CVB Travel: CVB prepares for improved Tourist Information Center

Susan Wade is the public relations manager with the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In another year or so, the Tourist Information Center operated by the Convention and Visitors Bureau will be an improved promotional tool for Springfield with interactive displays and informational dioramas.

"Because Springfield's attraction lineup has changed with the addition of Jordan Valley Park and Wonders of Wildlife and other developments, the city has become a destination in its own right," said CVB Executive Director Tracy Kimberlin. "The Tourist Information Center must reflect these changes."

Competition

Competition for conventions and tourists is fierce nationwide and the bureau needs to do everything it can - including operating a modern, technology-focused information center - to bring people to Springfield."

Space for the improvements will be possible once the bureau's main offices are moved into the first floor of the Jordan Valley Car Park, scheduled for completion in September 2003 along with the expo center at Jordan Valley Park. The bureau currently has offices in the Tourist Information Center at 3315 E. Battlefield Road and the Union Planters Bank building at 3271 E. Battlefield Road. There is a satellite office in Jefferson City.

After offices move to Jordan Valley Park, remodeling of the 12-year-old Tourist Information Center will begin with plans to expand the display area from about 750 square feet to more than 1,600 square feet. Storage space and workrooms also are part of the plan.

The kiosks and displays in the Tourist Information Center will be designed, owned and maintained by area attractions leasing space in the center.

First impression

The center serves more than 60,000 people annually and an up-to-date information center will give visitors a better first impression of Springfield, Kimberlin said.

The six to 10 displays at the center will make Springfield attractions stand out among the hundreds of brochures on display from all over the state and show visitors more reasons to spend time in the city.

Increased visibility and a more professional appearance will help people learn more about the nonprofit bureau serving as Springfield's primary marketing agency dedicated to bringing conventions and visitors to the city.

Location

Being near the new expo center will provide quick and easy access for the bureau's sales staff when representatives of groups considering having an event in Springfield want to tour the facility.

Moving staff into the same building will increase cohesiveness and efficiency.

Additional storage space will give the bureau room to keep the thousands of visitor guides, brochures, sales materials and other items currently stored in a variety of places, including offices and off-site storage units.

More workspace will make putting together packets for mass mailings easier and safer for the volunteers - most are senior citizens - and staff members who do the job. Thousands of information packets are mailed to potential visitors who have requested information.

Besides moving offices downtown and improving the Tourist Information Center, the CVB is looking into ways to have a presence at other key locations in the city.