Shaggy had Scooby-Doo. Sherlock had Watson. Shrek had Donkey. Sure, Shaggy, Sherlock, and Shrek were all successful at their craft, but their best friends made it much easier. So planners meet the CVB, your new BFF.
Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB) are the sidekicks to meeting planners, relentlessly working to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. They become an extension to your planning team, offering resources and countless services at every stage of preparation. They can help with anything and everything from starting with finding a venue to ending with an event analysis after everything is said and done. Every CVB is staffed with experts on the local area, people who can show you the ins and outs of the city. They can provide a personal guide to take you to the hotspots, or an enthusiastic foodie who can provide you with all of the best caterers. Added bonus, they’re funded through tourism taxes and city budget, so they’re free of charge to you.

But if you’re still not convinced that they really can help you, let’s start from the top. Hypothetically, you just got a new assignment to plan an event in a city you’ve never heard of, let alone been to. You type it into Google and become instantly overwhelmed with information that you will have to sift through for hours to find even the first hint of a promising venue. And then on top of that, you have to further research the venue to correlate it with your event requirements. Finally, after hours of digging you finally find a site that fits. So you call them up only to find out that their event room is currently under construction. You are back at square one.
It’s time to save yourself from more hours of monotonous research and call the city’s CVB. Give them your event requirements and a general idea of what you’re after, and before you can even think about opening the Google browser, they will have a list of venue options for you to choose from, all fitting your event desires. They’ll help you plan a site visit filled with guided tours, transportation, and all the information you’ll need before contracting out your event. And they don’t stop there. They help with almost every other aspect of your preparation. They’ll arrange vendors, group activities, budget plans, and even help out with any negotiations.
Now that your venue is booked, all arrangements must be secured. The CVB can help with that too! They’ll assist in any way they can to arrange hotel rooms, caterers, qualified staff, and even use some of their connections to get you keynote speakers. Just like a friend, every CVB is different and they all offer unique opportunities.
So before you spend days researching everything about a city, save yourself some time and call the CVB to help. That’s what BFFs are for!

Whoever said a meeting has to be just a meeting? It is time for the typical to take a step down and let something unforgettable take its place. And who better to help you than the CVB? CVBs know the ins and outs of their cities better than anyone, and the connections they possess are just what you need to create a meeting full of adventure. Swim with sharks, meet Abraham Lincoln, or sleep in a zoo! Not just anyone has the connections that the local CVBs do, which is all the more reason to start your planning process with the CVB.
In Springfield, Missouri, the CVB can connect you with Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, a meeting venue that can hold up to 1,000 attendees and send those brave enough underwater for a more immersive kind of experience. Sand tiger sharks, brown sharks, barracuda, and Atlantic Goliath groupers will all be waiting for you down in the depths!
For those groups who prefer mingling with animals in dryer conditions, consider an overnight safari at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. There’s no passport required to spend the night in North America’s largest indoor rainforest. Groups from 25 to 60 people can spend the night amongst roaring waterfalls and over 90 species of animals in their natural habitat. This one-of-a-kind adventure includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, breakfast, and an opportunity attendees will never forget!

• Seven golf courses, beautiful parks and riverside walking trails
  
• A vibrant, historic downtown with boutiques, dining and nightlife

You’re our top priority
We also offer something you may not find in larger cities: personalized service. In Bismarck-Mandan, you’re not “just another event.” You’re our top priority. We’ll work with you on everything from choosing the perfect venue for a gathering of any size to travel and lodging arrangements and all the details that will make your event both successful and memorable.

Thinking about taking your meeting or event to a new location or region? Among your first calls should be one to the Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitors Bureau – more commonly called “CVB.”
Chambers of Commerce support, promote, and advocate for their member businesses within a community, as well as, the town as a whole. In contrast, CVBs focus on tourism and tourism-related industries. They promote their destinations and connect visitors to the best spots to stay, dine, and visit. In some places, especially smaller markets, this is a single organization that performs both functions.  Regardless of the configuration, the folks that work for these entities are community experts and they have some very similar characteristics to a best friend.
They Always Know What You Need…
Bringing in some local touches can add dimension to your meeting or event and make it much more memorable. Maybe the local theater has especially great popcorn for your afternoon break, or there’s a place on Main Street with gourmet truffles to add to gift bags. Perhaps they know of a local band to play for your awardsparty. These are the little touches that the CVB or Chamber staff are going to know about and be excited to recommend.
They are also the thoughtful extras that your attendees are going to remember.

