This Just In: Austin Press Releases

The National Council of Destination Organizations (NCDO), an industry council of the U.S. Travel Association, has presented AustinTexas.org, the official website of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, with a Destiny Award in the “Marketing Programs: Interactive Marketing” category.  (more)

The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is partnering with Advanced Reservation Systems, Inc. (ARES), a travel booking and packaging program that offers a one-stop shopping experience for travelers. A number of convention and visitors bureaus, including San Diego, Phoenix and Baltimore, are turning to ARES and thus benefiting travel decision makers. The new feature on AustinTexas.org allows visitors to plan and book a trip all in one place, from the hotel to the airfare and car rental, making the reservation process more convenient.  (more)

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) brings its annual Leadership Conference to Austin from June 7-9. PCMA’s selection of Austin to host this important meeting – which provides networking and leadership education opportunities, and showcases the destination to top meeting planners, corporate and association executives and hospitality industry professionals – serves as a testament to Austin’s growing reputation as a premier meeting and convention destination.  (more)

AustinTexas.org, the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s official destination website, has been nominated for a 2009 Webby Award, in the Tourism category. Web users across the globe can vote for AustinTexas.org to receive a People’s Voice Webby at http://pv.webbyawards.com/*. Voting takes place through April 30; winners will be announced on May 5.  (more)

Starting today, Austin music fans across the globe are invited to vote for one of five finalists to win the inaugural Austin Song Contest. Voting continues through May 5, and takes place online at www.austintexas.org. The winner will be announced at Austin CVB’s Annual Luncheon at the Hilton Austin on May 8th.  (more)

In light of a downturned national economy, many travelers are looking to save. Now it’s never been easier, or cheaper, to experience Austin. The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau has created alluring packages such as the Girlfriends Getaway—Austin Style; Live and Local: The Austin Music Package and more, available exclusively at www.AustinTexas.org.  (more)

Starting Feb. 2, local musicians and songwriters are invited to submit entries for the first annual Austin Song Contest, sponsored by the Austin Music Office, a division of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau (Austin CVB). The goal of the contest is to capture the essence of Austin – in an original song written by an Austinite. The winner will receive $1,000 and promotional gifts, as well as opportunities to showcase their Austin song during contracted performances throughout the year.  (more)

In honor of Black History Month, the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is teaming up with the City of Austin's George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center to present free screenings of Kings of the Evening, an award-winning African American film shot on location in and around Austin, on Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Carver Museum’s Boyd Vance Theatre. Screenings are free; due to limited seating, members of the public are encouraged to RSVP to 512-974-4926. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, and is not guaranteed.  (more)

The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau (Austin CVB) announces the addition of Arron Brooks as Executive Meetings Manager. In this role, Brooks will promote Austin as a premier meeting and convention destination among groups based in the Midwest and eastern region of the country.  (more)

Despite the national economic downturn, Austin continues to benefit from steady tourism and convention business. Through December, more than 26,000 convention attendees are visiting Austin to generate an economic impact of around $28 million.  (more)