CVB efforts to attract events bring results

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau has been working hard to bring groups and conventions to the Queen City, and those efforts are paying off, according to Tracy Kimberlin, executive director of the Springfield CVB.

The organization's efforts to attract groups to Springfield have been building momentum for some time.

"A couple of years ago, we created a position that concentrates on attracting amateur sports to Springfield," Kimberlin said. "But we have to gear our efforts to the facilities that we have available."

Two other factors have helped the CVB in its work to bring conventions and groups to Springfield, according to Kimberlin.

The first was the commitment made by John Q. Hammons to build a 100,000-square-foot expo center.

The second boost to Springfield's CVB was the hotel/motel tax increase, which passed in February 1998. The CVB also added an additional convention sales position in 1999.

The expo center, which Kimberlin said is expected to be finished by fall of 2001, will play a vital role in attracting convention and meeting trade to Springfield.

"The American Baptist Convention will be first big event booked by SCVB," he said. The event, which will bring several thousand convention goers to Springfield, will be held in 2003.

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association Annual Wing Ding held recently is one of the CVB's convention-attraction triumphs.

The association estimated that 13,000 attendees spent $7.25 million while in Springfield, according to Kimberlin.

Wing Ding participant feedback indicated that attendees were very happy with the city, its services and its people, Kimberlin said.

"They were very enthused about the reception they received," he said. "We couldn't have held the event here without the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex."

The Wing Dingers could be roaring back into Springfield in a few more years, Kimberlin said. "We're working on getting them back here in 2003 or 2004," he said.

The CVB's convention attraction efforts usually begin on the phone, with calls made to meeting planners, Kimberlin said.

"Primarily, our efforts are focused on direct sales," he said. "We try to determine whether they are right for Springfield and whether we are right for them before we spend too much time on a proposal. There's a great deal of communication that takes place before a proposal is put together."

What kind of group would find Springfield a good fit for its organization? Kimberlin said that groups interested in a centrally located city that participants can easily drive to, as well as organizations that would like to have access to vacation opportunities during their events, would be good candidates for a Springfield convention.

Once the CVB and the interested group determine that a stay in Springfield might be right for the group, the wheels go into motion. Meeting planners representing an interested party might come to Springfield for a site inspection, then a proposal is put together by CVB staff.

Dana Maugans, director of sales for the CVB, said the key to attracting more groups to Springfield lies in a local connection to a member of a particular group.

"We're trying to build local interest in people who belong to local organizations," Maugans said. "We strongly encourage people to contact SCVB to explore the possibility of bringing their group to Springfield."

Maugans said Springfield's proximity to Branson, Bass Pro Shops and other area attractions are key selling points, as well as the city's low crime rate.

Also, groups that hold conventions in the Queen City are always impressed by the reception.

"We always hear from our groups about how friendly everyone is," Maugans said.

Kristin Kubitschek, communications coordinator for the CVB, said the organization's efforts to serve as a liaison between Springfield's convention trade and the media have resulted in lengthy magazine articles about the city in national magazines.

Springfield was featured in two editions of Trans World Airlines Ambassador, TWA's in-flight magazine, and the city was also highlighted in Midwest Traveler.

Advertisements in Reader's Digest, Southern Living and other publications have also presented the benefits of Springfield to the masses.

"We've made some good connections," Kubitschek said. "The response has been very positive. People are always very impressed with the low cost of food, gas and rooms in Springfield."

But perhaps even more impressive is the red carpet treatment Springfield convention-goers have received while in town.

Kubitschek and Maugans said they have already received many letters and e-mails from Wing Ding participants indicating that their Springfield experience was top-notch.

Kubitschek added that many African American Wing Ding visitors went out of their way to let the SCVB know that they received a better reception in Springfield than in other cities they had visited for past events.

"I really applaud Springfield for that," Kubitschek said.

In the future, the establishment of a satellite office in Jefferson City will also augment CVB's efforts. According to Maugans, the satellite office will focus on bringing additional state associations, government meetings and education groups to Springfield.

Diane Gillespie, who will spearhead the CVB's Jefferson City efforts, will work full-time from that office to bring these statewide groups to Springfield, Maugans said.

[[In-content Ad]]