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To unsubscribe to this newsletter, or to change or add
additional email addresses, send an email to
[email protected].
2014 Board of Directors Elections
The following Visitor Bureau members have been nominated to
represent their division on the Wisconsin Dells Visitor &
Convention Bureau
Board of Directors:
Accommodation Division
Scott Kalcik
Meadowbrook Resort
70 units or less
Glenn Gajda
Gables Motel
70 units or less
Brad Preissel
Black Hawk Motel
71 - 299 units
Joe Eck
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
300+ units
Attraction Division
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Jill Diehl
Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Director-at-Large
Kevin Ricks
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Museum
Director-at-Large
Campground Division
Becky Gussel
Sherwood Forest Camping & RV
Park
Restaurant Division
Dan Collar
Monk's Bar & Grill
Shopping Division
Ben Borcher
Winnebago Fine Goods & Gift Shop
Election ballots will be mailed to all members in good standing
on the first Monday of October (October 7, 2013) with the deadline
being the
third Monday of the month (October 21, 2013). Remember that in
order to be eligible to vote, you must sign and return your
2014
Membership Investment Agreement(s) and pay all outstanding
balances prior to October 21, 2013.
Please direct questions on the election process to Wendy
Fischer, Executive Assistant, at (608) 254-7180, ext. 302 or
[email protected].
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Committee Appointments
Any members interested in serving on a WDVCB committee for 2014
should contact Romy Snyder at [email protected] or (608)
254-7180, ext. 302. Committee appointments will be presented to
the Board of Directors for approval at the November 5, 2013 Board
of
Directors meeting.
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Bureau Welcomes Eric Staggs
The Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau is pleased
to announce the addition of Eric Staggs as our Web
Administrator. Eric brings 15 years of front-end web design and
online content development experience to the WDVCB.
His experience ranges from enterprise-level e-commerce
initiatives to local business-to-consumer communications, in
industries including advertising, publishing, education and
retail. Recognized twice by the Chicago Association of Direct
Marketing, Eric uses his knowledge of media and technology to
create highly engaging and dynamic digital content.
Please join us in welcoming Eric to the WDVCB team.
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Administrative Entrance
Beginning Monday, September 30, 2013 until mid-May 2014, the
administrative entrance (115 La Crosse Street) doors will be
locked.
Members using this entrance from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. will need to
ring the door bell for assistance. A drop box has been installed at
the
administrative entrance for members just wishing to drop
materials off.
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Performance Report
Click here (member log-in required) to view the July/August 2013
WDVCB Performance Report in the Newsletters & Reports section
of
MembersNet.
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What's New for 2014?
It's hard to believe the year is almost over and it is time to
start thinking about 2014. The Wisconsin Dells Visitor &
Convention Bureau staff is
currently compiling the information for 2014 Vacation Guide
materials, media collateral and, of course, wisdells.com.
Take advantage of these opportunities by sharing any "new news"
you may have slated for the upcoming year like new slides or rides,
room
or building additions, new themes, or milestone anniversaries.
We would also be interested in hearing if you have any new
additions in your
meeting and convention, groups or sports areas. Other
interesting and always welcome news items would include your
business being
recognized with a top national or regional award, being named to
a national "top 10" list or items that may have earned your
business
significant media coverage over the past few months.
Members are encouraged to contact Sarah Hudzinski with all the
details at (608) 254-7180, ext. 343 or [email protected]. If you
choose
to email, please include: Business Name, Anticipated Opening
Date(s), Specific Details (sq. footage, activity name, detailed
description, etc).
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Social Speak
Three Twitter Tips
If your business is using Twitter as part of its social media
marketing strategy, then these three top tips may help you use
Twitter to grow
your business and connect with your customers.
Be a Straight-Shooter
The first tip is to build trust with your social network
customers by always being a straight-shooter with your Twitter
content. Create short,
eye-catching tweets that beg to be retweeted, but more
importantly, link to related content that delivers even more value
than your
followers expect.
Are You Trendy?
Twitter trends give you the opportunity to quickly read about
what people are discussing online. But did you know that you could
customize
Twitter trends to show you information that is relative to your
business and your customers. Make good use of this social marketing
tool by
getting target market and target audience data in real time and
stay steps ahead of your competition.
More Than Words
Does your business continue to send out Twitter content
comprised of text-only tweets? If so, now is the time to dive head
first into the
world of visual Twitter content. Tweeting out photos is a great
way to do this.
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Current Bureau Literature
At this time, the following Bureau marketing collateral is
available to member businesses:
2013 Wisconsin Dells Vacation Guide®
2013 Attraction & Lodging Price Guide
2013 – 2014 Festivals & Events Brochure
2013 Autumn Harvest Fest Brochure
2013 Meetings & Conventions/Group Activities Planning
Guide
Splash on Safety Card (with and without lifeguards)
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Water Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA’s)
Sun Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA’s)
If you would like a quantity to share with your guests,
materials may be picked up at the administrative entrance at 115 La
Crosse Street, 9
a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Please direct questions to
Amanda Rinaldi at (608) 254-7180, ext. 304 or
[email protected].
