A convention and visitors bureau can be a meeting planner’s best friend. They know all the right people, can introduce you to the best caterer in town, connect you with 5-star accommodations all while stuffing welcome bags and helping you handle your conference registration. In fact, they’re better than a best friend – they’re like an über-super-charged-extreme best friend. The good folks at Eagan CVB are a perfect example. Their clients know they can count on them for solutions, ideas and answers …especially answers.
Q. What services are your clients often surprised to learn that your CVB offers?
A. We have so many services to offer our clients, including meeting planning assistance. At Eagan CVB, we place a strong emphasis on customer service, and that includes catering to both large and small clients for meetings in the Eagan area. So for example, we’ll research meeting space availability, arrange for site tours and work with clients from beginning planning to the conclusion of their event. We’ll offer them welcome bags with restaurant guides, visitor’s guide, and even coupon books. And, we’ll deliver those to their event registration desk or mail them out to the client prior to the event. We’ll plan pre- and post-conference activities for attendees’ spouses and families and work with clients on coordinating transportation to and from the event. The list goes on and on.
Q. What is your most popular service?
A. In the meetings area, our customer service is key. We find that they greatly appreciate that we really cater to them, and work with them from beginning to end.
Q. What is the biggest misconception meeting and event planners have about CVBs?
A. It’s not actually knowing the extent of our service capabilities or what we even do. What they don’t realize is that we go above and beyond, working with them on every detail for their event, from recommending transportation providers to florists, caterers, linens…you name it.
Q. What’s the best tip you can offer a planner when they’re first approaching your CVB for assistance?
A. We get a little bit of everything, from very experienced meeting planners who know exactly what they want, to office admin staff who have never planned anything before and need all kinds of help. We’ll guide them and help them achieve their goals and objectives.
Q. Is there anything else that you feel it’s important for planners to know?
A. Take a look at what’s offered in the community where you plan to hold your event. For example, Eagan CVB is within close proximity to many attractions, such as the Mall of America®. In fact, we have partnerships with many area attractions, restaurants and of course, MOA, plus we have over 20 unique and versatile meeting venues in the community. We’re very accessible and close to both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. There is a lot to be said for location.