Convention and Visitors Bureau Quarterly ReportConvention & Visitors Bureau
DUBUQUE
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
October 2008
Quarterly Report
DUBUQUE
AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Memo
To: Roy Buol I Mayor
City Council Members
Mike Van Milligen I City Manager
Wayne Demmer I Chair
Dubuque County Supervisors
Mary Ann Specht I Administrative Assistant
Denise Dolan I Dubuque County Auditor
Fr: Ken Haugen I Convention & Visitors Bureau Board Chairman
Sue Czeshinski I Convention & Visitors Bureau Director
Re: Convention and Visitors Bureau I Quarterly Report
Dt: 29 October 2008
CVB Activities & Conventions
November 11 Hospitality Roundtables I 5:OOam, Chamber Boardroom
November 12 Hospitality Roundtables I 8:OOam, Chamber Boardroom
November 13 Hospitality Roundtables I Noon, Chamber Boardroom
November 15-19 NTA Annual Convention I Pittsburgh, PA
November 25 Sales Committee Meeting I Noon
November 26 ISAE Meeting I Des Moines, IA
CVB Highlights
CVB Tourism Award
The Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau and the National Mississippi River Museum ~
Aquarium both received awards at the Iowa Tourism Conference on October 21, 2008 in Sioux
City. The CVB won an award in the Technical Marketing category for their innovative use of a
traditional postcard mailing followed by email updates and corresponding website to promote
Dubuque's many attractions. The River Museum won the Event/Festival of the Year award in
population over 10,000 for Ice Fest.
T ourism in Dubuque County
The Convention and Visitors Bureaus' top priority is the growth of regionalized tourism. This is
certainly evidenced by the dramatic increase in visitor spending to the county. Dubuque
County again makes the top 10 list in economic impact of tourism in Iowa! The county
contributed $253.20 million in expenditures to the State's economy in 2007, up from $236.82
million in 2006. Dubuque County also employs over 2,000 people in the travel and tourism
industry. Thank you tourism industry for all you do to promote tourism in Dubuque County.
Ride the Rail Campaign
The Chamber's transportation priority issues continue to see successes! The Ride the Rail
Campaign is moving forward with an interactive website now operational and a PSA campaign
in the works. CVB director, Sue Czeshinski, presented the passenger rail information to
Congressman Oberstar and Congressman Braley at a recent meeting on transportation hosted by
the City of Dubuque. The response to the Envision2010 passenger rail initiative was very
positive.
New Marketing Agency selected for America's River
After several years of working with Sprenger McCullough and Co., it was time to review and
interview both our existing agency and other agencies interested in bidding on our account. A
task force of 9 members created the RFP, reviewed proposals and participated in agency
presentations. Mission Creative has been selected as the Marketing Agency for America's River.
Welcome Center
The Iowa Welcome Center, what a fantastic place to come and explore. You can get
information about not only what Dubuque has to offer, but information on places to explore in
the surrounding area. You can also wander around the gift shop. The Iowa Welcome Center is
a premier spot for "Iowa" ~t "Dubuque" logo items, from mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, books and
games, there is something for everyone. We can even put together gift baskets for employees,
family or friends. Contact Stacy Hubanks at 563.557.9200 or stacvC~dubuquechamber.com for
more information.
Convention Servicing
The Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau has long been an arm of assistance for
conventions, family reunions, group tours and meetings in Dubuque. The CVB can help gather
room rates, research ideas for activities, provide name tags, help with registration, and
provide welcome material to participants. The CVB is truly a resource for the community to
assist in making events a success.
Julie {<ronlage, President of EITA
Julie Kronlage, Sales Manager for the CVB, assumed the role of President of the Eastern Iowa
Tourism Association (EITA) this past July. EITA is made up of the 28 most eastern counties in
the State of Iowa. She is also currently President of the Iowa Group Travel Association (IGTA).
Both EITA & IGTA are key to spreading the word on Dubuque to the individual traveler and the
group travel planner.
Keith Rahe, President of IMA
Keith Rahe, Director of Sales, will be taking over as the President of the Iowa Meetings
Association (IMA) in January. This group is organized to attract meetings and conventions from
the State of Iowa to communities.
4<elley Schierl, Rising Star
The Rising Star Award is given annually to business leaders who have demonstrated leadership
in business; serve as a role model for others; are active volunteers and are under the age of 40.
Our own Kelley Schierl, Marketing Director for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and
Dubuque Convention ft Visitors Bureau, was among the eight recipients.
CVB Marketing
Iowa Great Places °iraveling billboard
When the City of Dubuque won the distinct designation as an Iowa Great Place, part of the
award package was a complimentary traveling billboard. The traveling billboard is three sides
of an Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division semi trailer. The Chamber did the graphic design for
the trailer which includes a vibrant water background and images from the area attractions and
our downtown area. Watch for this very large way that Dubuque is being marketed across
Iowa.
