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It's hard to believe it's been eight years since we hosted one of the most successful Winter Olympics in history. Every time the Winter Olympics rolls around, we're reminded of the impact on our community. There is no better stage than the Games themselves to remind the world what they discovered about Salt Lake when we were the host city. Looking back, I think it's safe to say that Salt Lake, as well as the entire state, truly exemplified the incredible possibilities of the Olympic spirit.
I believe it is fair to say that no other destination has enjoyed the transformational legacy that comes from hosting the Winter Olympic Games more fully than Salt Lake, Park City and Ogden. Year-round in scope, the impact of the Games supports a sustaining movement toward a vibrant lifestyle - a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Our brand as a legitimate world-class convention destination was born out of the Olympic experience, and our reputation as a world-class destination for winter recreation was solidified.
As I reflect on those magical 17 days in 2002, I am so proud of how far we have come as a city, county and state. We've seen great growth in Utah's tourism and convention industry, numerous world-class athletes now calling Utah home and enjoying the state's incredible sports infrastructure and, perhaps the most important legacy, the tremendous economic growth and prosperity we have enjoyed. Utah's tourism industry is now a $7.1 billion industry (2008) as compared to $4.25 billion prior to hosting the Olympics (2000).
Adding to these lasting legacies are the "brick and mortar" infrastructure of the 2002 Games, including Olympic-class competition and training venues/facilities, more hotel rooms, greater ski resort amenities, a completely revamped freeway system, TRAX light rail throughout the Salt Lake Valley, and Frontrunner along the Wasatch Front. The results confirm a substantial return on the investment made to host the Olympics.
It may have taken some time to appreciate these benefits, but I feel our investment in hosting the Olympics continues to pay incredible dividends to both residents of, and visitors to, our great state.
Sincerely,
Scott Beck
President/CEO
During these difficult economic times, it's increasingly important to pursue new markets to secure new business. With that in mind, student group travel has been a fairly untapped market for Salt Lake County, but a new initiative by the SLCVB's tourism sales department is about to change that.
With a little creativity and a lot of research, the tourism sales department has developed an easy-to-book Student Travel program specifically focused on attracting performance groups, such as choirs and bands. This program will be presented in an "Easy as 1, 2, 3" format to tour operators who facilitate these group bookings.
Tour operators will be able to select their groups' lodging and transportation options. The strategy will allow the tour operators to place their clients throughout Salt Lake County to ensure each group has a unique experience.
Options for the students' performance logistics and workshops will be offered. Several outstanding venues in Salt Lake County are available to host student performing groups. For example, Hale Centre Theater offers an interactive tour that provides groups with a "behind-the-scenes" look at the theater. This Is the Place Heritage Park, Historic Temple Square and the Cathedral of the Madeleine all offer a vast amount of performance space and audience opportunities, an important element to a group's itinerary.
In addition to performing and learning, these student groups want to have fun. The Salt Lake area has several attractions that cater perfectly to the student group market, including Boondocks Fun Center, Hollywood Connection and the Utah Olympic Oval. These venues are both cost-effective and offer a multitude of activities under one roof.
With each of these elements in place, student groups are sure to have a memorable and productive trip to Salt Lake!
If you would like to become involved with the Student Group Travel market or for more information, contact:
Kaitlin Ye-Eskelson
Director of Tourism Sales
801-534-4929
keskelson@visitsaltlake.com
Who: Society of Toxicology
The Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. Toxicology is the study of adverse effects of chemical, physical or biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystem, including the prevention and amelioration of such adverse effects. The SOT Annual Meeting is the largest toxicology meeting in the world. Attendees are 80% domestic and 20% foreign. Over 350 companies will exhibit at the ToxExpo.
When: March 6-11, 2010
Where: Salt Palace Convention Center
Housing: The Housing Connection
Details:
- No shuttle service provided
- Registration opens: Saturday, March 6, Salt Palace South Foyer and continues through Thursday, March 11.
- Awards Ceremony & Welcome Reception: Sunday, March 7, 6:30 pm, Hall E
- Exhibits open Monday, March 8, 9:00 am
- Many breakfast, lunch & dinner functions for specific smaller groups are planned
- Other meals on own
- Concessions will be available in the Salt Palace
- The SLCVB will provide a restaurant desk for this group from Saturday, March 6 through Wednesday, March 10
- Housing Desk located in Salt Palace South Foyer - Saturday, March 6 through Wednesday, March 10.
Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown, Crystal Inn Downtown, Grand America, Hilton SLC Center, Hotel Monaco, Hyatt Place, Little America Hotel, Marriott City Center, Marriott Downtown, Radisson Hotel Downtown, Residence Inn by Marriott City Center, Salt Lake Plaza at Temple Square, Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel, Shilo Inn Hotel
Website: http://www.toxicology.org/AI/MEET/AM2010/
View more detailed convention profiles on our website in the Members Only section.
Looking for a great way to spread the word about your establishment? Host a site inspection for the Visit Salt Lake Info Center team members.
The VSL Info Center is staffed by volunteers who are excited to get the word out about how fantastic Salt Lake is. Having the VSL Info Center staff come to see your business allows them to give first-hand accounts of what makes your restaurant special; and that translates to more visitors sent to you. So, if you have never had the VSL Info Center staff visit, or if it has been a while, please contact Bill Krause to schedule a site inspection:
Bill Krause
Director of Hospitality & Visitor Services
801-534-4920
bkrause@visitsaltlake.com
Travelocity's Roaming Gnome paid a visit to Utah's ski resorts recently, thanks to many dedicated fans that voted for Utah in the Roaming Gnome Facebook contest pitting Utah vs. Lake Tahoe's ski resorts. Out of 285,482 total votes, Utah won by 64 votes!
Volume 9
March 2010
view past issues
75th Force Support Squadron - COMMUNITY RESOURCES/ GOVERNMENT
Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau - ASSOCIATIONS-TRAVEL & TOURISM
For details on Salt Lake CVB members, please visit the Business Directory at VisitSaltLake.com.
Omniture, Inc.
Mar. 2-5
The Grand America
Estimated Attendance: 1,800
Lumbermens Merchandising Corp.
Mar. 3-6
Salt Palace
Estimated Attendance: 1,600
Society of Toxicology
Mar. 6-11 Salt Palace
Estimated Attendance: 6,000
American Championships
Mar. 13
Salt Palace
Estimated Attendance: 2,000
Mary Kay, Inc.
Mar. 18-21
The E Center
Estimated Attendance: 2,000
Novell, Inc.
Mar. 21-26
Salt Palace
Estimated Attendance: 3,500
NCAA West Regional Championships
Mar. 24-27
Salt Palace/ EnergySolutions Arena
Estimated Attendance: 1,000
read more
PMPI Networking Chapter Event
Washington, D.C.
Mar. 9
(Satellite Office Event)
ITB Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Mar. 10-14
(Group Tour Tradeshow)
MPI Education Day
New Jersey
Mar. 12
(Satellite Office Event)
PCMA Networking Chapter Event
Washington, D.C.
Mar. 25
(Satellite Office Event)
Mark Your Calendars: The SLCVB's Annual Meeting is being held on Thursday, March 18th at the The Grand Hall at the Gateway. Please watch your email inbox for the event's evite.
View upcoming member events
Thank you to all of you that attended the SLCVB Social Media Seminar, Thursday, February 18th at the Salt Palace Convention Center. We would like to request your assistance in completing a survey that will help us evaluate the seminar. Your feedback is very valuable to us as it will help us to improve, and also help to set a direction for future educational events. Please click here to complete the SLCVB Social Media Seminar Survey. This should only take about ten minutes to complete.
Days of '47 event organizers will announce their 2010 events and activites at a Kickoff Event on March 10th at 9:00 am, at the Hamilton Partners Building (222 South Main Street.) Businesses are invited to attend to hear about the 2010 focus, outline of events, and key messages. Complimentary breakfast will be served.
The 2009-2010 Fall/Winter Salt Lake Visitors Guide is available to all member businesses for distribution to your guests and clients. The Guide provides valuable information on what to see and do in Salt Lake County, other regions around Utah and in neighboring states. If you are interested in receiving copies for distribution at your business, please call Tom Stuber, Circulation Director at 801.485-5133 or email Tom at tom@saltlakemagazine.com to place your request. Both the Guides and delivery (limited service area) are provided at no charge to Bureau members. The Guide is an essential tool for visitors and we encourage you to make them available at your business!
