Forty of Michigan’s convention and visitors bureaus were represented at the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus’ (MACVB) annual MACVB Educational Conference that just wrapped up at The H Hotel in Midland. The approximately 110 people who attended had a chance to participate in sessions that shared expert advice on best financial practices and stewardship; how artificial intelligence can help maximize the typically bare-bones staff many destination marketing organizations employ; the role tourism plays in ensuring quality of life for residents; and other relevant topics.
“It’s part of our core mission to add value to our community,” says Jamie Furbush, president and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Keynote presenters included Julie Hart, CEO and president of CFO by Design based in Austin, Texas; and Josiah Brown, president and CEO of Famous Destination Marketing in Delhi, New York—Brown is also known as the “The New York Sherpa.”
MACVB Executive Director Larisa Draves says themes presented in MACVB Educational Conference programs are intentionally selected to be broad in scope, guided by survey data and member feedback.
“We had two attendees (that I am aware of) who have literally been at their jobs less than a month,” Draves explains. “The conference is truly designed to have content for everyone, from basic DMO topics to more detailed presentations for CEOs and seasoned staff.”
Furbush says such MACVB Educational Conference programming strengthens DMOs’ ability to support meeting planners by “helping them improve their attendance and really sell their events in our community.”
Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, says she makes it a point to attend the MACVB Educational Conference every year. “It’s always so valuable to me,” she says. “The education is great and helps us do our jobs better.”
The MACVB is a statewide organization that serves DMOs from around Michigan with a variety of services including advocacy, education, marketing, and networking opportunities.