They Share Their Secrets…
“Where would you go?” is among the top questions asked by visitors. It’s probably also top-of-mind for you as you consider your meeting options. Ask! Traffic and construction can be harder to navigate if you are not in the community as you plan. The Chamber or CVB can help you form the best route taking these into consideration, as well as, scenery and complimentary stops.
You may have certain locations you definitely want attendees to experience, but there may be many more under the radar that you should consider.
They’re Your Life Line…
I don’t mean the little things we deal with daily like missing extension cords or faulty projector bulbs, though Chambers and CVBs might be able to help there, too. I mean the big threats that keep us awake at night. “What if the hotel loses power?” “What if there is a natural disaster?” “What if my venue suddenly closes a week before my event?” “What if my keynote has a heart attack?” These things are rare (thank goodness!), but not unheard of.
Chambers and CVBs can help you plan ahead. Ask for emergency numbers and contact information. It’s also a good idea to identify the closest medical facilities to your venues.
If something disastrous does happen, it can give you at least a little peace-of-mind to know you have someone familiar with the options and in town to help you form a contingency plan. Establish a relationship in the months and weeks before your event, and if a crisis does occur they can be a major asset as you manage the issue.
They’re Your Personal Cheerleader…
Ask your CVB contact for a list of local media. This is especially useful if you are hosting a larger meeting or conference. If you were planning on issuing a press release to promote your event locally anyway, this will save you a ton of time.
They’re Your Personal Match-Maker…
From caterers to meeting spaces, communicate your needs and expectations. Remember, these are professionals that are working for their community. They want you to be a repeat guest, so they will connect you with the most appropriate options their community has to offer. They know the staff, drive times, and construction schedules, and will work with you to create a seamless experience for you and your attendees.
They Bring Out Your Good Side…
If you are interested in incorporating a Corporate Social Responsibility Program into your event as an extra or as part of team-building exercise, CVBs and Chambers can give you some great leads. Whether it’s a soup kitchen in need of volunteers or a highway to clean up, there are needs in every town. It gives your attendees a chance to give back to the host community, but also offers a great chance for them to work together and get to know one another on a deeper, more meaningful level.
They’re The Best Kind of Third Wheel…
If you have attendees attending with their spouses, be sure to mention this. The CVB can tailor itineraries, highlight attractions, and even recommend restaurants. It’s a nice perk to be warmly greeted with a visitor guide, coupons, and the necessary maps to navigate the area. Both the working spouse and the traveling guest will appreciate the gesture and likely have an overall better experience.
Chambers and CVBs adore working with meeting and event planners. They are champions of their communities and are committed to selling the best version of their town or region. Best of all – this knowledge and assistance is usually completely free! These are professionals who are ready to make your life easier. Just ask.

Fox Cities, WI - The Community First Champion Center opens Nov. 20 in Grand Chute, Wisconsin/Fox Cities. This 164,000 sq. ft. premier indoor sports tourism complex in the Midwest features a year-round ice rink, fieldhouse with four basketball courts and eight volleyball courts, and a seasonal area that transitions between an ice rink and hard courts.

Kenosha, WI -  Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Downtown Kenosha Visitor Information Center and main office moved a few blocks. They are now located in the Harborview Office Center at 600 52nd St, Suite 140. Their hours remain the same: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, as does their phone number: 262-654-7307 and website: VisitKenosha.com.

Nobody goes home hungry from Beachwood. Its restaurants range from homey fast-casual to white-tablecloth and Wine Spectator Grand Award finery. Beachwood’s diversity rate is four times that of the state of Ohio and this shows not only in its population but also in its local restaurants. The city also boasts many innovative exercise studios and a beautiful nature path, so visitors can work up an appetite before going out to eat.
The city’s indoor mall, the luxurious Beachwood Place, is anchored by Northeast Ohio’s only Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Other branded stores include offerings from Kate Spade New York®, LEGO®, Microsoft, Aveda and Vans, plus favorites like Buckle and the Beachwood-based Ticknors Men’s Clothier. These, in addition to outdoor retail spaces in neighboring communities, mean that visitors can enjoy all the shopping they can handle!
The city boasts one of the cultural gems of Northeast Ohio: The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, whose mission is “to introduce visitors to the beauty and diversity of that heritage in the context of the American experience.” The Maltz Museum is a lively community space that is devoted to diversity and tolerance. Its intimate 70-seat theater and spacious, window-filled lobby (capacity 80 seated, 125 standing) are available for event rental. It also features a 12-person conference room.
The City of Beachwood is locally renowned for its city services and amenities. More than 2,500 companies call Beachwood home, and the city’s income and property taxes are considerably lower than those of neighboring communities. NerdWallet named Beachwood the 4th Best Place to Start a Business in Ohio, and the city regularly places at or near the top of Cleveland Magazine’s annual “Rating the Suburbs” issue.
Beachwood is a wonderful place to visit and a terrific place to work, live, and play! A mere 30-minute drive from Akron and another half-hour to Canton, the other Customized Meeting Experience winners, the city provides everything you need for an excellent meeting or small convention. Call the Mayor’s Office at 216-292-1905 or visit www.BeachwoodOhio.com for more information.

