GSCVB Activity

MAAC Officials To Bring 2012-2014 Tournaments to Pioneer Valley

Among those at the press conference (from left): Fairfield University Director of Athletics Eugene Doris, State Senator Stephen Buoniconti, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, MAAC Commissioner Richard Ensor, MCCA Executive Director Jim Rooney, GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra and Basketball Hall of Fame President & CEO John Doleva.

At a press conference held at the MassMutual Center on December 23, it was announced that the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will bring its Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments to the MassMutual Center in Springfield for three years, beginning in 2012.  MAAC officials were encouraged by the success of the Division II ("Elite Eight") event held in the city of Springfield, and wanted attendees of the 2012-2014 Conferences to be able to enjoy the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and other area amenities during their stay.   

The GSCVB worked diligently with the MassMutual Center and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to present the winning bid for this important event.  Thanks to the Mayor's Office of Springfield and our member hotels who provided letters of support.  City officials estimate that the event will pump $4 million to $5 million into the local economy each year.   

As the event draws closer, the GSCVB will participate in meetings with MAAC officials to coordinate hotel rooms, hospitality services, plan the FanFest event and create packages for each participating school.

CONVENTION NEWS
The SpringfieldFIRST sales team held its Winter Familiarization Trip from December 9-11, 2009. Although there was one cancellation due to the storm, there were three other meeting planners in attendance.  The FAM began with a reception held at the Sheraton Springfield that included a welcome from Mayor Domenic Sarno. In addition to site tours of the MassMutual Center and nearby hotels, FAM highlights included visits to Yankee Candle Village, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Springfield Museums.

GROUP SALES UPDATE
Group Sales Manager Alicia Szenda and Convention Services Coordinator Taryn Siciliano toured a representative from the Massachusetts Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers on December 1. The annual conference of 1,000 is looking at the Pioneer Valley for its 2011 meeting.

The next convention sales meeting will be March 2, 2010 on the University of Massachusetts campus. The meeting will begin at 9 am, at a campus location to be determined.

CONVENTION SERVICES
Convention Services Coordinator Taryn Siciliano provided hospitality assistance for the SpringfieldFIRST FAM that took place December 9-11 as well as two recent visits to the Springfield Sheraton from both Delta (December 1) and Northwest (December 18) airline officials.  For the airline meetings, Taryn spoke to the pilots and airline representatives about area attractions and restaurants to enhance their future visits to the Pioneer Valley.   

GSCVB staff met with faculty from the UMass Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management to discuss ways to gain student participation in the GSCVB Hospitality Program.   A meeting with a representative of the 2010 Westfield International Air Show took place at the GSCVB Office. The GSCVB will be assisting Barnes Air National Guard Base with marketing and hospitality initiatives.

Arts Pioneer Valley
The GSCVB recently launched an Arts Calendar for the Pioneer Valley at artspioneervalley.com.  Events are added by the individuals or organizations and approved by the Bureau before they go live.  This robust calendar resource is free to members and non-members alike.