Convention and visitors bureaus are a planner’s best friends. They can be allies in your effort to bring the best value to your attendees while meeting budget limitations. Whenever you have the opportunity, develop relationships with destination representatives. Strengthen your network as well as your planning and negotiating reputation by attending trade shows and taking advantage of site visits.

CVBs have a wealth of knowledge about the venue options, attractions, services and value opportunities in their destinations, including what’s coming online in the future. Enlist them early, inform them when you select hotels and activities, and find out what other extras they can offer, like maps, airport greetings, volunteers, etc. Provide as much history about your event as possible, as well as any new requirements or wish lists.

You can start now by reading our Special CVB Showcase Section (page 55). The destinations featured in this section are our advertising partners and have chosen to be in this showcase issue because they are interested in your faith-based meetings. They have experience and special services tailored to your attendees, and are eager to host your events.

Attracting younger members is another major topic of interest to planners. Associate Editor Jennifer Garrett interviewed our cover subject, Jonathan Merritt, who offers a fresh, faith-based take on green meetings in “Green Like God” (page 20). In “Higher Goals” (page 24), contributor Marc Boisclair writes about the spiritual growth that’s fostered with team-building adventures, a big draw for youth conferences.

Campus meetings are not just for younger members, though they are a good way to attract a college-bound audience. Staff writer Libby Hoppe points out the many benefits these special venues offer in “On Campus” (page 30). On our final page, guest writer Joanna Eitel shares her surprising experience with an event for young adults in “Spontaneous Eruption” (page 168).

Christine Born
Editorial Director
CBorn@CollinsonMedia.com