Iron Range Tourism Bureau reaching out to local event planners

EVELETH – On Wednesday, Apr. 16, members of the Iron Range Tourism Bureau (IRTB) board of directors are hoping to learn more about area events from the planners themselves, and share ways tourist dollars can be maximized when events happen on the Range.

The idea for a “sport and event planning open house” originated with Jane Serrano, IRTB board vice-chair and general manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mountain Iron. “Most people might not realize it but there are many weekends, especially in the winter, when multiple events are taking place in the region and we have to turn people away from our lodging properties,” Serrano explained. “If there’s any way we can do more to promote events to visitors outside the area and make sure that events are spread out into different weekends, everyone will benefit.”

About 50 regional event planners have been invited via postcard to attend the open house at Holiday Inn Express & Suites from 4 – 8 p.m. on the 16th. Anyone who did not receive the postcard, but plans events that draw visitors to the region, is invited. Attendees will have a chance to learn how to submit event information to the IRTB website, which receives around 90,000 visitors annually, and other ways the tourism bureau can help promote their events. They’ll also receive a 2014 event calendar printout with dates of major regional events.

“We want people to know that when they’re planning events, we can help them get the word out to an audience outside the region, and that we have the information event planners might need when they’re selecting dates for new events,” Serrano said.

There is no charge to attend the sports and event planning open house. Light snacks and drinks will be served. To RSVP for the event, or for questions, contact the IRTB at 218-749-8161 or email info@ironrange.org.

Reported by:  Hometownfocus.us