Customer Advisory Board Voices Feedback

Austin CVB recently hosted an inaugural meeting of a newly formed Customer Advisory Board (CAB). The 17 board members present for this meeting are proven leaders in the industry. They represent associations and meeting management firms from convention markets such as Chicago, Washington DC, the West Coast, as well as the major Texas associations. The meeting was held at Hilton Austin with the purpose to provide critical feedback and insight relating to Austin's development as a premier meetings and convention destination.

The CAB discussed such topics as how meeting planners evaluate prospective destinations, the Austin convention "package", Austin CVB's sales processes, destination marketing and new developments around the city.

In addition, CAB members were treated to a sampling of what makes Austin an exciting new destination for the national meetings market. The members enjoyed live music, Texas barbecue and Austin hospitality, including a personal welcome from Mayor Will Wynn.

To gain immediate feedback, the CVB incorporated a touch pad audience response system for a variety of questions. This allowed for results within seconds and time for discussion.


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Austin CVB and Mayor Wynn Welcome National Media

Long Center Announces Grand Opening and Music Monument

Lake Austin Spa Resort Named #2 in North America by Conde Nast Traveler Readers

"It's My Park Day" Unifies City and Community

Taste of Texas

Cooking with Paula Deen
(March/April 2007)

"Once known primarily for barbecue and Tex-Mex, Austin sizzles as a culinary hot spot. Innovative young chefs receive acclaim among the country's best as they combine the flavors of regional influences."

8 Dynamic Towns for New Careers: Austin, TX

Where to Retire
(March/April 2007)

"If you are looking for a cosmopolitan Southwestern city with soul and style, look no further than the capital city in the heart of Texas. Live music makes for a vibrant nightlife, and the college town combines quirkiness, braininess and rugged individuality."

50 Best Places to Live: Best Downtowns - Austin, TX

Men's Journal
(April 2007)

"It can't be denied that what was once a business district that rolled up the sidewalks at six is now a lively streetscape seven nights a week."

Weekend Travel: Living It Up in Austin

Southern Living
(April 2007)

"Some say Austin marches to the beat of a different drummer. We're convinced the city broke off long ago to star its own band."
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Head for the Hills

The Meeting Professional
(March 2007)

"A walk up Congress Avenue...reveals quintessential Austin sights. Students on bicycles, business people racing to catch the 'Dillo bus. Musicians toting guitars to an open-mic performance."
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Austin, Texas: the Live Music Capital of the World

Ultratravel (Daily Telegraph, London)
(Spring 2007)

"Being a small city, Austin takes visitors from bigger cities seriously and accords them a respect they don't necessarily deserve. They are smothered with hospitality and asked only that they have a good time and turn up when invited."
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Austin CVB Mission Statement:
The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is charged with marketing Austin nationally and internationally as a premier business and leisure destination, thus enriching our community's overall quality of life.


 

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

One of Austin's best-kept secrets, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum has welcomed guests to the sanctuary gardens and gentle paths since 1991. The venue boasts 130 sculptures, drawings and paintings by the late Charles Umlauf, who taught art at the University of Texas and retired as professor emeritus in 1981. Umlauf's award-winning work is placed in more public locations than the work of any other sculptor.
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April 10-13
Texas Credit Union League
Annual Convention
Hilton Austin
Est. Attendance 1,200
www.tcul.coop
 
 
April 14-16
Texas Retired Teachers Association
Annual Conference and Exhibition
Hilton Austin; Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 1,000
www.trta.org
 
 
April 22-24
Professional Retail Store
Maintenance Association
Annual Meeting
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 1,000
www.prsm.com
 
 
April 25-29
Society for American Archaeology
Annual Meeting
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 3,000
www.saa.org
 
 
May 1-3
Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality
Environmental Trade Fair
and Conference
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 4,000
www.tceq.state.tx.us
 
 
May 2
Austin Technology Council
ATC Center for Innovation
Palmer Events Center
Est. Attendance 2,000
www.austintechnologycouncil.org
 
 
May 5-6
Austin Junior Volleyball
Lone Star Regionals
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 2,500
www.austinsportscenter.com
 
 
May 21-23
National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development
NISOD Annual Conference
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 2,000
www.nisod.org
 
 
May 26-June 2
USA Volleyball
Adult Open
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 3,500
www.usavolleyball.org/Adults
 
 
May 31-June 3
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
Travis County Expo Center
Est. Attendance 37,000
www.rotrally.com