Convention & Visitors Bureau 2020 a letter from our executive director meet the team
HEADS IN BEDS, HEADS IN BEDS, HEADS IN BEDS! Dean Conwell, CDME Christina Lokey TDM, Executive Director Director of Tourism These three words have always been the battle cry for Convention and Visitors Bureaus’ since day one. Although Karen Lewis Freddie Willard, TDM it is important to have our hotels booked with visitors, due Administrative Assistant II Director of Sales to how the CVB is funded by hotel room tax, it is not the only thing the Beaumont CVB is focused on. Our sales team Eureka Young Stephanie Molina, TDM works hard on booking business from groups across the Tourism Specialist CTE, Director of Marketing country by attending conventions to call on prospective Mallory Cross Susan Jackson customers. By doing so, the CVB hosts a wide array of Communications Specialist Convention Servicing groups from sports tournaments to religious meetings, Manager that impact our economy greatly by bringing business to Rebecca Woodland, TDM Beaumont. Marketing and tourism work on getting our Convention Sales Manager stories told. Beaumont has such a rich history, unique quirks and amazing people that deserve recognition. Not only are we working towards visitors experiencing our wonderful city, but also our citizens. Through the Advisory board development of things like Cattail Marsh Wetlands or the start or EATBMT Restaurant Week, we too embrace quality The advisory board helps guide the bureau in fulfilling its mission of life issues and are immersed in leading the charge to to promote Beaumont as a meeting and vacation destination. They attend ten meetings annually to stay current on bureau operations, move our community forward. finance, direction and to review sales, tourism, and marketing reports. Board Members are totally versed on all tourism attractions, Our CVB team has taken the reins in a multitude of local convention facilities, and related activities in order to fulfill their improvement projects. We have been active on many duties as the community liaison. boards and spearheaded many worthwhile causes. We City Council Liaisons: have provided not only funding, but also put in many late W.L. Pate, Jr., Council member, At-large nights and weekend hours to make Beaumont a better city. Mike Getz, Council member, Ward 2 Not only for visitors, but also for our citizens too. Our team CVB Board Chair: Marc McDonald will continue in this direction for years to come because Past Chair: Ava Graves tourism is important to the City of Beaumont. It improves Vice Chair: Bill Bianchi Sondra Nelson economic development and is a major industry here in Board Members: Ann Rothkamm southeast Texas and around the world. Bill Bianchi Dayna Simmons Andy Bogan Ryan Smith ex-officio Robert Calvert Jake Tortorice Go Beau! Ava Graves Shelly Vitanza Cheryl Guillory Steven ‘Doc’ Watson Cynthia Hernandez Roy West Dr. Richard LeBlanc ex-officio Brenda White Dean E. Conwell Frank Messina Mel Wright ex-officio
city leadership The Beaumont CVB Executive Director reports to the City Manager. Becky Ames, Mayor Kyle Hayes, City Manager The CVB Advisory Board Members are appointed by the Mayor and the City Council Members Beaumont City Council Members. Board Members serve two-year terms. W.L. Pate, Jr. Mike Getz Audwin Samuel Robin Mouton Taylor Neild Randy Feldshau, At-Large who we are & what we do
The Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the destination organization responsible for promoting the community as an attractive travel and meeting destination, boosting the city’s public image as a dynamic place to live and work. The impact of travel strengthens the city’s economic position and provides opportunity for people in the community. The CVB overall works to maximize the local economic impact of visitor spending from overnight travel, sports and meeting business.
GOING BEYOND ‘HEADS IN BEDS’ THE CVB WORKS TO MOVE THE DESTINATION FORWARD So, how does it work?
DESTINATION MARKETING SALES & GROUP CLIENT DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION BUSINESS SERVICING
Why is it important?
TOURISM IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE
Tourism supports history, art, nature, local businesses, hotels and restaurants. It brings people together to celebrate food, traditions and family. It grows networks, expands horizons and instills a sense of pride for where we live and work.
Destination promotion drives economic development by: • Raising the destination’s profile, image • Increasing tourism, kicking off a virtuous cycle of economic growth • Generating local tax revenue • Improving the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors 2019 highlights visitbeaumontx.com Serving as an insider’s guide to Southeast Texas with up-to-date information, VisitBeaumontTX.com is the authority on the best of all things Beaumont. New Features Include • Live webcams • Mapping & integrated 360˚ virtual tours • Trip inspiration & planning tools • Dining guides, blogs and travel itineraries • Integrated Yelp & TripAdvisor reviews 317,435 2019 Website Sessions
Threshold 360 Total Map 50,406 Views on Website
SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL growth BCVB HAS EXPANDED TO 4 MESSAGING PROFILES 15,500 @VisitBeaumontTX 15,500 4,994 Total Page Followers @EatBMT 1,126 3,719 1,239,978 Impressions 18% increase in Engagement from 2018 @GoBeau 869 2,934 108,675 Video Views @MeetBMT 641 1,552 # FOLLOWERS
DIGITAL MARKETING 21,540,681 Digital Impressions generated by our marketing efforts
16,974,700 Impressions & 15,184 Clicks - Connect History activation
218,756 Impressions & 168 Clicks - TripAdvisor
28,606 Total Engagement - T ourTexas.com Content Plan
19,215 Leads Generated - Madden Spring/Fall
1,118 Pageviews & 1,066 Clicks - Connect Meeting activation Publicity Media Relations - Media Tours, Hosting Influencers, Birding Press Trip and social channel takeovers made it a banner year for beautiful content and engagement. Fresh video and photography content were obtained throughout the year for use across all media and promotions.