We all know it would be hard for Visit Canton to top their Customized Meeting Experience entry of meeting a pro-football Hall of Famer with a personal tour of the museum, but they really do have much more to offer! Plan a secluded board retreat at a Tuscan village or take advantage of their state-of-the-art sports facilities. Choose from one of their pre-made group itineraries or customize your own.
Get behind the scenes with Canton’s factory tours. Watch skilled artisans create stained glass masterpieces in a fully functioning stained-glass factory, and become part of the action with a group class at Studio Arts & Glass Inc. Watch as molten glass is transformed before your eyes into beautiful pieces of art in a modern state-of-the-art hot glass studio. Or indulge in a Harry London/Fannie Mae chocolate factory tour, where your group can satisfy their taste buds as well as their curiosity. Plus, check their bird’s eye view at P. Graham Dunn to see the entire production of the decor and gifts process from start to finish, using large CNC routers, powerful lasers, and simple craftsmanship to create inspirational, handcrafted items.

If you’re looking for something a little more simpler, Canton/Stark County is the northern gateway to Ohio’s Amish Country, the largest Amish community in the world. Your group will discover a simpler way of life by exploring the quality craftsmanship, authentic experiences, and wholesome entertainment that the Amish Country has to offer. Experience the finest in Amish cooking, a dinner concert, and other great special events all while enjoying the tranquility of the rural countryside.
Or bring out your group’s fun side with the Reds, Whites, and Brews tour. There are many wineries to choose from, such as Gervasi Vineyard or Newman Creek Cellars. Gervasi Vineyard features 27 varietals, tours, tastings, and culinary delights at their three restaurants. Newman Creek Cellars is an “Urban Winery” that names their wines with “Camelot” themes. Canton is also home to several local breweries and a distillery. Be sure to include stops like Canton Brewing Company, Scenic Brewing Company, and Canal Spirits Craft Distillery to create a possibly unforgettable tour, depending on how much you decide to drink!  
And we can’t forget about the chance to experience a side of the Pro Football Hall of Fame that not just everybody gets to see! Contact Visit Canton to enjoy a custom, VIP behind the scenes presentation from the Pro Football Hall of Fame archives which highlights favorite teams and players of your choice. Then, meet and greet with a Hall of Famer while enjoying appetizers and drinks. Head into the event center for dinner, followed by a personal tour of the museum. It’s every fan’s dream!
Visit Canton can accommodate groups of all sizes and purposes. Family reunions, corporate meetings, conventions, or just a group of friends can all have an extraordinary experience in the Hall of Fame City!

Akron/Summit CVB may have won our CME voting competition with their once-in-a-lifetime chance to race soap box cars at Derby Downs, but that’s not where the adventure ends. Greater Akron is ready to accommodate any group with any interests! Whether your group is full of nature lovers, foodies, history buffs, or sports fans, Akron has it all

Visit Ohio’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and explore more than 33,000 acres to hike, bike, ski, sled, or simply unwind. Summit Metro Parks also offer 14,100 additional acres with 16 parks, several conservation areas, and more than 125 miles of trails for the nature lovers. For those who prefer to do their exercise via retail therapy, Akron and Summit County have fabulous and unique shops with special finds for every type of shopper. The only limit you’ll have is the one on your credit card! From mainstream retailers to antique shops, you won’t go home empty-handed. A few Akron-centric must-sees are Don Drumm Studios & Gallery, Akron Glass Works, The Bomb Shelter, and Stagecoach Antiques.
Looking to buff up on your history? Greater Akron dates back as far as Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman” speech in 1851. Ever since, they have been a melting pot for ideas, customs, and forms of expression. Visit the birthplace of AA with a tour of Dr. Bob’s Home and the gatehouse at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Travel back to the mid 1800s at Hale Farm & Village. Numerous sites, mansions, and homes also underscore poignant stories from their rich and lustrous past. If you’re group is full of history buffs, they won’t be disappointed with Greater Akron’s proud heritage.
If you have a group full of sports fans, whether they’re armchair quarterbacks or conditioned athletes, they can find their new favorite team at Akron. Cheer on the RubberDucks at Canal Park or catch the Akron Roller Derby with their flat-track bouts. For those with a need for speed, Barberton Speedway has the cars, while Northfield Park has the horses. And don’t forget about the opportunity to race or simply check out the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derpy Championships.
But if you can’t choose just one, contact Akron/Summit CVB’s Destination Sales Team, a team compromised of sales managers, director of sales, and director of marketing and communications. This team will help decide what hotels, convention/meeting facilities, and group activities will ensure your attendees have a visit that they’ll never forget! They do everything they can to create your own customized meeting experience!