Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1150172
10 2020 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 business events to Winnipeg. Tourism Winnipeg has aligned its target markets with Winnipeg's leading economic sectors to develop deeper and wider networks in order to attract more meetings and conventions. In addition to the economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants and retailers, meetings and conventions impact the bottom line of businesses large and small. Business events provide an avenue for: › Extending business travel for pleasure › Attracting new or return visits › Increasing destination awareness › Generating investment and business development › Accelerating job growth and attracting outside talent › Developing increased awareness levels of local expertise in their specific fields Target markets Association executives, corporations, meeting planners, local influencers and third-party planners Economic sector markets Primary Advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agri- business, information and communication technologies (ICT) Secondary Creative industries, education, energy and environment, financial services, life sciences, transportation and distribution Geographic markets Primary Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal 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 overnight visitation to Winnipeg through meetings and conventions. A focused sales approach with compelling messaging, an elevated presence at trade initiatives and client events, enhanced promotional materials and a comprehensive meetings website (www.meetingswinnipeg.com) assists in garnering more meetings and conventions to Winnipeg. 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 grow the number of meetings and conventions held in Winnipeg. Travel Manitoba's increased investment in this market enables Tourism Winnipeg to strengthen its ability to attract business events through its Bring it Home program. 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, tracking, customized site inspections and client 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 the economic sectors in order to attract new meetings and conventions. Team Winnipeg Tourism Winnipeg leads Team Winnipeg, a marketing consortium of more than 50 stakeholders that represent destination marketing associations, hoteliers, attractions, facilities, meeting and event planners and related suppliers. It provides a single identity for Winnipeg in the marketplace for increased recognition of the city as an outstanding meeting and convention destination. Tourism Winnipeg manages Team Winnipeg initiatives with its goals to attract new business events, optimize budgets and deliver the best possible experience for delegates and planners.