Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com August 29, 2016 • Hartford Business Journal 15 BEST CT Wedding DJs! VOTED VIDEO CUBE FEATURING COOL TECH LIKE THE BOOK NOW! www.youshook.com contact: djpaulieshow@aol.com 860.836.4466 Providing all your disc jockey services For your next event! Your #1 DJ for corporate events, trade shows, holiday parties, and more! @djpaulie Q&A CT's convention business steady; history, culture, location key selling points Q&A talks about the state of Connecticut's meetings and conventions industry with H. Scott Phelps, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB). Q: What is the state of the convention business in Connecticut? How has the Front Street Entertainment District helped in attracting conventions to Hartford? Do the Dunkin' Donuts Park problems have any impact? A: The state's convention, con- ference, meeting and sports event scene remains steady based upon the business the CTCSB has been involved with. In the last fiscal year alone, more than $61.6 million was spent by attendees during their visits to our state, generating over $4.7 million in Connecticut taxes. In addition, 22,662 Connecticut jobs in the hospitality industry were supported by these events as a result of these bookings, accord- ing to the Destination Marketing Association International [DMAI] economic calculator FY 2015-2016. Front Street is a great asset to our sales efforts. A meeting planner can see the connectivity between the Connecticut Convention Center, the Marriott, the Connecti- cut Science Center and Front Street's restau- rants and entertainment venues. There's a lot for attendees to do within blocks of each other — a package that's a terrific selling point to any poten- tial convention planner. The delayed opening of Dunkin' Donuts Park obviously has been a disappointment as a number of people had planned special events there that couldn't take place. More than just a sports stadium, the Park eventually will be a great venue for groups that hold Greater Hart- ford meetings and conventions. It is well-suited for unique parties, receptions and events of many types, and we hope that next spring it will become the dynamic facility we all have been excited about. Q: When it comes to plan- ning conventions, do groups take into consideration prob- lems a city like Hartford may be having financially? Does that make them hesitant to book events two or more years out? A: Hartford's financial problems will affect a group's business concerns if the city can no longer discount security and other services that traditionally are reduced or waived to help attract convention and major sports event business. Many professional meeting planners do keen research on what's happening in pro- spective host cities, and choose the location that best meets their objectives and budget. Q: The state recently cut funding for regional tourism offices. Does that hin- der your efforts at all? A: While we have worked closely with the regional tourism districts, they have a different role than our Bureau. They target potential leisure travelers planning vacations or day trips, while the CTCSB works to book conventions, conferences and sports events. A part of our funding comes through the State Office of Tourism, enabling us to leverage partnerships with our private-sector members. We utilize the state's vacation guide, its CTVis- it.com, and other resources when selling. In addition, the CTCSB now primarily uses elec- tronic sales collateral — cost-effective, easily customizable materials that can be quickly sent and reviewed by prospective clients. Q: What makes bringing conventions to Hartford easy? What makes it hard? A: Hartford has great appeal to planners, located between New York City and Boston with convenient access from car, bus, train or plane. Over 23.5 million people live within a two-hour drive — a major selling point for con- ventions, trade shows and sporting events. The region is known for its richness of histor- ical and cultural arts attractions, most of which can be used as unique off-site social venues. And, groups that meet in Hartford can daytrip to numerous off-site attractions all over the state. It's interesting that many Greater Hartford residents love to live here, but don't necessar- ily think it's a great place to visit. Some subur- banites haven't come downtown for dinner or entertainment in years. But we see lots of activ- ity in Hartford that is changing this kind of neg- ative attitude. The expansion of Front Street, new or renovated hotels and restaurants, and iQuilt's plan for more walkable areas, are all H. SCOTT PHELPS President of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB) Continued CT MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS GUIDE 2016

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