Visit Winston-Salem Announces 2014-15 Arts and Events Marketing Assistance Program Funding Recipients

"The Forsyth County Tourism Development Authority (FCTDA) approved $51,000 in Arts and Events Marketing Assistance (AEMA) funding to support eight marketing campaigns. Applications were submitted in this annual funding program launched by Visit Winston-Salem in 2010.  Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive, criteria-based application to be considered for funding. Each of the seven members on the FCTDA's Marketing Committee independently reviews and grades each application then collectively reviews the aggregate scores to make their final recommendations to the FCTDA Board. "Each of the funded recipients that are eligible for reimbursement funds submitted an application that included collaboration with at least one hotel partner and is in alignment with Visit Winston-Salem's strategic marketing goals," said Dana Lu Bryson, chair of FCTDA marketing committee, and owner of Village Inn Event Center and the Historic Brookstown Inn. The marketing campaigns that will receive the following AEMA allocations in fiscal year 2014-15 are: "The Art of Seating" Winston-Salem Campaign - Old Salem Museums & Gardens and Reynolda House Museum of American Art - $7,500 Bookmarks Festival of Books - $2,750 Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair - $9,000 RiverRun International Film Festival - $10,250 Salute! The NC Wine Celebration -- $10,000 Winston-Salem Air Show - $2,000 Winston-Salem Hispanic League - Fiesta 2014- $2,000 Winter Holiday Campaign - Old Salem Museums & Gardens and Reynolda House Museum of American Art -- $7,500 The Marketing Committee is a diverse group comprised of four members of FCTDA Board of Directors, a representative from the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, a representative from the Forsyth County Tourism Alliance and a member of the Association of Visitor Attractions. For additional information about Visit Winston-Salem and the AEMA program, visit: www.visitwinstonsalem.com/aema.

About Visit Winston-Salem (visitwinstonsalem.com) Visit Winston-Salem is the official sales and marketing agency for the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County tourism industry." A Press Release

Aggressive Marketing to Convention Planners and Overnight Visitors Are Top Priorities in Visit Winston-Salem's 2014-15 Marketing and Sales Plan

"The Forsyth County Tourism Development Authority today voted unanimous approval of Visit Winston-Salem's 2014-15 fiscal budget and annual Marketing and Sales Plan at their monthly board meeting. The $3.16 million budget represents a nine percent revenue increase for sales, marketing and promotional activities over the 2013-14 budget.  The additional budgeted revenue is based on a projected increase of hotel occupancy tax collections in Forsyth County. "Together with dedicated industry partners and a diligent staff, our Board's endorsement of our strategic plan and budget enables us to continue to aggressively market and sell Winston-Salem as a viable convention, sports and visitor destination," said Richard Geiger, president of Visit Winston-Salem.  Visit Winston-Salem's 2014-15 plan includes developing a comprehensive marketing and sales plan for the $17.5 million renovation of the Benton Convention Center.  The plan also includes conducting two flights of qualitative research, enhancing sports events marketing and continued development and execution of seasonally-themed advertising, public relations and promotional campaigns to increase consumer and meeting planner awareness of Winston-Salem as a viable leisure and convention destination. Visit Winston-Salem's Convention Sales plan includes an increased presence and sales effort in the national and regional association, and religious-based markets.  Securing additional sporting events/tournaments is also a key goal for Visit Winston-Salem. Approximately 34 groups are earmarked to receive funding for up to $250,000 from the Visit Winston-Salem Convention & Sports Support (CSS) program.  The program allocates incentives to qualified organizations to offset costs such as convention center/facility rentals, convention shuttles and parking as well as bid fees to pursue sport events/tournaments.  The CSS groups will generate more than 40,000 hotel room nights with an estimated economic impact of $28 million dollars and returns $205 to the community for every dollar invested. The Visit Winston-Salem fiscal year is July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

About Visit Winston-Salem (visitwinstonsalem.com) Visit Winston-Salem is the official sales and marketing agency for the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County tourism industry." A Press Release