Tourism Winnipeg

10 2019 Destination Marketing Plan and Partnership Opportunities Meetings and Conventions Tourism Winnipeg leads the city's sales and marketing efforts in the meetings and conventions market, collaborating with the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Travel Manitoba and industry partners to attract meeting and convention business to Winnipeg. Tourism Winnipeg has added a new area of focus to align its target markets with Winnipeg's leading economic sectors to attract more business events, through its Bring It Home program. In addition to the economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants and retailers, meetings and conventions impact the bottom line of businesses large and small. They provide an avenue for attracting new visitors, generating investment and business development and increasing destination awareness. As well, the average convention delegate spends up to four times as much as the average leisure visitor and often engages in pre- and post-convention travel and return visits with family and/or friends, which yields a higher return on investment. Target Markets Association executives, corporations, meeting planners, local influencers and third-party planners Geographic Markets Primary Winnipeg, Ottawa and Toronto Secondary The rest of Canada and select U.S. destinations Tactics Tourism Winnipeg has developed a strategic sales plan in collaboration with stakeholders to increase tourism to Winnipeg. A focused sales approach with compelling messaging, an elevated presence at trade shows and client events, enhanced promotional materials and a comprehensive meetings website (www.meetingswinnipeg.com), assists in meeting the goals and objectives pertaining to increased visitation. Industry Collaboration Tourism Winnipeg will continue to collaborate with the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Travel Manitoba and industry stakeholders to support the sales initiatives and marketing programs designed to increase the number of meetings and conventions held in Winnipeg. Sales Activities Tourism Winnipeg's sales activities include prospecting, in- person sales meetings, follow-up calls, distribution of sales kits, relationship building, presentations, proposals and bids, direct mail programs, tracking, customized site inspections, and event servicing. Tourism Winnipeg will continue to expand its sales activities with association executives, local influencers, and third- party meeting planners, while continuing to increase prospecting calls to attract new business. Team Winnipeg Tourism Winnipeg leads Team Winnipeg, a collaborative group of more than 50 stakeholders representing destination marketing associations, hoteliers, attractions, facilities, and meeting and event planners and suppliers. Team Winnipeg provides a single identity in the marketplace for increased recognition of Winnipeg as an outstanding meeting and convention destination. Team Winnipeg attracts meetings and conventions, optimizes marketing budgets and ensures the ultimate delivery of the best meeting and convention experience for delegates and planners. Trade Shows, Marketplaces and Client Events Tourism Winnipeg will attend the following key trade shows and events in collaboration with Team Winnipeg, the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba to promote Winnipeg as a meeting and convention destination. Tourism Winnipeg will also take a more strategic approach by increasing sales calls and activities to ensure a high rate of return and broaden its investment with third-party meeting planners. 2019 Meetings and Conventions Sales Initiatives (subject to change) Jan. 28–29 Destination Direct, Ottawa, ON Jan. 30 Tête-à-Tête Ottawa, ON Assiniboine Park Conservancy

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