> Beaumont named the Official Best Birding Destination in Texas, The Official Best of America
partnerships & events
#EATBMT Restaurant Week Foodie Fam Tour #EatBMT Museum Pub Crawl event benefits the newly established Downtown Beaumont Cultural Arts District & ties in local museums with Restaurant Week festivities. program expansion Expanded Cattail Marsh & Birding Promotions, Streaming Cattail Marsh Wetlands Webcam, increased Educational Programs and Classes
DISTRIBUTION Hosted Spring Migration Birding FAM with videographers, writers, photographers and influencers.
Beaumont Birdie Passport Program 16,000 This fun, free passport incentivizes people to visit Consumer Inquiries Beaumont museums, learn more about birding and Fulfilled have fun along the way. Passports holders collect 600 75,000 stamps and can earn their own Beaumont Birdie! Beaumont Birdies Visitor Guide Magazines Distributed Published for Distribution meetings matter. + $24.1M
In 2019, the CVB hosted 77 organizations, 108 meeting events and welcomed 57,844 attendees!
The benefits of convention groups and events coming into our community ripple beyond the walls of the meeting space. When meetings come to town; people benefit. The face-to-face industry provides opportunity for the people in our community and generates a far-reaching community impact.
Annual CVB Hall of Fame Reception - The Annual CVB Hall of Fame Reception honors and shows the CVB’s appreciation for planners who contributed to the meeting industry and economic impact during the previous year.
New Beaumont Meeting Video Released
“Thanks for all the assistance in making our family reunion a success. Everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you again for all your help!” -The Sion/Syon Family Reunion
The hospitality of yourself and everyone in Beaumont has been light years ahead of any place we have been to in our 10 years of managing this show! Tyler Dean, Meeting Planner, International Junior Brangus Breeders Association
Thank you for all of your efforts to bring business to Beaumont! You are keeping us very busy with some great opportunities. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites General Manager – Cynthia Hernandez “Your professional services rendered to us were invaluable” and Director of Sales – Sherry Peddy Texas Unity Conference
“Thank you again for a wonderful visit. I felt very positive and energized to make this conference spectacular for our members. Looking forward to working with you.”
Marisa Weisinger, Meeting Planner Texas Transportation for Pupil Transportation meeting sales
CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS AND SPORTING EVENTS The Convention Sales Team markets and sells Beaumont as a premier meeting and convention destination to associations and groupsSHARE across PICS. Texas. WIN The PRIZES. Sales Team strives to build a strong and solid foundation with meeting plannersGeaux and works with Explore local hotel sales teams to book meetings at local properties. These efforts drive occupancyHistory. Natureand the & Good average times daily hotel rate which ultimately contributes to positive economic growth. The overall objective is to maximize the number of conventions, meetings, seminars, and sporting events withBirds, overnight museums, events stays plus theutilizing latest on the Beaumont hotels. local food scene. Enjoy the best of Beaumont with itinerary ideas, trail maps and the scoop on all the FY 2020 things to see and do in and around Beaumont. sales team highlights This fiscal year will be one of product development and sales initiatives that includes digital marketing supported Definite Bookings by analytics along with local awareness and social media 143 campaigns. The Convention Sales & Services team will work Leads Generated closely with the marketing department & Madden Media to 57 Birdwatchers Paradise Enjoy Nature On the Water Beaumont Birdie Passport Fall & Spring migration on the Stroll the boardwalk at Cattail Marsh, Neches River Adventure boat tours, canoe Pick up your free passport and visit local Upper Texasstrategically Coast are incredible. targetgo for a hike inthe the Big Thicketstate or association,trips and swamp tours--there sports are so andattractions. religious Explore Beaumont and collect Beaumontmarkets offers 28 Great Texas and tohold ancontinue alligator at Gator Country to developmany ways to Beaumontenjoy the sunshine. asstamps a to premierearn a free Beaumont Birdie! Site Inspections Coastal Birding Trails within a 40 Adventure Park. 12 mile radiusmeeting to explore. destination. 2 0 1 9 15 Speaking Engagements EATBMT estauran 3 Interviews featured in National Meeting Publications Bring it to Beaumont#EATBMT Local Restaurant Awareness Week Campaign was created NOVEMBEReek Prepare your stretchy pants! #EATBMT Restaurant Week is Nov 10-17, 2019. Southeast Texas will be serving up lots of to boost awarenessdelicious of meeting places to delight your tastebusiness buds. Don’t forget toand follow @eatbmt local on Instagram connections and share local food pictures that 1 0 - 1 7 with the hashtag #eatbmt to win prizes and help spread the word about the best local restaurants in the area. helpVisitBeaumontTX.com bring/restaurantweek them to the city. VisitBeaumontTX.com
Bring Your Meeting to Beaumont MEETINGS MEAN BUSINESS! Conventions, conferences and tournaments bring tourism dollars into the local economy and your connections may just hold the key to bringing new overnight event business to Beaumont. You’re invited to join the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau’s efforts with meeting & event development. Let’s talk about our complimentary 409-880-3749 services and start planning to bring your MeetBeaumont.com organization’s next big conference to Beaumont.
