Administration & Marketing Technology
LOCAL EDUCATION
Executive team spoke to 33 different organizations about the GRCVB's mission and the value of tourism in Wake County.
LOCAL BOARDS
GRCVB representatives continued to serve on the Wake County Economic Development Board, the City of Raleigh Economic Development Advisory Group and Triangle Regional Film Commission and served as liaisons with the Centennial Authority and the Raleigh Convention Center (RCC) Commission.
MUNICIPAL RELATIONSHIPS
Staff met with several municipal, state and chamber leaders throughout Wake County to learn the latest developments in their communities and to educate these leaders on the GRCVB initiatives and issues impacting tourism in Wake County.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Several members of staff continue to serve on boards and committees with state, regional and national organizations in the hospitality sector, to ensure that Wake County tourism issues are being addressed, that our sales and marketing strategies are following national trends and best practices and to position the GRCVB as a leader with influence in the tourism industries.
COMMUNITY GUIDANCE
Worked with several groups to provide guidance on critical studies, including giving input in the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Master Plan committee meetings, addressing sports venue needs in Wake County and co-hosting a Downtown Raleigh Merchants Summit with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance to improve communication with merchants and event organizers before, during and after major downtown Raleigh events. Also served on the Garner Wayfinding Committee and the Regional Transportation Alliance.
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE
Met with and provided critical demand and valuable Wake County hospitality data information to a number of developers and investors considering new hotel developments, investments or major renovations throughout Wake County.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Hosted quarterly meetings with the hospitality community and The Conference Table to gain insight on local trends and needs and share the GRCVB current sales and marketing initiatives. Began hosting quarterly Cultural Presenters Forums to ensure that all of performing and visual arts venues have more synergy between their own and the GRCVB's marketing programs.
GRCVB MARKETING REACH EXTENDED
Explored and implemented opportunities to generate additional revenue and savings for the GRCVB. Identified and negotiated in-kind services, special rates and co-op opportunities that have generated a savings or revenue for the GRCVB valued at $566,495.
HOTEL RESEARCH
Began collecting valuable weekly hotel information from Smith Travel Research to help identify our largest need periods and better record demand numbers for Wake County.
FUNDING & INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Assisted Wake County Commissioners and the Raleigh City Council by providing research and data during the inter-local review process to ensure that the RCC and PNC Arena are funded properly for future capital improvements, and to increase and extend the Business Development Fund to allow the GRCVB and RCC sales teams to continue their success in booking future conventions in the center.
NEW, CLOUD-BASED CRM
Deployed new, cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) system from Simpleview to staff; the CRM acts as a single GRCVB data repository with upgraded features.