2014-2015 Annual Report: Sales

SALES PERFORMANCE
Produced 943 leads and brought 105,742 definite hotel room-nights to Wake County. The direct economic impact for this convention and meeting business reached more than $100 million.

CORPORATE AND ACADEMIC MEETINGS FOCUS
Implemented a strategic plan to increase the number of corporate and academic-based conferences in the area. Solidified relationships with local connectors from corporations, museums and universities who embrace initiatives to create "homegrown" conferences that showcase what Raleigh has to offer. The list includes but is not limited to connectors from Lenovo, Merz Pharmaceuticals and the Citizens Science Association.

CUSTOMER ADVISORY BOARD
Hosted a successful Customer Advisory Board session including 12 planners who represented corporate, independent, national and state associations. As a result of the feedback from these current and potential clients, implemented positive changes to all facets of GRCVB group sales and marketing programs.

INDUSTRY EVENTS
Participated in more than 100 industry-associated events including chapter, board and committee meetings, tradeshows and site visits, increasing the visibility and profile of Raleigh in all target markets.

ASSOCIATIONS WORK
Stayed highly involved and active in many key industry associations: eight Meeting Professionals International chapters, American Society of Association Executives, Association Executives of N.C., seven chapters of Professional Convention Management Association, N.C. Technology Association, Femfessionals, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Religious Conference Management Association, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), N.C. SGMP and Nursing Organizations Alliance.

LOCAL/REGIONAL MEETING PLANNERS
Hosted local and regional meeting planners for a familiarization tour called "24 hours in Raleigh" that showcased the emerging entertainment scene and full-service meeting venues. Also hosted the second annual Client Appreciation Event for local planners; the department partnered with Plan Your Meetings, an Atlanta, Ga.-based organization that successfully brings together hospitality members of all sectors for networking and education. There were more than 75 local planners in attendance, and the event included a reverse tradeshow and a day of education that received an abundance of positive feedback.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Served on boards and committees with state, regional and national organizations in the meeting planning industry to position GRCVB and its sales team as leaders with influence.