ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – May 11, 2009 – What do Texas skiers; avionics experts and professional avalanche forecasters have in common? Each of these organizations recently selected Anchorage to host their group’s annual professional conference or event.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) recently booked these large, professional meetings to the Anchorage area with a total economic impact of $2.3 million, according to a conservative formula developed by the Destination Marketing Association International.

The three most recent bookings by the ACVB include:

• Texas Ski Council, with 500 delegates, March 5-12, 2010
• American Avalanche Association, 900 delegates, September 16-22, 2012
• Avionics Maintenance Conference, 750 delegates, April 30-May 3, 2012

  ACVB uses a host of tools to persuade opinion leaders and decision makers within the association, convention and meeting industry to consider Anchorage, including familiarization tours (FAMs). FAMs are quite effective in terms of educating clients about Anchorage and Alaska. In fact, each of the three recently booked meetings had a representative present at ACVB’s largest winter FAM to date, the 2009 Iditarod FAM, which took place in early March. While most of Anchorage’s citizens kicked back to watch the start of the Iditarod, ACVB staff members were finalizing details for 36 decision makers to experience firsthand, the best that Anchorage has to offer.

  “Though the Internet has had a huge impact on how people do business, there’s still nothing like kicking the tire of a new car before buying it. FAMs serve that purpose for businesses considering a meeting or event in Anchorage,” said Jim Henderson, ACVB vice president of convention sales. “ACVB brings meeting planners to town to kick a few tires and look under the hood of the Municipality of Anchorage. Attendees learn about Anchorage’s logistics, communications systems, and transportation options, and we take them on site visits of the hotels and provide them an opportunity to experience the area’s culture and amenities.”

  ACVB’s next FAM takes place May 13-16, 2009, with 24 participants scheduled to visit. The opening reception will take place May 13 at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center and will showcase several ACVB members demonstrating some of Alaska’s unique entertainment and activity options, including the Bird Learning and Treatment Center, Hobo Jim, and “Hank” the stuffed moose, who provides photo ops for delegates and visitors.

  The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, a contribution established in 1978, and one-third to service the bond debt and operations of the Anchorage Convention Centers. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.

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  Media Contacts:

  Jeanette Anderson Moores
  Public Relations
  Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
  jmoores@anchorage.net
  (907) 276-4118
  Explore www.Anchorage.net
  

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