For FY'20, Bring it to Beaumont will stay in place to target local members of all kinds of organizations, associations in addition to state and national meeting planners to entice them to bring their meetings to Beaumont.
The BCVB sales team has been able to reach many groups and assist with room blocks since the campaign's launch. The Texas Extension Education Association, Red Knights Motorcycle Club and Knights of Peter Claver have booked because of the program. primary markets sports events - state associations - religious groups - livestock meetings - birding groups - weddings
Sports State Associations • Partner with Ford Park Entertainment • Conduct (6) sales missions in Austin to position Beaumont as the premier Complex to attract national sporting meeting destination for state association planners. CATCH A GAME. organizations with the focus on indoor • Exhibit at Southwest Showcase and attend Connect Texas Marketplace, CATCH A SHOW. space. Through cooperative efforts, staff Texas Society of Association Executives Annual Conference, Lone Star will attend Connect Sports Marketplace, Chapter of SGMP monthly meetings and MPI Hill Country Chapter IAEE- Sports ETA Symposium and exhibit at Central Texas Chapter monthly meetings when in Austin. TEAMS Sports Conference. • Advertise in target top industry publications, both in print and online. • Partner with Lamar University • Renew memberships for Texas Society Association Executives (TSAE),
Beaumont has a lot to offer. 24 baseball fields. 45 soccer fields. TEXAS FRIENDLY. BAYOU FUN! 32 tennis courts. Over 3,700 guest rooms citywide. 2 convention centers. 3 full-service convention hotels. And unique venues (Southland Conference), Lamar State Port Society Government Meeting Planners (SGMP) and CVENT. and entertainment options the entire team will love. 1-800-392-4401 | Freddie Willard, Director of Sales Meet playable. Meet stayable. MeetBeaumont.com Arthur (National Junior College Athletic • Utilize TXMET & Backyard Marketing, both are centralized database Association) and the City of Beaumont’s systems used for lead generation Parks & Recreation Department (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) to bid on & bring more events to Beaumont. Religious Meetings • Continue to build relationships with promoters, tournament directors • Solidify the Beaumont CVB’s role as the trusted official source that and local members of sporting organizations to bring UIL, NAIA, USFA, informs and inspires local, state and national religious organizations to USSSA, USTA, US Softball and other events to Beaumont. book faith-based meetings in Beaumont. Advertise in key industry magazines such as Sports Travel, Sports Events, • Conduct local sales calls Sports Destination Management and Connect Sports. • Exhibit rotation between the three national religious tradeshows: • Continue local sports initiative to provide a positive experience for Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), Christian Meeting athletes & fans by hosting onsite promotional tent at sporting tournaments. & Conventions Association (CMCA) and Connect Faith Marketplace • Develop a promotional video of sporting facilities & venues alternating between shows in two - three-year cycles. • Renew membership in RCMA and CMCA. • Advertise in target religious meeting planning media. .
. In Beaumont you’ll do more than share faith and fellowship. You’ll also enjoy also VIP plaanning and creative incentives thanks to a CVB staff that’s ready to get to know you. Meet friendly. Meet faithul. MeetBeaumont.com
800-392-4401 | Freddie Willard, Director of Sales
Beaumont has a lot to offer. Creative incentives. VIP planning. Customized entertainment. And a team dedicated to helping TEX EN . B O N with everything from accommodations to zydeco. CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Meet fun. Meet fl exible. eetBeaumont.com 1- 00- 92-4401 reddie Willard, Director of Sales
Livestock Meetings • Reprint livestock brochure and conduct another direct mail out to various Livestock Associations/Cattle Groups. HOLD A GATOR. • Coordinate with Marketing Team to research and place ads in Livestock specific publications. HOLD A MEETING. • Continue cooperative effort with Ford Park Entertainment Complex, Jefferson County and the Young Men’s Business League in conjunction with local independent cattlemen to attract livestock
Beaumont has a lot to offer. Creative incentives. groups to Beaumont VIP planning. Unique venues. And after k CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU face-time with colleagues, the opportunity to get up close and personal with the locals. Livesto ck Freddie Willard, Director of Sales Agricult ural e and E Meet innovative. Meet extraordinary. MeetBeaumont.com 800-392-4401 Equestrian Events Ford Park Entertainment Complex is a 221-acre o multi-purpose park with includes the Arena, Exhibit Hall, AG Barns, Midway, Pavilion and Fields. ford park entertainment complex Ford Park is located on IH-10 South Beaumont, Texas. premier arena & ag barn venue Birding Groups Convention Sales Special Programs •Facilitated special itinerary in order to book overnight private birding groups in Beaumont • Out & About Local Sales Initiatives - Includes local sales calls and during Fall migration season. speaking engagements to reintroduce the Beaumont CVB roll in the • Developed resource lists requested by birding community and highlight services offered for convention planning. clients. Ex: Birding tour guides & volunteers for • CVB Volunteer Program - An appreciation luncheon will be held in the hire for field trips and tours, wheelchair accessible Spring of 2020 to thank existing volunteers for their service. A major birding spots recruitment will take place this fiscal year for additional volunteers due to • Coordinate pre-tour leading up to FeatherFest recently booked business that requires 100 volunteers. Lamar University • Exhibit at FeatherFest in Galveston, TX. and civic organizations will be the main sources targeted. • Work with private birding tour operators to book nature tours • CVB Holiday Open House - Local awareness event that takes place early • Work with Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival to book pre-tour for 2020 Fall. December. Primary focus is to reintroduce the roll of the BCVB, the staff • Working with local hotels to create a Beaumont Birding Package to track and services offered to local community leaders, planners and hospitality individual hotel stays generated by birders. partners. • Sports Beaumont & Photo Trivia Challenge - Beaumont hosts over 40 Weddings - The servicing tournaments each year. This program is designed to give back to the department will manage this new teams and create an overall good Beaumont experience for each athlete. growing target market using the The sales team partner with local hotel partners to enhance the program. following strategies. • Meeting of the Minds - This meeting is held twice a year and used as • Exhibit at the Love Struck an opportunity to share sales initiatives with our hospitality partners. Beaumont Wedding Expo Training is also offered to partners on our lead database system, the • Participate with the H. Noelle Extranet. Bridal Event • Professional Development Initiatives - Webinar Wednesday has • Redesign of the Beaumont CVB Wedding Contact Page been incorporated in the work week for professional development. Simpleview Forum, ACOM, TACVB are among the resources used to gain additional knowledge of the industry to better serve the BCVB.
