Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
groups are requesting speak- ers and information on health concerns regarding African- Americans, such as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pres- sure and heart disease. "It's a community service, so there's no charge to groups and you can make it like a little health fair, either at registration or at breakfast," added Jimmar. With so many people planning to visit the Macon-Bibb County area, the CVB offers the Family Reunion Workshop. It's aimed directly at the non-professional planner. "We value the reunion market segment, " says North. "The Family Reunion Workshop features general informa- tion on planning an event, checklists, and a small table-top trade show with local hotels, facilities, and other ven- dors. Our CVB sales reps are also pres- ent to answer questions and help plan- ners with booking rooms for out of town guests." North says the goal is to expand the workshop to include mili- tary, class and fraternal reunions with help in planning. The next Family Reunion Workshop is scheduled for August 2012. However, if reunion planners can't attend the Workshop, the CVB provides PDF workbooks to help with the planning process. North offers tips to planners, advis- ing that planning should begin at least one year prior to the event, with a committee in place and contacting the can drive at their own leisure, the attendance tends to go up." Centrally located for half the nation's population, Louisville is a big city with a small-town feel, which is one of the reasons it attracts more than forty African- American family reunions a year, with about 2% of its CVB. Also, having a reunion during off-peak times, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, can save money. Another great way to save money is to head up the road to the Bluegrass State for your next gathering. Home of the exhilarating Kentucky Derby, elab- orate derby hats and smooth bourbon, Louisville is an exciting place to visit and has lots to offer at great rates. "Planners are looking for cities that have unique attractions and affordable hotels which adds value to, and fits their attendees' budg- ets during a down economy," says Peggy Riley, director of Multicultural Sales for the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). "They are also looking for cities close to home where people can drive to, which helps to save on traveling expenses, plus when people PEGGY RI L EY More Value (More options.) You don't have to compromise quality for value. Just an hour south of Atlanta on I-75, Macon offers first-class meeting spaces including the 110,000 sq. ft. Macon Centreplex and 5,500 affordable sleeping rooms. Host memorable offsite functions in historic homes, interactive museums, HD theatres and urban art galleries. After work, play and unwind in an eclectic city known for its historic architecture and signature restaurants. Call Robin North at 800-768-3401 or email rnorth@maconga.org to schedule your next event! reunion business coming from military and class gatherings. Riley says Louisville has seen the overall reunion business stay steady since 2007, with a slight increase in class reunions for 2011. Riley adds that while most reunions are about three days long and typically held during summer, planners can often get better deals by holding the event after the first week of May (after the Kentucky Derby) and also at the end of September. Riley says that the CVB offers free quarterly Reunion Workshops. These workshops are designed for anyone planning a reunion, introducing them to hotels, suppliers and vendors. It's geared for first-time planners as well as the super- organized. "We also find that experi- enced planners attend the workshop to get new and fresh ideas," says Riley. The next workshop series are sched- uled for November 2011 and February, May, August and November 2012. The CVB also offers a free planning kit, which is another great tool that includes step-by-step advice and www.visitmacon.org • 800-768-3401 56 Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BM&T'SANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN REUNIONS FOCUS