DMAI Accreditation
The Greater Raleigh CVB is proud to announce its official accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by the Washington, D.C.-based Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). In earning the DMAP accreditation, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) communicate to their community, buyers and potential visitors that their DMO has attained a significant measure of excellence. DMAP accreditation standards cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, sales, communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships. Click here for the full release.

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Another One for the Trophy Case
The Greater Raleigh CVB received two top tourism awards at the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina’s Tourism Leadership Conference: a Gold Destination Marketing Achievement Award for Best Leisure Print Advertising and another for Best Destination Constituents Communication. The Bureau also received an Awesome Innovation award in the category of Destination Operations and Sustainability.

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Record-Breaking Month
The heat isn’t the only thing breaking records this month! More than 41,000 people will be in Wake County in July as a result of an unprecedented month of 12 major meetings and conventions and 10 national sports events. The 22 events will welcome more than 41,000 attendees, collectively producing approximately $20 million in estimated economic impact. This month also welcomes the largest convention that Raleigh has hosted to date, when Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. holds its 76th International Grand Conclave, July 21-30. Click here for more information.

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Make Your Plans
The Greater Raleigh CVB’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 1 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Make sure to attend the pre-luncheon Strategy Sessions, hosted by GRCVB staff. The Strategy Sessions are free to all local partners, and each session delves deeper into the latest tactics in marketing, PR, group services and sales. Contact us at 919.834.5900 if you have questions or need more information now. And watch for official invitations in the days ahead.

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Multicultural Business Forum
A big thank you goes out to the RBC Center for hosting the Wake Multicultural Business Forum, presented by the Greater Raleigh CVB, on June 16. More than 50 members of Wake County’s business community attended the strategy session and learned more about working with the CVB to increase multicultural visitor and convention business to the area and how to enhance the experience of multicultural groups visiting later this year.

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Food News
July may be National Ice Cream month, but the delicious frozen treat isn’t the only food people will be talking about this month. Multiple locally-owned restaurants have opened, many with diverse menus and unique concepts. Capital Club 16 opened in downtown Raleigh at 16 W. Martin St. and specializes in traditional American fare. Downtown Raleigh says goodbye to Pharaoh’s Downtown while Mediterraneo Cary, Girasole Trattoria in Wake Forest and Niche Wine Bar in Holly Springs have opened their doors. Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa will be closed through early September for remodeling.

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Potpourri
The Wake Forest Birthplace Museum has changed its name to Wake Forest Historical Museum. The museum is located in the Wake Forest Historic District. The recent grand opening of the transformed North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) presents exciting new tour opportunities. Groups can enjoy the popular Highlights Tour of the NCMA’s exceptional permanent collection, choose a themed tour or tour the special exhibition that may be featured at the time of the visit. Tours may be self-guided using new Art Encounter gallery resources like the cellular phone tour. Value Place Apex has opened and features full kitchenettes in each of the 113 rooms. “Cary’s Choice for Comfort Just Got Suiter!” as the Comfort Suites Cary unveiled its renovated 122 guest suites. The renovations include: new furniture, carpet and lighting, new Fitness Center equipment and much more. The Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek officially opened its doors for business on June 4.

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VIC News
The visitor services staff at Greater Raleigh CVB is hard at work preparing to move into a new location at 500 Fayetteville St. The new Visitor Information Center (VIC) will be in the connector space between the Raleigh Marriott City Center and the Raleigh Convention Center, just off the main entrance of the Marriott. The new VIC will be strategically located to maximize opportunities with groups coming into the Raleigh Convention Center while also being easily accessible to those attending events at the City Plaza, the new Raleigh Amphitheater or visitors to any of the major attractions in downtown Raleigh. The new VIC officially opens July 21.

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Film Locations
North Carolinians may now showcase their properties as prospective locations for a movie or TV show, thanks to a new online resource from the N.C. Film Office. The Web-based portal allows residents statewide to submit their residences, businesses, farms and other property for possible use by film crews. The Film Office, along with Charlotte-based ReelScout, a national film location management company, launched the online feature on the Film Office's website, www.ncfilm.com. The system, called a location submission engine, lets N.C. property owners showcase properties for use in movies, TV series and other productions.

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