Digital Marketing Efforts
@meetbmt Utilizes Facebook and Instagram to showcase meeting facilities and opportunities the Beaumont CVB can provide to connect with meeting planners to book business in Beaumont
• Meetings Blog - Convention Sales works closely with • Bring it to Beaumont Campaign - to support this the marketing team to create creative topics of interest ongoing awareness program, two Bring it to Beaumont for meeting planners and push out blog posts on a client events will be held, the :30 PSA will be run on the monthly basis. City Government Channel and ads will continue with local radio stations. • @MeetBeaumont Social Media Strategy- Followers will see new information posted every Monday • Meeting Content Marketing - with the launch of promoting Beaumont as a meeting destination with the new Beaumont CVB website, a new microsite helpful information. Since launching the Facebook for meetings will be developed for meeting planners page last fiscal year, the Convention Sales Team to explore. In addition, the Convention Sales team has added the following components to push out will work directly with Madden Media to develop information and increase social media traffic: new content with a presentation layer landing page. Wednesday Review – Videos that highlight local Beaumont CVB's newest story will be distributed on venues, products and services both Facebook and Google. LinkedIn sponsored posts Behind the Scenes – Inside look at what’s will be designed and targeted to meeting planners. happening at the Beaumont CVB. Boomerang will also be used to target new audiences Tidbit Thursdays – Highlights little known facts on mobile devices within the meetings space. about Beaumont and trivia. tourism marketing & destination development
The Beaumont CVB is focused on expanding market presence and influence in the tourism market with a robust marketing effort combined with destination development. A number of integrated campaigns will grow Beaumont’s awareness as a prime hub destination for birding and unique culinary experiences. Focused content strategies along with continued supplemental messaging will draw more travelers to the destination. Birding & Nature Tourism
Birding and Nature Tourism marketing has greatly expanded with new tools and materials to support and grow Beaumont’s authority in this lucrative market.
New Marketing Tools & Programs
• Promotional Exhibit Booths at multiple key birding festivals and shows including: The Biggest Week of Birding, Ohio Birding Festival, Cap May Birding Festival • Host Spring Migration 2020 Birding Influencer Fam Trip: 7-Day Bird Brained Challenge • International distribution of new publication, Essentially America - Beaumont Birding • New Co-op! Birding Between Borders - BirdingBetweenBorders.com is a new co-op program between the Beaumont CVB, Creole Nature Trail and Lake Charles CVB that will focus on marketing the confluence of the Central and Mississippi Flyways in Southeast Texas (Beaumont) and Southwest Louisiana (Lake Charles). Ecologically, the region is comprised of a diverse array of habitats. In just hours, birders are in driving distance to countless birding hot spots including Peveto Woods Sanctuary, Cameron Prairie NWR, Sabine NWR, Cattail Marsh, High Island, Anahuac NWR and Bolivar Flats Sanctuary. In addition to exceptional birding, these areas have so much more to offer. The program will highlight local cuisines, breweries and distilleries, live music, casino gaming, championship golf, world-class spas, fishing, historic districts and more! open toskilllevels. strengthen andsoothebodymind,theclassis the CattailMarshBoardwalk.Practicingyogahelps yoga matandenjoyafreeclassoverlooking Every otherSaturday, Free CattailYogaClasses CULINARY TOURISM at CattailMarshWetlandsEducationCenterandBoardwalk. educational signageandtrailmappingwillfurtherenhancethevisitorexperience Installed justintimeforspringmigration,professionalnewlydesigned New EducationalSignage awareness aboutthenearby28BirdingTrailsandPackage. museums andattractionsareabirding.ThesenamesakeBirdiesserveasBeaumontambassadors,helpingtheConventionVisitorsBureau toraise The BeaumontBirdiesaredesignedtocapturetheinterestofabroaderaudienceinbirdingcommunityandincreaseoverallawareness Beaumont, has itsowncustomprofiletag,web-page,nameandplaysuniquebirdingcall.EveryBeaumontBirdieisnamedtohighlightfavoritelocal hangout. The BeaumontBirdies,acutecastofcharactersrepresentingsometheregion’smostsought-afterbirdspecieswereintroduced.Each Birdie Beaumont BirdiePassport the publicisinvitedtobringtheir
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Culinary Tourism Since its launch in 2018, the CVB’s #eatbmt culinary tourism campaign has been working with local restaurants, hospitality staff and local influencers to encourage patrons to share delicious photos of local dishes using the campaign hashtag #eatbmt.
