CVB Meeting & Convention Members –
Be a part of Maine Destination Days!
Meeting planners came by plane, car and train to our early November event! The success of MDD ‘11 was due in great part to the collaborative efforts of our members.
Thanks to all participating exhibitors and all of the following:
Event Sponsors:
Portland International Jetport and Mainebiz
Transportation:
Provided by Amtrak Downeaster, Maine Limousine Service, Northeast Charter & Tour Co, and VIP Tour & Charter Bus Co.
Registration:
Took place at the welcoming Holiday Inn by the Bay.
Tradeshow:
Grace Restaurant created an intimate setting for tradeshow networking
Luncheon:
Masonic Temple opened its doors for a luncheon provided by: Bard Coffee, Blue Elephant Innovative Events & Catering, Churchill Catering, and Personal Touch Catering. The team at Blue Elephant helped greatly in orchestrating the flow of the progressive lunch. Harmon's & Barton's Florists added beautiful floral accents throughout the setting.
City Tours:
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours trolleys escorted planners through the Old Port's cobblestone streets to the doorsteps of Bull Feeney's, DiMillo's on the Water and Havana South. From there, guests were treated to complimentary appetizers at Harbour's Edge. Day 2 offered a journey up the coast to tour historic meeting sites, Maine Maritime Museum and the Harraseeket Inn. Amtrak Downeaster's Natalie Allen and Richard Pescatore, presented an overview of Amtrak's history and expansion project; the new Inn at Brunswick Station provided an appropriate setting as the train will stop there when the project's completed. Local samplings were offered at each tour stop both days turning the experience into a "foodie tour.”
Special thanks:
Goes to Beth Poitras of Harbour's Edge and Sabin Beckwith of Grace Restaurant for their expertise and welcoming ways and the hospitality shown to our guests by: Best Western Merry Manor Inn, Clarion Hotel, Embassy Suites Hotel, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown, Holiday Inn By the Bay, Marriott at Sable Oaks, Portland Harbor Hotel, Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, Residence Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront and Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel.
Thanks to our gift donors ~ Down East Publishing for a beautiful basket of assorted books, calendar and a magazine subscription and Sunday River Resort & Conference Center for a weekend getaway!
The Convention Sales team will continue communication with our meeting planners – all gained valuable ideas for future meetings in Maine~
Time has passed to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity (for 2011) to market your company to qualified meeting planners~take a look at what Maine Destination Day offers for you to participate next year...
There are countless reasons why Greater Portland creates an idyllic meeting destination, during any season! Planners find conference numbers tend to be historically higher here - guests either have always had Maine on their "wish list,” or are eager to return after a memorable visit from another time…
Let's work together to continue promoting this unique, beautiful region as a choice for a productive, adventurous meeting experience!
What is Maine Destination Day?
Maine Destination Days is the Greater Portland CVB's valuable, annual two-day event connecting you with qualified meeting planners! Our rich itinerary will attract planners representing various markets and will provide you, our member exhibitors, multiple ways to promote your organization!
Day 2/Friday afternoon is purposely designed to allow planners to schedule one-on-one appointments. Planners are encouraged to request appointments before the event and will certainly be open to invitations while here. . .
Value of Exhibiting
Networking Tradeshow
Grace Restaurant served as the beautiful backdrop for meeting & convention exhibitors. Planners met all exhibitors on the three tiers of this architecturally-acclaimed, renovated church, nestled in the heart of downtown Portland. This unique setting created just the right ambience for networking and valuable exchanges.
Progressive Luncheon
Guests then enjoyed a progressive luncheon at the beautiful Masonic Temple, with each course presented by a different caterer. As a direct result of feedback from members, planners and registered exhibitors enjoyed their meals together, as well as tours of this nearly 100-year old, one-of-a-kind property.
Early Evening Reception
Continued conversations just after sunset. Guests joined other planners (following their regional tours) at a quintessential waterfront venue, Harbour's Edge, for light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Guests were welcomed on the nearby Casablanca to enjoy a nighttime view of Casco Bay from the decks of this boat available for charter groups.
Planners can follow by enjoying dinner on their own or may be invited by exhibitors for additional networking time.
Overview of Regional Tours
Day 1 Afternoon
Portland-area tours provided planners with an inside look at select participating restaurants whose meeting space provide an ideal setting for small to medium size gatherings in "America's foodiest small town.” Samplings of local flavor were offered en route.
Day 2 Morning
Mid Coast was the destination for planners; tours to member properties in Bath, Brunswick and Freeport were designed for planners who participated for the full two days of Maine Destination Days.
Day 2 Afternoon
Following morning tours, planners and exhibitors were encouraged to schedule appointments for site visits during the free afternoon. Interested planners could reach out directly to the CVB to arrange meetings with exhibitors.
*Members are encouraged to invite planners for more individualized meetings during the free afternoon time-frame.
The CVB Convention Sales Team of Sheila Nee, Elissa English and Celeste Reali welcome your inquires for additional information.