Coop Advertising
There have been several opportunities for Coop Advertising these past few months. Here is a
sample of what we have been doing:
Des Moines Register: Dubuque Area Fa(( fr Winter festivals and attractions will be
highlighted in the Sunday, Sept. 21 issue. Full state circulation is 239,318
Journal £t Topics Newspaper (Chicago Suburban Markets): Fall 1* Winter festivals or
attractions were featured in the 16 Journal $ Topics Newspapers in the September 17
issue. This was a special tab pull-out piece.
City of Dubuque Map: The Chamber is producing a City Map of Dubuque for 2009.
This 24" x 36" map folds to 4" x 9". There are opportunities on the map for members
to advertise.
Midwest Destination Guide: This is the first time ever Midwest Destination Guide
will feature a Dubuque section. This is a high quality four color magazine style guide
which is included in the Chicago Sun-Times for October.
Travel Package Postcard Program: 80,000 postcards are direct mailed to individuals
who have specifically requested information on the Dubuque area. 10,000 postcards
for each of the eight themes will be mailed. Themes consist of Casino, Art ft Culture,
Ski, Romantic, Golf, Family Fun, Nature Tourism, and Wine. Visitors are then directed
to www.traveldubuaue.com/visit/travelnack¢es where they can direct link to
participant's website.
Visitors Guide: The 2009 Visitors Guide is currently in the final design phase.
Distribution will begin January 2009. The Guide will feature new sections Chemed for
the visitors ease of use hex: Wineries, Art ft Culture, and Winter Activities].
Calendar of Events
The Fall/Winter Calendar of Events are here. We print 15,000 copies of this publication which
is mailed along with the Visitors Guide when requested. The Calendar of Events is also
distributed to area attractions and hotels. The calendars can be picked up at the Welcome
Center located on the corner of 3~d and Main Street. What a great publication to send to family
and friends who may be planning a trip back to Dubuque. If interested in large quantities
please phone ahead so we can have them ready for you.
Tourism Out-Of State Marketing Grants
We received a $10,000 grant for out-of-state marketing funds through the Iowa Tourism Office
Et Department of Economic Development. The $10,000 in granted funding will be matched by
$10,000 from the CVB to launch a Fall campaign in Chicago. The campaign includes WGN Radio
and the 2008 Fall/Winter Issue of Midwest Destination Guide, a four color glossy magazine.
Northwest Airlines E..Blasts
In June, with Connectivity as a Chamber Strategic Priority and airline transportation key to
tourism, we designed a three phase e.blast campaign to heighten awareness and anticipation of
Northwest Airlines service from Dubuque starting June 20tH
• June 11 ~ 9 days to go.
• June 16 ~ 5 Days to go.
• June 19 ~ Tomorrow Northwest Airlines begins service from Dubuque.
PR
Dubuque has been featured in a number of articles recently:
Brava -Madison publication targeting women. 3 page article and five photos featuring
Dubuque.
Midwest Destination Guide -Regional publication distributed in Chicago Sun Times. Feature
on Great River Road including two photos of Kalmes.
Wingspan -Japanese in-flight magazine. 9 page feature of Life on the Mississippi including two
photos of the riverboat Twilight. We hosted writer, Tom Dillon of Japan on September 7, 2007.
Chicagotribune.com -Fall Foliage article including Dubuque, Fenelon Place Elevator, Great
River Road and Breitbach's.
Ladies Home Journal -America's River ad
Midwest Living -America's River ad
Journal £~ Topics Newspaper -Pull-out tab section in Chicago Suburbs featuring Dubuque and
the Quad Cities.
Des Moines Register -Travel section including upcoming events and co-op advertising from
Dubuque, Dyersville and the Quad Cities.
Association News -Magazine for state and regional associations. Feature on Iowa and Indiana
with reference to Dubuque, National Mississippi River Museum £t Aquarium, Grand River Center,
Five Flags Civic Center, Dubuque County Fairgrounds and the Dubuque Greyhound Park Et
Casino.
Charriber Source Newsletter
In July we launched the inaugural issue of the Chamber Source Newsletter. This piece will be
direct mailed to the 2,000 Chamber contacts. Watch the Chamber Source for CVB updates,
news and opportunities.
Vacation Value Card
This program is an updated version of the traditional coupon book from years past. This year's
program will include a card personalized to the incoming groups name and a corresponding
brochure that will list offers of participating businesses. The Vacation Value Cards are given
complimentary to conference groups who place them in their Welcome Bags. There will be
15,000 cards printed.
CVB Events
Hospitality Roundtables
The Dubuque Convention Et Visitors Bureau will be hosting a series of roundtables at the
Chamber office for the hospitality community. We are asking for input on a variety of tourism
topics. Each session has a limit of 10 people. We are offering 3 different dates and times to
try and accommodate everyone's needs. They are as follows:
Tuesday, November 11 ~ S:OOam
Wednesday, November 12 ~ 8:OOam
Thursday, November 13 ~ Noon
To participate please RSVP to Stacy Hubanks by calling 563.557.9200 or emailing to
StacvC~dubuouechamber.com
Na%ional °1"our Association (N`i"A) Tradeshow
Julie Kronlage, Sales Manager, will be traveling to Pittsburgh, November 15-19 for the NTA
Convention. This event draws tour planners from throughout the country and some from
overseas to learn about the amenities that communities and attractions have to offer. So far,
Julie has over 20 appointments set up with group travel planners looking for fun, innovative
and interactive trip ideas.
