CVB uses local connections to bring events to town

The effort is part of the CVB’s newest program, Select Springfield, which is aimed at local people who belong to organizations that conduct meetings or conventions.

The bureau estimates about 307,000 people attend conventions in Springfield each year, and many of those events are held in town because local people work with the bureau to bring them here.

In the summer of 2005, Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt worked with the CVB to bring about 300 members of the Missouri Sheriff’s Association to Springfield. Terry Hicklin, owner of Candy House Gourmet Chocolates, helped the CVB book the Retail Confectioners International event, which is expected to bring more than 300 people next year.

The economic impact of locally held events is strong – and can be stronger, said Kelly Kennedy, the CVB sales manager spearheading the program, in a news release. The average convention attendee spends $150 per day, which means a three-day convention that brings 500 people would infuse about $225,000 into the local economy, according to the CVB.

To notify the CVB about an organization or upcoming event that could come to Springfield, contact Kennedy at (417) 881-5300 ext. 114 or kkennedy@springfieldmo.org.