The CVB will continue to grow awareness of its local food scene using a number of interconnected promotional efforts. • Influencers - host foodie Influencers from key markets • Content marketing - develop compelling blog content, videos and photos for promotions • Social Media promotions and giveaways • Expand #EATBMT Restaurant Week
#EATBMT Restaurant Week 2020 The Beaumont CVB and Sabine Area Restaurant Association worked together to create #EATBMT Restaurant Week. The week-long event showcases participating restaurants throughout the Golden Triangle. Restaurants offer special menus priced at $10, $20, and $40 and special foodie events and media promotions are held throughout the week. In addition to this year’s Restaurant Week, the CVB held a Downtown Museum Pub Crawl and hosted a Houston Influencer Foodie Fam Tour and Visit Houston Takeover. “100% of travelers eat” New This Year: • Increased Social Media Presence with #EATBMT Giveaways • Partner with Discover Beaumont for ticket and event promotions during the week as well as year round “Beaumont is a treasure trove • Work with hotels on discounts and packages to boost shoulder of history & creative talent. period business A long weekend isn’t enough...”
1-800-3 2-4401 .
History & Culture Digital and print marketing efforts will be used to Beaumont CVB’s Art & Mural Project increase awareness and invite people to meet, eat and The CVB will continue to work with local artists to commission colorful explore all the heritage and nature tourism attractions public artwork to enhance the destination and visitor experience. that Beaumont and Southeast Texas offers. gobeau.co
Through a combination of content marketing, SEO and social media, we created an entirely new, standalone community site dedicated to all things Beaumont, GoBeau.co. While being supported by the CVB, GoBeau was designed to look like it was coming entirely from bloggers and influential locals creating unbiased trust.
The Goal? To be a leading resource for travel to Beaumont. The site is populated with informative and entertaining articles ranging from logistical tips to hidden gems as a clever way to expand the Beaumont CVB’s web presence and establish itself as a trusted online authority. All branding, identity, creative concepts, web design and development were discussed collaboratively with the BCVB marketing team. Launched January 2019, GoBeau.co publishes four unique articles a month across four content categories: Like a Local, Foodie Fun, The 411 on the 409, and Birds The Word.
WINS. In a year, we've grown a social audience of 9,600 followers and built a dedicated community across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. The website has had over 14,300 pageviews.
Beaumont Mardi Gras is the newest annual event positioned for growth. The CVB works closely with officials, organizers and local partners to maximize event publicity and out of market promotion. Each year, the CVB partners with Rao’s Bakery to send King Cakes to journalists, media influencers and VIP clients. For 2020, the cvb created a mardi gras postcard to be sent along with Rao's king cakes to generate more publicity and buzz around the occassion. marketing & communications
World-class companies invest heavily to build brands and win customer loyalty. Brand-building investments in advertising, marketing and promotion inspires consumers and allows successful brands to stand out in a crowd. The same truth applies to travel promotion. In today’s super competitive marketplace, people have more choices and more access to information than ever before. Social channels, mobile phones, travel blogs, internet searches, video and traditional media channels stand ready to deliver up information, 24/7.
The CVB’s marketing team continues to invest in targeted campaigns and promotions in order to increase brand awareness and inspire people to experience Beaumont. The team maintains a steady schedule of seasonal messaging and production to generate compelling content. Our communications strategy includes weekly and monthly messaging plans with strategic partners to deliver effective campaigns for each target audience. digital Live December 2019, after a year of intense development and change. VisitBeaumontTX.com is the official website for the Beaumont CVB. The all new site features new techonology, fresh colors and clean design. Streamlined navigation and new widgets showcase interactive elements and delivers a wealth of inspirational content.
VisitBeaumontTX.com Serving as an insider’s guide to Southeast Texas with up-to-date local information, VisitBeaumontTX.com is the authority on the best of all things Beaumont.
