News Hospitality Band-Aid: Muskegon CVB conducts regional resources in securing Association of Concert Band conference
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It does take a village to attract an event to any community, as Muskegon found out when it pursued the five-day Association of Concert Bands 2011 Annual Convention (ACB).
But a behind-the-scenes look at why Muskegon focused on bringing it to the region in the first place demonstrates that oftentimes a great idea starts with just a couple community members.
According to Howard Meade, ACB convention chair, bringing this national event to Muskegon began with Gail Brechting, conductor and music director of the West Michigan Concert WINDS. A few years ago, Brechting played at the Quincy, Ill. Association of Concert Bands convention. After meeting with the ACB folks, she was elected to the board itself.
“Gail’s evolving relationship with the ACB set the stage,” Meade told M&C.
Bringing such a convention to one’s region, Meade explained, requires two things – the right circumstances and the correct site. Muskegon had both. The annual Association of Concert Bands conference alternates between big cities and small cities. Meade said the size of the group fit well with Muskegon. Having lodging, in this case the Holiday Inn Muskegon-Harbor, directly across from the historic, acoustically inviting Frauenthal Theatre, offered another plus.
“We felt the chamber would be interested in this event,” he said.
In January 2007, the idea was presented to Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and Jill Emery, tourism manager of the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Describing Meade as “a complete community supporter,” Emery immediately recognized his enthusiasm. Heading a small convention and visitors bureau with a limited budget, Emery greatly values the ideas of community members.
“We rely heavily on community members to be our sales force,” she said.
The ACB and Muskegon appeared to be a perfect match. But the group had only one month to prepare the proposal. According to Emery, everyone swung into action, gathering hotel and restaurant information and logistics on transportation and the Frauenthal Theatre.
“We had a short window of time, but everyone saw the importance of pulling the information together as quickly as possible,” Emery told M&C.
In February, the CVB packaged the proposal and handed it off to Brechting and Meade. Meade said Brechting was to make a presentation at the ACB convention in Pensacola, Florida, but inclement weather changed those plans. Fortunately, the package had been sent ahead of time. A former president of ACB, who had recently visited Muskegon and toured the Frauenthal Theatre, made the presentation instead. In March, they received word that Muskegon had been granted the convention bid.
Not every bid for a convention occurs at such a quick pace. According to Emery, every group or conference is different in its selection process. Some make the decision after a site visit. Other bids prove a lengthy endeavor.
“Part of the process is getting to know each (group),” she said.
Emery believes a variety of factors make Muskegon well equipped for hosting the event, first and foremost being the West Michigan Concert WINDS, “an amazing host concert band,” she said. Additionally, the historic theater with lodging only steps away proves significant, as is the city’s size. When a group the size of ACB comes to Muskegon, Emery feels they will command it.
“They will be the only game in town,” she said. “That’s a strong selling point.”
According to Emery, when deciding on a venue, the ACB looked at things like air and ground transportation, as well as the dedication of local supporters. She believes they felt Muskegon’s commitment. For its part, the Muskegon CVB plans on giving its utmost support.
“We’re a small CVB, but they will receive red carpet service from us,” said Emery.
The ACB is one of the largest national conventions ever held in Muskegon. On May 11, 2011, the convention will open with the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight. Two bands from across the country will perform for convention-goers and the public each night, finally concluding with the West Michigan Concert WINDS on Saturday evening.
According to Meade, they received 17 applications from bands in places like Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Indiana, vying for five spots at the ACB annual convention. The applicants had to submit an audition CD and were chosen using a blind selection method.
With the bid secure, the work has turned to making the event a success. Meade oversees a committee of nine people, with representatives from Detroit, Kalamazoo and Cedar Springs. Promoting the event has included attending an ACB convention and making a presentation and having a booth with brochures. The CVB has assisted with a large mailing.
“We want to help facilitate and make this the best attended convention,” said Emery.
Emery sees the ACB’s economic impact as “huge.” With the convention and guest bands bringing upwards of 800 people to the region – all eating, shopping and recreating – she identified the estimated economic impact at $400,000 for four nights.
But that might be just the beginning. The convention seems to have set off a domino effect.
“A performance-based convention is looking to bring a similar size convention,” said Emery. M&C
