Board of Directors Meeting

Jon Carlew, Marketing & Research Manager, AAA

Do you know what's most important to U.S. travelers this year?  How might they be motivated to choose your destination over others?  What should you know about the importance of the "drive" market?  Please join Jon Carlew as he presents the latest travel data and trends that answer these questions and more.

Using TxDOT resources to market your community

Brent Dollar, Manager, Travel Literature/Fulfillment Branch

Travel Division Texas Department of Transportation

Learn how your CVB or Chamber can benefit by using the tools available to you, for free, via the Texas Department of Transportation’s Travel Division.    Including how to access the Travel Information System (TIS).

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Bid Presentations (Part 1)

Shannon Overby, Bryan-College Station CVB and Marie Woodard, Kerrville CVB

Surprise Appearances by Special Guests

Nothing can be more nerve wracking than standing before a large assembly, planning committee or board to present a bid. You are the sole voice and representation of your city, and your hoteliers are counting you on to win this important piece of business. Learning to be comfortable and knowledgeable while speaking to a crowd is a vital part of what you do – so doing it well is critical. Though some are very comfortable in this role, others struggle. So, it is our intent to help both types. Those who are good presenters, we want to move you out of that comfort zone and challenge you to take it to the next level; and those who struggle to present a bid, we want to give you the tools to grow in confidence and obtain the ability to win that piece of business.

Using TxDOT resources to market your community

(Repeat of morning session)

Brent Dollar, Manager, Travel Literature/Fulfillment Branch

Travel Division Texas Department of Transportation

Learn how your CVB or Chamber can benefit by using the tools available to you, for free, via the Texas Department of Transportation’s Travel Division.    Including how to access the Travel Information System (TIS).

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Bid Presentations (Part 2 - continuation from morning session)

Shannon Overby, Bryan-College Station CVB and Marie Woodard, Kerrville CVB

Still not sure if your bid presentation is Good, Bad or Ugly?   Then plan to attend Part 2 of this entertaining and informative session to get clarification on what will set you apart and bring home that important piece of business.  In addition, learn about “Competitive vs. Cut Throat” , “ Bored vs. Board ”, “ In-ie vs. Out-ie” and other fun but very important tools for successful bid presentations. 

Using Survey Data to Work for You

Roger Hanagriff, Sam Houston State University

This session includes survey design, how to collect surveys, entering data in Excel, summary of results and using the results to talk about total value as well as using the results to recruit community or event sponsors. 

Robert Lewis, University of Texas

Today, the new generations have entirely different expectations of how businesses should operate and how the employees should be managed. This session covers the three most important questions that must be answered in order to meet the challenge of the new talent market demands: 1) Who are these workers and what do they need and expect? 2) What does the organization need and expect? 3) How do you align those needs and expectations through mentoring and coaching to improve your business?

The most valuable outcomes for the participants will be to better understand how the new workforce differs from other generations, but most importantly to see the value they bring to your organization. Also the participants will discover that the generational issues are global and encompass all profit and nonprofit sectors.

Dress for Success

Mariah Sittsworth, Director of Wake Up and Dream

Attend this session to learn, "How does your look hold you back?"  Mariah will also cover, appearance, grooming and promotion - what the research says; sexual harassment and wardrobe; and look like a million - but spend next to nothing!

The Basics of Convention Servicing

Servicing Personnel Panel

New to Servicing or are you experienced and need a refresher on what you should be doing?  Attend this session to learn (or remind yourself) the basics of convention servicing.

Building Personal Leadership Skills

Robert Lewis, University of Texas

Good leadership skills take desire and practice. Few of us walk into a leadership situation the first time and feel fully comfortable. Building Personal Leadership Skills gives a grassroots understanding of leadership characteristics and opportunities to any leader, even those not in formal leadership roles. During this session you will take a look at your own talents and how to take the next leap into the realities of leading people.

.   Understand and discuss characteristics and functions of a leader

.   Use a self-assessment exercise as a strategic plan for workplace improvement

.   Differentiate between managers and leaders

When Hollywood Comes To Town- How to attract film/television to your destination

Bob Hudgins, Director of the Texas Film Commission

Carol Pirie, Deputy Director, Texas Film Commission

Of course FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS chooses to film in Texas, but what about PRISON BREAK, SPY KIDS, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, SECONDHAND LIONS, ROBOCOP, CAST AWAY and the hundreds of other film and television projects that have chosen Texas over the years? Find out how film locations are chosen; the current state of Texas' film and television industry; what the Texas Film Commission does to bring more business to Texas; and how your community can become recognized as an official part of "Film Friendly Texas."

The Basics of Convention Servicing (repeat)

Servicing Personnel Panel

New to Servicing or are you experienced and need a refresher on what you should be doing?  Attend this session to learn (or remind yourself) the basics of convention servicing.

Getting to know your customer using SurveyMonkey.com

Roger Hanagriff, Sam Houston State University

Using this on-line tool you can measure tourism value, assess tourism assets and learn just what visitors want from visiting your community. The session will talk about how to use this survey tool to create visitor surveys and manage email contacts. The session will also include how to use this on-line tool to analyze results and communicate with stakeholders.