2020 Digital Goals
• Launch PR Effort for new website • Grow use of Partner Extranet • Increase digital marketing • Dynamic Content Creation • Refresh and increase immersive elements and 360 video assets • Use digital marketing campaigns and digital influencers to increase engagement, traffic and conversions • App development • Incorporate GoBeau content and cross linking strategy • Work with SEO Analyst to maximize organic visitor sessions
TOP 5 WEBSITE PAGES WITH MOST TRAFFIC IN 2019 1. /eventcalendar 2. VisitBeaumontTX.com home page 3. /event-calendar/annual-events/ymbl-south-texas-state-fair 4. /things-to-do/ 5. /things-to-do/things-to-do-with-kids/ 6. /event-calendar/classic-movie-nights/ 7. /trip-planning/trip-ideas/ 8. /restaurantweek/ 9. /things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/swamps-gators/ 10. /restaurants Social Media Overview
@VISITBEAUMONTTX @MEETBMT Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram LinkedIn • Utilize Facebook and Instagram • Continue to use Facebook for things to showcase meeting facilities and happening in the area, sharing blog posts opportunities the Beaumont CVB can and content created that showcases the provide to connect with meeting planners city to book business in Beaumont • Instagram will offer high-quality images of the city to show off the amazing things @EATBMT we have to offer Facebook & Instagram • Increase presence on Pinterest and • Utilize Facebook and Instagram to LinkedIn - Create boards for Things To showcase Beaumont’s culinary food Do in Beaumont, Best of Beaumont scene. Where to eat, what’s new, etc (Restaurants/Food, Outdoor Experiences, Birding, etc) • Continue to utilize LinkedIn for meeting driven posts in order to connect with meeting planners to book business in Beaumont
Extranet Portal Access CVB Partner Listings have free access to submit events, specials and deals and manage their website listings. Take advantage of VisitBeaumontTX.com to help boost your business’s exposure. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
Threshold 360 - Interactive and immersive 360 video tours are embedded into partner listings. Threshold 360 also powers custom interactive maps embedded into the website and used by the CVB to create personalized itineraries and maps for tours, groups, clients and travel media.
Crowdriffgalleries create a visually immersive first impression with stunning visuals and authentic user- generated images that offer new perspective. These photos help us tell our story, capture people’s imaginations and inspire them to visit.
Cattail Marsh Webcam Live Stream PR Efforts CVB hosted travel media included: Deb Burst, Daniel Schumacher, Bea Broda, Vanessa Orr, Kathleen Walls and foodie influencer, Lauren Monitz. Deb Thompson and Nedra McDaniel will attend Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. Conversations with Amy McConnell with Peach House PR are ongoing to find bloggers to visit Beaumont. Local Media outreach included radio, print & TV interviews and PSAs. Press releases were distributed throughout the year for a variety of stories.
Public Relations Goals
• Generate positive coverage in trade and consumer travel media channels. Work to garner coverage of Beaumont in domestic print, broadcast, online and social media outlets. Strategically target editorial opportunities in leisure travel and meeting trade publications, focusing on drive markets, local and national outlets • Host journalists and influencers. Distribute event round-ups and seasonal messaging to drive awareness and support overall promotions through newsletters • Partner with Texas Tourism and regional tourism partners to host writers and increase global destination coverage. Take advantage of industry communication efforts and opportunities with: SATW, Texas Tourism, Travel Media Showcase, TTIA, TACVB, Texas Forest Trails and DMAI
Beaumont CVB Destination Training
For over 10 years, the CVB’s award winning hospitality training program has produced more than 1,000 graduates each year. The program is designed for front-line hospitality employees with the goal of creating savvy-Beaumont ambassadors that will better serve visitors and clients. Long-term plans for BDT include evolving from the mini- familiarization tour schedule to include more customer service training and additional digital mini-sessions. Registration for 2020 is available online at BeaumontCVB.com/BDT.
DESTINATION TRAINING DATES for 2020:
1. March 11 2. May 20 3. September 16 4. November 18 beaumontcvb.com/bdt Register Online advertising Leisure travel advertising creative for placement in consumer publications.
New co-op billboard on I-10 features the new interactive mural and photo opp outside the Ben J Rogers Visitor Center.
Annual Publication, Beaumont's Official Visitors Guide Magazine will undergo a redesign this year. This publication is a regional partnership with the Jefferson
Beaumont VB s etlands ebcam eatures li e iews County rom attail ars dail «VisitBeaumontTX.com Tourism A Bird Watcher’s Paradise Commission. Beaumont is a natural address for over 20 species of birds and is an international renowned bird-watching destination. The new Cattail Marsh Boardwalk and Wetlands Education Center puts nature lovers face-to-face with wildlife. isit Beaumont for crave-worthy culinary diversions, outdoor adventure and history on a grand scale.
BeaumonTexas
A Bird Watcher’s Paradise east o e outhern harm ich istory Beaumont Birdie Pass ort Beaumont Texas is located on t o o Discover the hidden gems and Colorful murals and beautiful artwork When the entire downtown district Pick up your free passport and visit the four migratory fl yways in the U.S., the family run restaurants that have are found all over Beaumont, even on is listed on the National Register of local attractions. Explore Beaumont Central and Mississippi. Thanks to its unique everyone talking about the food the traffi c boxes. Beaumont’s beauty, Historic Places, you know it’s a big position near the Gul o exico there are attractions and collect stamps to earn a Great Texas Coastal Birding trails ithin scene in Southeast Texas. #eatbmt history and charm will delight you. deal. Take in impressive stories and free Beaumont Birdie! a 40-mile radius of the city. The American amazing architecture. Birding Association called it one of the most interesting avifaunal confl uences in the country. For beginning birders, it’s VisitBeaumontTX.com a antastic place to practice identi ying wading birds and ducks. For advanced birders, this eastern Texas coastal region presents a number of unique and intriguing ID challenges due to range overlaps not present elsewhere. And for photographers, Beaumont VB s etlands ebcam eatures li e iews Beaumont is as good as it gets. rom attail ars dail «VisitBeaumontTX.com
Just East of BEAUMONT, TEXAS is the best place to stay when birding . ocated on the upper Texas Gul Coast ith our I distinct habitats (woods, wetlands, marsh, and shore), Southeast Texas is a place of contrast where you can experience Expe e everything from piney forest to coastal plains, a home to a variety of endemic species from shorebirds to tree-dwellers.
