Convention & Visitors Bureaus are not‐for‐profit organizations sharing the mission of enticing visitors to the destination each serves.
CVB Services — almost always complimentary — are designed to match planner and attendee needs to the destination's amenities and resources, resulting in streamlined, timesaving efficiencies for you, the planner.
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What Services Do CVBs Provide?
The services provided by each bureau vary somewhat; however, resources typically include the following:
- Destination Expertise – RFP distribution, site inspections, provision of print and web‐based marketing materials
- Bid Development – competitive analysis, liaison with convention center, hotels, meeting venues
- Convention Planning – welcome letters, local media contacts, street signage, identification of support services
- Attendance Building – media release creation, dedicated web landing pages, attendance boosters, and
- telemarketing services
- On‐site Support – supply visitor’s guides, city maps, registration booths and support, name badges, welcome banners, attendee "goodie bag" materials
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How Do Planners Benefit?
Meeting and event planners oversee hundreds of tasks and, by reaching out to the Illinois' CVBs they will receive help with the following:
- Time Savings – identifying the appropriate venue, rates and availability within planner’s timeframe and budget
- Financial Savings – complimentary products and services, maximizing value dates/meeting patterns, individual CVB promotions designed to enhance event bottom lines
- Simplicity – bids gathered from hotels in standardized formats. CVBs can receive all RFPs on behalf of the planner.
- Unbiased Expertise – providing a wide range of updated information on existing facilities and activities, and education regarding new hotels/meeting venue locations and off‐site activities
- Unique Destination Perspective – providing information on airlift, weather, city‐wide meetings and community events