The Orlando CVB’s Marketing Briefing & Member Luncheon was held on August 26 at the Orange County Convention Center. The annual event provides members with a preview of the upcoming 2010 destination marketing and sales programs, and presents industry insights via numerous panel discussions during the morning sessions.
Of special interest to meeting planners was the Meetings & Conventions panel, which focused on current factors influencing meetings bookings and the “AIG effect.” The session was lead by George Aguel, board chairman of the Orlando CVB. Participants included Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association; Christine Duffy, president and CEO of Maritz Travel Company; Steven Hacker, president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events; and Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International.
The lively panel included discussion on how face-to-face meetings are true drivers of business, the need to quantify the industry’s impact and the importance of practicing strategic meetings management in today’s economic climate.
