Elissa English, Convention & Visitors Bureau is Guest Speaker
October 9th Meeting
Immediately after an abbreviated opening, Mindy introduced Elissa English, Meetings, Events, Sports, Sales Service Manager for the Convention & Visitors Bureau.“The mission of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland is to stimulate the economic vitality of Greater Portland by soliciting and servicing conventions, meetings, groups, and visitors and by promoting Greater Portland as a preferred destination.” However, Elissa emphasized that they promote the entire state with members from Bar Harbor to York County. They are funded by membership (anybody associated with tourism).
200 million people attend meetings & events nationally spending 260 billion. But, Maine only enjoys 1 % of that total! Recognizing that many Mainers are traveling, they concluded why not promote? Working with Maine Biz and WCSH-TV, they have produced a video which she presented to us. They plan to encourage distribution of the video by encouraging attachment to e-mails, etc.
She distributed a prototype brochure entitled, “Bring Yours Home”. It is directed at the many Mainers who participate in regional & national organizations suggesting that they bring their organization’s next meeting home to Maine.
As an example, She noted the success of Will Thomas and the Lobsterman Triathlon held in Freeport along with the very successful REV3 Triathlon held in Old Orchard for the first time this summer. Because of its success it is returning again next year (August 25, 2013). These events draw participants from all over the country.