Beaumont’s Must See Attractions Close to 400 bird species S is one R is one o S R S P is here are spotted in and around of the premier birding the premier ater o l re uges the marsh meets the surf, making Beaumont annually–including spots in North America. Spy on the Texas coast the endless it prime binocular-hunting High Island, so you’re all but everything rom Golden marshes are home to all o the grounds for numerous species. ead east on I-10 for a fun departure from the ordinary. Tour guaranteed to check more than Winged Warblers to White– regular rails in the US. a few off your life list. Tailed ites and Indigo three fabulous historic homes, explore monumental moments Buntings. in Texas oil history and enjoy natural attractions that will VisitBeaumontTX.com irding rejuvenate your soul. Get the full scoop of Beaumont’s most in-demand attractions and start planning your trip, contact the Beaumont Convention isitors Bureau at 1- 00- 92-4401 or “Beaumont is a treasure trove isitBeaumontT .com to re uest a free visitors packet. of history & creative talent. A long weekend isn’t enough...” T T
c addin Ward ouse ator ountry d enture Par attai arsh Wet ands . Wi son s estaurant this abulous historic home is hold an alligator one or a brag- Stroll the board al then ta e and many other local oodie impeccable and sho cases all orthy photo or go all in and in the vie s rom the all-ne avorites are eatured on original amily urnishings. s im ith one. Wetlands Birding Center. Instagram eatbmt or ust search eatbmt to see hat ol s are craving no . 1-800-3 2-4401 VisitBeaumontTX.com . 2020 travel calendar
Month Event Dept / Staff
January Southwest Showcase & Sales Calls, Austin, TX Sales / FW TACVB Winter Conference, Boerne, TX Exec, Mktg DC / SM Space Coast Birding Festival, Florida Tourism / CL
February Hall of Fame Sales / SJ RCMA, Irving, TX Sales / RW Texas Crime Stoppers, Exhibit/ Odessa, TX Presentation Code Sales / FW Enforcement Assn. of Texas, Exhibit/Presentation Austin, TX Sales / FW San Diego Birding Festival Tourism / CL
March TTIA Unity Dinner, San Antonio Exec,Tourism DC / CL
April Feather Fest, Galveston, TX Sales / RW Sports ETA Symposium, Kansas City, MO Sales / FW TTIA Travel Expo, Grapevine Tourism / CL
May Texas Extension Education Assn., Brownwood, TX Sales / FW TSAE Open & Sales Calls, Austin TX Sales / FW Austin Sales Calls, Austin, TX Sales / RW Simpleview Summit
June TTIA Tourism College Tourism / CL PRSA Travel & Tourism Conf Exec, Mktg DC / MC
July Austin Sales Calls Sales / FW Destination International Annual Conference Tourism / CL
August Connect Marketplace, NOLA Sales / FW TACVB Annual Conf Staff Tucson Birding Fest Tourism / CL Louisiana Tourism Assn Tourism / CL ESTO Mktg, Tourism / CL
September TSAE Annual Conference, Fort Worth TX Sales / FW / RW (FY'20 ends) Austin Sales Calls, Austin, TX Sales / RW TTIA Travel Summit Exec, Tourism DC / CL
October Connect Texas Sales / FW (FY'21 starts) YMRC Sales / RW Connect Faith Sales / RW Destinations International Tourism / CL
November TEAMS Sports Conference Sales / FW Festival of Cranes Tourism / CL Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Tourism / CL
December Destination Texas, Austin, TX Sales / FW TSAE Holiday Event/Sales Calls Sales FW/RW 2020 promotional schedule
MONTH Mktg & Advertising Projects PR / Messaging Focus Tourism Dept January Website Launch - Content Development Pitching and editorial calendar dev. Bird Market Planning Advertising & Promotions: Fulfillment Spring/ Valentines Day, Mardi Gras Content Dev EATBMT Crave: Pizza Summer, Digital Marketing Meetings: Streetz, Hot Hearts, Vietnam Vets New Billboard artwork Convention South editorial
February Visitor Guide Magazine Planning Economic Impact, Hall of Fame Mardi Gras 2020 Meeting Content marketing Meetings Mean Business Taste of the Triangle - CVB Booth Website Dev - meetings microsite Itinerary dev for writers / host journalists Birding Itinerary Booklet Published Content Dev: April’s birding, Spring Migration Prep: State of the City info for Mayor EATBMT Crave: Sushi
March Content Dev: Crawfish Season, Foodie Events. Journalist Site Visits - Prepare for April press Great TX Birding Classic Registration Create content/assets for National Tourism Week tour Destination & Hospitality Training Tour March 11 Dev / editing meeting digital campaign Birding, Spring / Summer EATBMT Crave: Pasta Summer Events Due to TXDOT 3/1 Meetings: Reunions, New & Upcoming