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Certified Pool Operator Course
The Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau is offering
the Certified Pool Operator course on December 4 & 5, 2013 from
8:30 a.m. - 5
p.m. in the WDVCB Board Room. This course is designed to provide
the most advanced techniques in safety, water chemistry,
maintenance
and management.
In order to qualify as a Certified Pool/Spa Operator, each
person must attend the 2-day course and receive a score of 75% or
better on the
examination.
The cost of the 2-day course is $90 and checks should be made
payable to Midwest Pool Supply. For registration information,
please contact
Jenifer Dobbs at (608) 254-7180, ext. 311 or
[email protected].
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Meeting Update
Click here (member log-in required) to read minutes from past
Bureau meetings and to view the schedule of upcoming Bureau
meetings
under the Meetings & Minutes section.
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Mark Your Calendar…
Solicitation Deadlines
October 10, 2013 (Thursday) – 2014 VIP Media Pass
October 10, 2013 (Thursday) – 2014 Attraction & Lodging
Price Guide
October 24, 2013 (Thursday) – 2014 Employee Entertainment
Card
October 24, 2013 (Thursday) – 2014 Employment Opportunity
Guide
October 24, 2013 (Thursday) – 2014 Safety Patrol Congress
The following opportunities are ongoing and can be submitted at
any time:
Employment Opportunity Guide
wisdells.com
Gift Card Program
Classic Wisconsin Dells
Calendar of Events Listings
Leisure Inquiry Leads
Packages & Deals Web Site Incentive
Click here (member log-in required) to view all
solicitations/programs.
Meetings
October 1, 2013 (Tuesday) – Marketing Committee Meeting from 8 –
9:15 a.m.
October 2, 2013 (Wednesday) – Campground Division Meeting from
10 – 11 a.m.
October 9, 2013 (Wednesday) – Meeting & Convention Committee
Meeting from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
October 22, 2013 (Tuesday) – Marketing Committee Meeting from 9
– 10:30 a.m.
November 5, 2013 (Tuesday) –
Marketing Committee Meeting from 9 – 10 a.m.
November 5, 2013 (Tuesday) –
Board of Directors Meeting from 10 a.m. – noon.
November 5, 2013 (Tuesday) –
Festivals Board of Directors Meeting from noon – 1 p.m.
November 13, 2013 (Wednesday) – Accommodation Division Meeting
from 9 – 10 a.m.
November 13, 2013 (Wednesday) – Meeting & Convention
Committee Meeting from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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All meetings are held at the WDVCB in the Board Room unless
otherwise noted.
Events
October 12, 2013 (Saturday) Dells Chili Cook-Off in Downtown
Wisconsin Dells
October 19, 2013 (Saturday) Dells On Tap in Downtown Wisconsin
Dells
October 19 – 20, 2013 (Saturday & Sunday) 2013 Autumn
Harvest Fest in Downtown Wisconsin Dells
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September Events Recap
The Meeting Professionals Int’l – WI Chapter held their annual
Awards Gala on September 5, 2013 in Middleton, WI. The event
recognizes
individuals for their achievements in the chapter. The WDVCB was
in attendance along with approximately 120 colleagues and
meeting
professionals.
S.P.O.R.T.S. – The Relationship Conference was held September
10-13, 2013 in Oklahoma City, OK. The WDVCB participated in
eight
one-on-one appointments and numerous educational and networking
events.
September 11-12, 2013 the Wisconsin Society of Association
Executives hosted the annual Innovation Summit in Milwaukee, WI.
The
WDVCB participated in educational and networking opportunities
with 135 attendees including colleagues, association executives
and
association staff members.
For more information on tradeshows and events please contact
Tifani Jones at (608) 254-7180, ext. 345 or
[email protected].
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Honky Tonk Marathon
The Wisconsin Dells Honky Tonk Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k
will be held Sunday, October 20, 2013. This is the fourth year
Adrenaline
Sports Management has produced the event. Course information can
be found at www.dellsmarathon.com.
For more information on sports in Wisconsin Dells, please
contact Alison Huber, CMP at (608) 254-7180, ext. 342 or
[email protected].
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GSA Releases New Per Diem
The General Services Administration has announced the fiscal
2014 travel per diem rates and Wisconsin Dells has seen an
increase. Beginning
October 1, 2013 the federal per diem will be $89 per night for
fiscal 2014 October-May and fiscal 2014 September. For fiscal
2014
June-August the rate will be $106 per night. This reflects a $16
per night increase during peak season and a $12 per night increase
the
remainder of the year.
