News Release
ACVB Winter Meeting Planner FAM Attendees Check Out Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska – March 1, 2006 – More than 30 meeting planners and guests representing associations and companies across the United States will be in Anchorage, Alaska, March 1 - 4, 2006, to check out the city’s lodging, restaurant, meeting facility and activity options available for their conventions. The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and its member businesses are hosting the 2006 Winter Meeting Planner familiarization tour (FAM).
A meeting planner FAM is one of the best tools for selling convention destinations, as it provides meeting planners a chance to experience a destinations facilities and attractions firsthand. The ACVB Winter Meeting Planner FAM showcases some of Anchorage’s best winter events, activities and attractions along with facilities. Qualified meeting planners representing organizations get a first-hand view of how they can utilize the city’s current meeting facilities in the short-term and the expanded convention center options in 2009.
“Site visits are critical to selecting a convention destination,” said Bruce Bustamante, ACVB’s president and CEO. “It is particularly important for Alaska, as many people in the lower 48 have preconceived notions about the state. No matter how often or what we communicate, people are often surprised at the temperature, the amount of daylight, and quality facilities and amenities Anchorage has to offer.”
Winter FAM attendees will participate on snowmobile tours, dog sled rides, a train excursion, and Nordic and alpine skiing adventures in addition to watching the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ceremonial start and touring the city’s history and cultural attractions.
“One of the criteria for choosing a meeting destination is the availability of a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities,” said Bustamante. “It adds variety to the convention itinerary, as well as provides activities for delegates during their free time. Anchorage is fortunate to have a wide range of opportunities – all within minutes of downtown.”
Conventions contribute to Anchorage’s bottom line. In 2005 alone, ACVB showed an economic impact of $82.8 million in conventions sold and $85.6 million in conventions held.
“Most association conventions take place in the fall, winter and spring months, which is good for Anchorage, as it extends the visitor season from summer to year-round” said Bustamante.
Meeting planners taking part in this year’s Winter FAM represent groups in the science, forestry, medical, communications, judicial, postal and education fields, as well as government agencies.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
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