April Meetings Content Marketing (Madden) Prep: Content for May, Summer (flowers & Birding: Spring Migration, Earth Day, Featherfest Launch Meetings Microsite butterflies) Birding Press Trip - Nature Travel Media & Influencers Planning for Visitors Guide Cover & Content Neches River Festival LCCVB + BMT Birding Between Borders launch Birdie Passports (update/reorder) Meetings: New hotels EATBMT Crave: Crawfish Prep: NTW press release and events
May Fall Event Submissions, Ad placement Beaumont Mural, Ben J Reopens (ten) Destination & Hospitality Training Tour May 20 Year End Budget & FY’21 Planning Due Summer Itineraries National Tourism Week Website & Meeting Microsite Launch Meetings: Sports venues, summer forecast Biggest Week (Birding) Summer Ad Placement: Business & Leisure Medfest / May Pole / Memorial Day EATBMT Crave: Margaritas
June Digital Marketing, Ad Placement Meetings: Summer Reunions & Meeting Eco Beaumont Birdie Passports Editing & Proofing Visitors Guide Impact EATBMT Crave: Burgers Begin Meeting Planner & Sports Guide updates Daddy Daughter dates for redesign Day trips
July Ad Planning FY’21 Begins Meetings: Local Vendors Make an impact Beaumont Birdie Passports Regional Visitor Guide Magazine - final New Visitors Guide Released EATBMT Crave: Barbecue production / publishes Update Crisis Communications Plan Prep: Fall travel advertising Independence Day Roundup Historic influences
August Media Placement & Fulfillment: Fall/Winter Prep: Labor Day Travel Tucson Birding Festival Content Dev: Haunted/Halloween Tailgating, Football and Back to school EATBMT Crave: Sandwiches Winter Events Submission: TXDOT 8/31 shopping Meetings: Fall Convention Forecast
September Fiscal Year Budget Closeout Prep: Thanksgiving PR, Shop Local Destination & Hospitality Training Tour 9/16 (FY'20 ends) Website Promotions, Digital Marketing Craft Beer, Neches River Rally Fall Migration Content Dev: Thanksgiving/Fall Meetings: Things to do after the game EATBMT Crave: Tacos
October Christmas / Shopping Promotion Dev. Anniversary Cattail Marsh Wetlands Center Cape May Birding (FY'21 starts) Content Dev: Christmas/NYE Fall Favorites EATBMT Crave: Craft Beer Ads & Content Dev: Restaurant Week Prep: Restaurant Week Meetings: Nature Meetings
November Marketing Plan FY21 Released Meetings: SMERF Market Destination & Hospitality Training Tour 11/18 Seasonal promotions Content Dev: Jan. Events: Spindletop Festival of Cranes Anniversary Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Round up New Year events #EATBMT Restaurant Week 2020 Christmas Lights, NYE EATBMT Crave: Queso
December Ad Production & Submissions, Directories Spring in Beaumont Booth: Downtown Museum Christmas Event Develop Content Calendar for 2021 Round up Restaurant Week Coverage EATBMT Crave: Desserts Mardi Gras Planning & Content Meetings: Year in Review, future forecast Planning 2021 Spring Events Due 12/1 to TXDOT Mardi Gras 2021 Economicimpact
Beaumont, tx
$365.8m $33.1
3,700 $82.2m
JEFFERSON COUNTY
$600.6m $56.5
6,100 $134.3m Fy'20 Budget
The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a department of the City of Beaumont. The CVB is funded by Beaumont’s hotel occupancy tax (HOT); taxes paid by overnight visitors in Beaumont hotels. The City collects and distributes hotel occupancy tax funds to the CVB, City event facilities, art and historical preservation organizations. CVB funding is directly related to the health of Beaumont HOT collections; therefore the primary mission of CVB programs is focused on growing and replenishing the hotel occupancy tax fund.
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX RATE 15% CITY OF BEAUMONT 7% JEFFERSON COUNTY 2% STATE OF TEXAS 6%
City of Beaumont Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Distribution FY 2020 Revenue Source: Beaumont, TX Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection
BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 3,190,600 Wages: Full time, Part time 611,800 Longevity, Allowances: Auto, Admin, Cell Phone 15,200 Retirement 154,400 Insurance 124,200 Operating Supplies (Postage, Office Supplies) 22,500 Repairs & Maintenance 19,200 Public Utilities 21,800 General Services 1,158,900 Advertising/Promotions 621,200 Printing 31,300 Tech Maintenance Contract (Copier) 1,500 Travel and Training 66,200 Travel - Promotional 109,000 Professional Dues, Fees, Subscriptions, Memberships 47,400 Software Maintenance and Subscription 7,600 Contract Services 274,700 Special Programs (Softball/Baseball Sponsorships) 52,000 Other Operating Exp (Babe Sales, JCTC Supported Billboards, ebird) 25,400 Misc. Capital, Hardware / Software 2,700 Fixed Assets / Computer Hardware 3,500
Other Operating Exp (Civic and Arts Support) 282,000 Other non-operating Exp. (Payments in lieu of taxes) 100,000 Transfer to General Fund 500,000 Transfer To Debt Service 97,000