ABCs of CVBs - Your Ultimate Minnesota Destination Guide

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are one of the best-kept secrets of the meeting and event planning industry. Yet all too often, there are misconceptions about the extent of CVB services offered, associated costs and capabilities. The fact is, CVBs are truly one of the best resources out there for planners. This month, mp suggests you take a minute to find out more about what CVBs do offer with this handy primer, ABCs of CVBs:

• At your service. Imagine an organization that doesn’t charge you for its services. It’s true — most CVBs are not-for-profit enterprises and offer a menu of services to planners at no charge.
• Beneficial for everyone. CVBs are available to work with groups of any size; whether large or small. Some CVBs even have divisions working exclusively with small groups.
• Create a campaign. CVBs will often work with planners to create a promotional campaign for their event, producing materials that encourage attendance.
• Distribute insider info. Save time and money by requesting your CVB distribute insider info to you by means of their wide-ranging database of vendors, venues and suppliers at your disposal.
• Evade obstacles. The CVB can help you avoid scheduling conflicts and/or space shortages by consulting their own meetings/events calendar for hotel room counts and meeting space statistics.
• Fancy footwork. CVBs assist with meeting planning, at times, even helping with collateral materials.
• Give Direction. Because CVBs work for the good of their community, they have no biases. Count on them to direct you to vendors who will best meet your needs.
• Help. Want to make local property rate comparisons? CVBs can offer impartial information about services and facilities at your destination.

Looking for CVBs that offer all this and more? Check out the two Twin Cities CVBs Minneapolis Northwest CVB and Twin Cities Gateway or Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce + Tourism located just south of the metro for attentive service and quality referrals to the Minnesota venues that fit your needs at their destinations. While you are there don't forget to check out our MInnesota event destination guide that is inclusive of all destinations offered in our three state searchable meeting + event supplier directory! 

• Introductions. Visitor-related businesses count on their CVB to introduce planners to their products and services. CVBs will be happy to arrange a meet and greet to local businesses who best matches your needs.
• Journey’s end. Most CVBs represent a specific destination or group of communities in one vicinity.
• Kick things off. When it comes to site selection, CVBs will locate meeting space and check hotel availability for you, then schedule inspections and tours.
• Liaison. Only a small percentage of CVBs operate the convention center in their locale. However, they will often have a working relationship with convention center staff and can help you get what you need.
• Membership driven. CVBs can often be member driven, bringing together local companies that rely on tourism for business.
• Name names. A CVB can put you in touch with other businesses in their communities, like caterers, rental agencies and transportation firms.
• Off-site activities. Consult with a CVB to expand on a convention schedule with off-site activities for before and after, or for spouses.
• Point people. For those planning a destination event, the CVB will be happy to act as your official point of contact at their location.

Does it all sound too good to be true? Ask the folks at these Minnesota CVBs:

Bloomington CVB
Discover St. Louis Park
Eagan CVB
Explore Hutchinson
Greater Mankato CVB
Lakeville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce
Red Wing VCB
Roseville Visitors Association
Saint Cloud Area CVB
Visit Bemidji

... they’ll be happy to go into even more detail about all the services they offer. Learn more about these fabulous destinations and more in our complete Minnesota meeting and event destination guide!

• Quality services. Because they know all that’s going on in their own home town, CVBs are a great resource for helping plan your itinerary.
• Resource for rooms. Need to block hotel rooms? CVBs will match your needs and budget to properties in their area.
• Saving you time. You’ll streamline your meeting planning process by connecting with the area’s CVB right from the get-go.
• Take care of things. Not only with they assist with on-site logistics and planning, but your CVB may even offer to help with registration.
• Up-to-date information. Your destination’s CVB will be happy to send you brochures, planning guides and even CD-ROMs that detail the area’s hotels, resorts, restaurants, meeting facilities and local attractions.
• Value-added extras. Think outside the box and ask your CVB for referrals on transportation services, security firms and even access to special venues.
• Work with you. CVBs are connected to their communities in multiple ways, and will know of public speakers and educational opportunities to suit your attendees.
• X-pect the best. Festivals, fairs or sporting events that coincide with your event are ideal for after-hours activities. Ask your CVB what’s going on in their town.
• Year-round service. CVBs aren’t just in the office during peak tourist times. Their job is 24/7/365. Call them year-round for great service.
• Zero in on your needs. A CVB exists to market and sell their destination. As such, they want you to be satisfied and will do everything they can to make your meeting or event in their community the very best it can be.

If you’ve never called one before, it’s time to start. For a complete list of Minnesota meeting and event destinations, visit our Minnesota event destination guide. Like planners who utilized the services of Fergus Falls CVB, Visit Saint Paul and Willmar Lakes Area CVB, you’ll discover that CVBs are a meeting planners’ best friend.