to the Dublin CVB’s main website to discover more. The bureau’s blog also provides an ‘insider’s look’ to the different attractions, restaurants, and events attendees can enjoy. These social media sites tell stories about our meeting destination that wouldn’t necessarily be told on our bureau’s main site.”

Brent Foerster, vice president of sales and marketing for VISIT Milwaukee, agrees with Potter. “Two years ago, when we set up our strategic plan for how to utilize social media, we really focused on the leisure side of our market. However, we quickly realized that our social media outlets could also be a great way to educate potential convention attendees who are unfamiliar with Milwaukee about what there is to see and do. Social media helps us to bring this message to them in a timely and creative way.”