The GSA has also abolished a policy that had allowed federal
conference planners a 25% rate flexibility when per diem was not
available. All
conferences will now be required to contract guest rooms at a
maximum of the market per diem.
To view the federal travel per diems by state visit www.gsa.gov.
For additional information contact Tifani Jones at (608) 254-7180,
ext. 345
or [email protected].
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Upcoming Tradeshows & Events:
Small Market Meetings (Sioux Falls, SD) – October 6-8, 2013
National Association of Sports Commissions Market Segment
Meetings & USOC SportsLink (Colorado Springs, CO) – October
6-10,
2013
Meeting Professionals Int’l – WI Chapter (Stevens Point, WI) –
October 17, 2013
Rejuvenate Marketplace (Daytona Beach, FL) – October 28-31,
2013
Travel, Events and Management in Sports TEAMS Conference &
Expo (Salt Lake City, UT) – November 4-7, 2013
Boomers in Groups (Cleveland, OH) – November 15-17, 2013
Meeting Professionals Int’l – WI Chapter Fall Education Day
(Milwaukee, WI) – November 21, 2013
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Autumn Harvest Fest & Dells On Tap
The Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau will host
its 16th annual Autumn Harvest Fest and Dells On Tap the weekend of
October 19
& 20. This event, staged in the heart of Downtown Dells,
just off Broadway on La Crosse Street, is chock full of goodies
including an arts &
crafts marketplace, live entertainment and Saturday microbrew
sampling. There are hands-on activities for the entire family, plus
caricatures,
a petting zoo, hay and pony rides and a kid's craft corner.
The festivities get underway Saturday morning with over 80
exhibitors at the arts & crafts marketplace opening at 9 a.m.
Throughout the day
there will be pumpkins to decorate, scarecrows to stuff, food to
gobble up, faces to paint and music to enjoy.
Saturday afternoon, 23 Wisconsin microbreweries assemble for
Dells On Tap, to serve up samples of their craft brews. 250 VIP
admissions
will receive exclusive access to the Dells On Tap brewers and
tastings from Noon until 1 p.m. VIP admissions include a
commemorative VIP
tasting glass, pretzel necklace and light snacks. At 1 p.m.
general admission attendees join in the fun and the event runs
until 5 p.m. Those
who purchase tickets between 9 - 11 a.m., or have advance
tickets can get their wristbands and enter for a drawing for two
complimentary
2014 Dells On Tap tickets.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at a special rate of $55 for
VIP and $30 for General Admission online or via phone until 3:00
p.m. on
Friday, October 18 or at our info centers in Downtown Dells and
Lake Delton until 5:00 p.m. that day. Tickets may also be purchased
on the
day of the event (if available) at the Dells On Tap tent
Saturday, October 19, 2013 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the rate of
$60 for VIP and $35
for General Admission.
The festivities continue on Sunday with the arts & crafts
marketplace, a cookie decorating corner for kids, and more food and
live music. For
more information and a complete schedule of the weekend's
events, visit www.wisdells.com/ahf. We hope to see you there!
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Upcoming October Events
Click here to view upcoming October events.
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Fall WACVB Tourism Convention
Register Now - "Harvest of Knowledge"
The Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus
(WACVB) will be holding their 18th annual Fall Tourism Convention
on Thursday
and Friday, November 7-8, 2013 at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin
Rapids. The association is planning an exceptional educational
agenda
beginning Thursday with a “Champion’s Code” keynote
presentation. Breakout sessions include topics on marketing
research, social media,
tourism industry advocacy and more. Other convention highlights
include the Thursday evening Marketplace and Reception and the
Wisconsin
Trailblazer Awards presentation.
Early-bird registration ($110 for WACVB members; $125 for
non-members) is available through Friday, October 11 - the
registration fee is
$125 for WACVB members and $140 for non-members beginning
Saturday, October 12 and up to the day of the convention. Register
online
today at
http://www.wigcot.org/wacvbconvention/wacvb_registration.htm or
stop by the Bureau to pick up a postcard.
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2013 Wisconsin Lodging Conference
The 2013 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show will be
held November 3-5 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake
Geneva.
The Conference begins and ends with a general session before it
is divided into several breakout sessions. Featured speakers
include
Governor Scott Walker; Jim Abrahamson, AH&LA; Vail Brown,
STR; Mark Zipperer, Pride Hospitality; Todd Winkler, Wisco Hotel
Group; Kim
Vele, Konkapot Lodge and many more. The Trade Show serves as a
convenient way to find vendors, new products and services, and
ways
to improve operations and bottom line.
The full package registration for WH&LA member property
owners and operators is $259 per person (a special $229 rate is
available if
registered by October 23), and $340 for non-members ($310 for
early registration). To register, or for more information, click
here, or
contact the WH&LA Office at (262) 782-2851.
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To unsubscribe to this newsletter, or to change or add
additional email addresses, send an email to
[email protected].
