Tourism Winnipeg

14 2018 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 expanded its sales activities to include an increased investment in hosting customized site tours. In addition to the economic spin-offs 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 for 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 strategic sales activities 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, presentation proposals and bids, direct mail programs, tracking, site inspections, familiarization tours 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 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. 2018 Proposed Meetings and Conventions Sales Initiatives Dates Event, Location Jan. 31 *Tête-à-Tête Ottawa, ON Feb. 1 *Meeting Professional International Ottawa Charity Auction & Gala A 2017 report from Benchmark Hospitality International, a hospitality management and marketing services provider, indicates that: » Authenticity matters – Planners seek to immerse attendees with local experiences to enrich their meetings. » Social media grows up - Social media is now a standard operating procedure for meetings. » Lust for speed – Technology is driving shorter turnarounds for planner requests and proposals. » Smart phones – Are changing everything in meetings with dedicated apps and text messaging. » Pace is positive – Group size and number of meetings are up-trending. » All in the crafting – Distilling trends are increasing interest in craft beers, craft cocktails and craft liquors, especially whiskey. » Relationship management – Good old-fashioned phone calls are seen as critical in nurturing relationships. » Train, train, train – Nothing is more important for guests of a property than experiencing a well-trained staff. » Incentive meetings – Are making a comeback across all sectors. » "Festivalization" – Integration of creative, hands-on learning and engaging experiences. Source: meetings- incentives.com » Virtual reality – VR is increasing digital engagement and satellite events. MEETING AND CONVENTION TRENDS Source: Benchmark Hospitality International

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