A growing number of Convention & Visitors Bureaus worldwide are forming alliances with PlanSoft Corporation, the leading Internet-based, business-to-business solutions provider for the professional meeting planner.
These partnerships significantly increase online exposure for the CVBs and their members.
While Convention & Visitors Bureaus maintain their own web sites, many recognize the need to enhance their online marketing presence by leveraging industry portals such as PlanSoft`s mpoint.com. ``This partnership provides our members with the ability to improve their online presence immediately,`` said Joe Zion, Executive Vice President for the Greater Cleveland Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Further, CVBs are able to save significant development expense by leveraging PlanSoft`s extensive suite of technology modules to serve both meeting professionals and the CVB members. Meeting professionals are relying more on the convenience of online tools to search for destinations, facilities and suppliers, as well as generate Request for Proposals (RFPs), and PlanSoft provides an effective means of extending the marketing position of a CVB and its members.
``We are pleased to be working with so many outstanding Convention & Visitors Bureaus,`` said David K. Hunt, PlanSoft`s Chief Executive Officer. ``As CVBs continue to integrate Internet activities into their marketing strategies, we will support them with tailored products and services to maximize their opportunities.``
PlanSoft offers several partnership opportunities to promote destination locations online. Today, for example, meeting professionals can experience a ``virtual`` inspection of a city through interactive photographs, detailed information about specific destinations, and scalable city maps. In addition, premium packages are available that include panoramic images to showcase local attractions and the ability to post floor plans and maps.
``We`ve found PlanSoft to be an outstanding partner to promote Phoenix venues and properties to top meeting professionals,`` said Bob Lander, Executive Vice President of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. ``Our partnership with PlanSoft globally extends the marketing reach of our members.``
PlanSoft also offers CVBs an aggressive private label solution, where users can access a customized database of area hotels, facilities and suppliers from PlanSoft`s industry-leading network of listings. Participating CVB members also benefit from PlanSoft`s online RFP module, which increases their opportunities to bid on business generated by meeting professionals who plan events on the CVB site.
``We believe our agreement with PlanSoft will prove to be a wise investment,`` said Larry Alexander, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Metro CVB. ``Their tools allow meeting professionals immediate access to our member facilities and provide the convenience of quick responses through the online RFP feature.``
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