Reno Tahoe Hosts Meetings & Conventions Industry Customer Advisory Board

In late June, the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority welcomed 18 executive meeting planners to the destination, marking the first assembly of a new meetings, conventions and trade shows-focused customer advisory board (CAB). “The purpose of the customer advisory board is to engage industry experts and receive feedback on what’s working and areas we can elevate Reno Tahoe as a meetings and events destination,” said RSCVA President & CEO Charles Harris. “This is one of the first CABs, if not the first anywhere in the U.S., to meet in-person post-pandemic, and that speaks to the initiative we have as a destination management organization. It also shows the passion of these meetings industry professionals who are eager to get back to traditional business.” This diverse group of planners represents various segments of the meetings industry, including corporate, association, third-party and trade shows. Discussions were based around the perception of Northern Nevada and the destination, marketing, advertising, sponsorships, industry partnerships, facilities, competitive markets, and the importance community support plays in the success of any destination. At the closing of this week’s meeting, CAB members cited networking, prospecting, professional development, and the opportunity to give back to the meetings industry as some personal benefits of this week’s proceedings. Some said they felt reenergized after the pandemic-related pause from in-person meetings, and noted that their introduction, and re-introduction, to Reno Tahoe is a crucial factor in enhancing perceptions of the destination. The Reno Tahoe Customer Advisory Board has plans to meet again early in 2022.