Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kristen Adamo
401-456-0231
kadamo@pwcvb.com
Capital Cities Collection Offers Convenience and Geographic Diversity
To Busy Meeting Planners
Providence, R.I. - February 12, 2008 - Busy meeting planners looking for a rotation of culturally distinct and geographically diverse cities will find a time-saving solution with launch of the Capital Cities Collection. A collaborative sales and marketing effort among state capitals Baton Rouge, La., Providence, R.I., Raleigh, N.C. and St. Paul, Minn., the Capital Cities Collection will allow planners to enjoy the outstanding facilities, services and amenities of four destinations that are similar in size and amount of available meeting space.
"As the meeting and convention market becomes more crowded and competitive, Providence and our partners in like-minded, similar-sized cities see the importance of collaboration," said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It makes sense fiscally for us to pool our resources and it allows the meeting planner to select four different, dynamic destinations in a simpler, more efficient way."
Each city offers easily accessible convention facilities in the heart of their downtown areas. Yet, each capital offers a unique visitor experience, from the rich Cajun heritage of Baton Rouge to the gorgeous Victorian architecture of St. Paul. Raleigh is home to a vibrant arts community, while Providence mixes urban sophistication with small town charm.
'As capitals of similar sized, yet geographically diverse cities, we are excited to pool our resources and work together to bring meetings and conventions to our unique destinations.' said Karolyn Kirchgesler, president and CEO of the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Authority.
As part of the initiative, the Capital Cities Collection has establish a distinct brand
with the creation of a logo, Web site (www.capitalcitiescollection.com), and a comprehensive fact sheet about the four destinations that will become part of each city's sales presentation.
'We are pleased to be a part of this cooperative marketing effort with the great cities of Providence, Raleigh and St. Paul' said Paul J. Arrigo, CDME, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. 'This strategic partnership will allow us to cross market our capital cities in all regions of the country.'
The group is also planning to tout the program at several meeting planner events and conferences beginning this spring.
"As the meeting and convention industry continues to grow and become more competitive, the Capital Cities Collection offers meeting planners a packaged solution to site selection, thereby saving them time and money," said Denny Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. "By collaborating with these similar cities, in size and product, we are able to offer meeting planners a ready made geographical rotation of unique destinations."
The mission of the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is to increase visitation to and awareness of the Baton Rouge Area, therefore enhancing economic impact. For more information, visit www.VisitBatonRouge.com.
The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create vibrant growth for the local hospitality economy by promoting, developing, and expanding a united visitor industry.
The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit agency enhancing the economic growth and development of Raleigh and Wake County by increasing visitor and convention business.
The Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority traces its roots back to 1929, making it one of the oldest destination marketing organizations in the United States. It has four operating divisions: Convention Sales & Services, Tourism Sales & Marketing, Finance & Administration and Membership. The CVA is known as a leader in the field of professional destination marketing and is a driving force in the economic development of Saint Paul. The mission of the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority is to market the greater Saint Paul area to out-of-town visitors, advocate for visitor needs and link the community with visitors. The CVA functions as a private, non-profit membership organization. The CVA also administers an educational foundation.
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