How are we doing? Pretty good. That was the bottom-line assessment that was shared with the nearly 600 tourism and professionals who attended Visit Seattle’s Annual Outlook Meeting at the Westin Seattle on March 31.
Some highlights from the 2021 study showed:
A big part of what imbues a destination with a sense of place and makes it memorable are its small locally owned businesses. A new partnership between Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank is designed to support these businesses and bring tourism revenue to Seattle’s emerging neighborhoods. The inaugural grant program will invest in 20 local businesses, focusing on establishments owned by women, people of color and LGBTQ+ community members in the easily accessible Central District and Chinatown-International District neighborhoods.
Visit Seattle and Airbnb are partnering to promote and broaden local-led Airbnb Experiences, which provide authentic, unique adventures for visitors.
Something Old, Something New
CVBs are treasure troves of information and resources for meeting and event planners.
Late July, the hospitality industry lost one of its shining stars. While on vacation, Jim Cacabelos passed away unexpectedly. His family, friends and colleagues have been reeling from the news, and we at Northwest Meetings + Events extend our condolences and share in their loss.
Lisa Lee, account director with Seattle magazine, and event producer Audrey Fan asked JC’s friends to send us their memories and tributes. We share them here. If you have a memory you would like to share, please do so in the comments:
Mark your calendars: The Emerging Sales Professionals Association will host its sixth professional development symposium for sales professionals of publicly owned or operated convention and meeting venues on May 3, 2017, at the Meydenbauer Convention Center in Bellevue, Wash. The symposium, called ESP6, will co-locate with the International Association of Venue Managers Region IV Conference.
Visit Seattle has partnered with Experient to provide their event housing services.
“Experient is well respected in the industry and shares the same values and commitment to excellent customer service as our organization,” says Katy Willis, director of convention services, Visit Seattle. “This partnership will allow us to be even more laser focused on finding new and creative ways to differentiate Visit Seattle and the incredible services we offer.”
On Oct. 24, Visit Seattle appointed Charles Pinckney as the convention sales national account director. In his new role, he will be responsible for the Chicago area and the international market.
Pinckney graduated from Western Oregon University with a degree in international studies and two minors—one in German and another in political science. Pinckney has worked as account director, global sales North America, for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; and most recently as associate director of sales Sheraton Grand Chicago/Westin River North in Chicago.
Tessa Kalfell, the convention services manager at Visit Seattle, has been named to the Professional Convention Management Association’s “20 in their Twenties” list. This recognition is awarded to emerging industry leaders.
“I am so honored to be named one of PCMA’s 20 in their Twenties this year,” says Kalfell. “I’m looking forward to the connections I’ll make in the coming year, growing my business relationships and building a network of peers outside of Seattle who I can collaborate with and go to with questions and ideas.”
