New Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau initiative showcases local experts
HonoluluWhile Hawaii might attract groups because of its beaches, culture, and landscape, the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau has developed a new program to enhance its image as a business destination. The bureau will make several of Hawaii's top business and industry leaders available to groups as part of the newly formed Hawaii Speakers Bureau.
The leaders will address meeting groups on topics including business, high technology, finance, Asian affairs, medicine, scientific research, and other issues involving Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. The HVCB currently has commitments from 20 Hawaii-based leaders to take part in the program; the complete list can be found at www.businessaloha.com. By emphasizing its connections to the Pacific Rim during speaking engagements, Hawaii aims to bring companies on both sides of the Pacific together to expand their business opportunities.
Live From McCormick Place...
ChicagoAs a new benefit to show managers and exhibitors, the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau has developed an online video series called Live from the Floor of McCormick Place. The program will air live from trade shows taking place at the facility, featuring newsstyle segments on developments at each show, including demonstrations, interviews with industry experts and celebrities, product showcases, and other happenings.
The shows can be accessed online at Privileged Access.tv by anyone around the world, greatly expanding a trade show's reach and increasing its profile. It will enable everyday consumers to view new products that only industry insiders and trade show attendees were previously able to see, generating more excitement before their release.
The Chicago CTB, the first bureau in the country to offer such a program, kicked off the first broadcast in mid-March at the 2008 International Home & Housewares Show.
Seven Destinations Receive DMAI's Accreditation Seal
Washington, DCDestination Marketing Association International (DMAI) granted accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) to seven destination marketing organizations during its most recent application cycle. The designation recognizes a DMO's high level of excellence within the industry. The DMOs granted accreditation were Atlantic City CVA, the Greater Hartford CVB, Lafayette CVC, Quad Cities CVB, Tourism Richmond (British Columbia, Canada), Virginia Beach CVB, and Visit Charlotte/ Charlotte RVA.
"Earning DMAP accreditation assures members of the local DMO, local government officials, visitors, and business partners that their trust is well placed in the DMO," said DMAI President and CEO Michael Gehrisch. There are currently 47 accredited DMOs, but that number is expected to grow to almost 100 by the end of 2008.
Originally published April 7, 2008