Sales Committee Meeting
Thank you to the Clarke Manor Bed ft Breakfast for hosting the Sales Committee meeting in
October. A variety of topics were discussed including the Going on Faith Conference which was
held in August. Leads from this show are available if you have not received them already. CVB
Staff also gave an update on conferences looking at Dubuque for their future events. For more
information on the meeting, please contact Keith Rahe or Julie Kronlage. The next Sales
Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25 over the noon hour. The meeting
place is yet to be determined.
Recap & Updates
F21~P Session
On September 24, the Dubuque CVB staff hosted a Request for Proposal (RFP) session. In the
free hour long session, members of the tourism industry were given information on the ins and
outs of submitting information for an RFP. The session was designed to make the industry
aware of what the meeting planner is looking for when they post an RFP. The session gave
members in attendance a chance to see how the information that hotels, attractions, and
restaurants provide to the CVB is put together to create an attractive proposal.
Iowa Tourism Conference
The annual Iowa Tourism Conference took place in Sioux City on October 20-22 and was
attended by Sue Czeshinski, Julie Kronlage and Stacy Hubanks. This event drew over 300
industry representatives together to learn the trends in tourism, networking, and prepare for
the upcoming tourism year. Some of this year's sessions included "The Boomer Consumer" with
Matt Thornhill of the Boomer Project; "The Seven Components of a Healthy Community" with
Lanie McMullen of Destinations Development and "Zap the Gap" with Meagan Johnson who
shared insights on solving the multi-generational gap. The conference was also attended by
several members of the community that commented on the many positive components of this
year's conference. Next year's conference will be held in Tama.
"TEAMS -Sports Tradeshow
Keith Rahe attended the Travel, Events ~ Management in Sports Conference in Pittsburgh,
October 22-25. He was representing the Dubuque Regional Sports Commission. This was the
first time that the sports commission had attended the event. He met with several Sporting
Event Planners who are looking for places to host their events. The leads that were received
were good quality and Keith looks forward to following up to see how these events can make
Dubuque their home in the future.
Iowa Group Travel
The Iowa Group Travel Association held its annual meeting at the Iowa Tourism Conference on
October 20 in Sioux City. The group unveiled its 2009 plans which include attending tradeshows
such as GLAMER and Heritage Club along with an aggressive sales blitz campaign and
advertising in a variety of Group Tour Publications. Nate Breitsprecker of the National
Mississippi River Museum >t Aquarium will assume the role of President of IGTA on January 1
and Julie Kronlage, Sales Manager of the CVB, will assume the Past President and Director of
Marketing chair.
i-lomelown Hero
Webster's Dictionary defines a hero as "an object of extreme admiration and devotion." Ask
yourself if you fit into this category. Do you have a strong admiration of Dubuque? Are you
devoted to seeing the community continue to grow and business soar? If so, you can be a
Hometown Hero. In the past two years, local Hometown Heros have helped to bring over
16,000 people to the community of Dubuque; bringing along with them a great economic
impact on the community. The Dubuque CVB is once again bringing the Hometown Hero
campaign to the forefront of business. Julie Kronlage, Sales Manager, will be spear heading the
promotion through a direct mail piece to our local chamber members following up with a phone
call. This will be done in three stages.
Conferences & Conventions
November 7-9 ~ National Farm Toy Show ~ 15,000
November 14-15 ~ Iowa Fluid Power ~ 150
November 15-16 ~ Lutheran Disaster Response ~ 75
Lutheran Disaster Response ~ November 2008 ~ 75
USA Archery - World ~ January 2-4, 2009 ~ 100-150
Annual Assembly of the Lutheran Youth Organization ~ March 7-8, 2009 ~ 125
The Vintage Chevrolet Club of America ~ September 13-18, 2009 ~ 100
IA Geographic Information Council (IGIC) ~ April 2011 ~ 300
Wally Byam Club International Airstream RV Rally ~ June 27-July 5, 2011 ~ 1200+
Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service ~ Oct. 2009 ~ 450
Curve Cowboy Reunion ~ (around) Labor Day 2010 ~ 500-600
Twin Ports Express Thousand Lakes Region ~ May 2009 ~ 100
Whitaker Family Reunion ~ June 2009 ~ 100
TIA's ESTO ~ August 2009 ~ 450
Association for Business Et Industry ~ June 2011 ~ 500
Drake Relay 100th Anniversary Kickoff ~ April 2009
Mid-TESOL ~ October 2010 ~ 200
Senior High Class Reunion ~ Fall 2009 ~ 300
Heritage Club International ~ March 2010 ~ 250
National Association for Rural Mental Health ~ June 2011 ~ 300-500
National Environmental Health Assoc. ~ September 2009 ~ 200-400
First Artillery Observation Battalion ~ October 2009 ~ 50-100 ~ Coralville
Midwest Tool Collectors Association ~ June 2011 ~ 200