Ithaca/Tompkins County

6 In 2014, 96 leads were sent from the sales department to our hotel partners with 64 of those leads resulting in booked business. This is more than a 25% increase over 2013. } Booked! Group Sales Succeeds with Large Conferences & Diverse Itineraries Food Security Conference Brings $500k Impact Group Sales Team Meets with 111 Tour Operators +75% Leads Distributed +25% Leads Contracted The Ithaca CVB Group Sales Department exceeded expectations in 2014 in the following areas: Motorcoach group midweek business The Sales team attended six appointment-based trade shows and met with 111 tour com- pany owners and decision makers. Tour Company Bookings Thirteen tour companies booked tours to Ithaca for 2014-2015 as a direct result of this activity. International Marketing Efforts Group sales continues pursuing the inbound Chinese tourist market and business leadership groups. We are presently coordinating programs with Shanghai University and Cornell Business School to bring business groups here twice annually. Global Food Security Conference Booked The 2nd International Conference on Global Food Security will bring 700 scientists to Ithaca during Cornell fall break in October, 2015. Group Sales worked hard to land the conference for its local economic impact ($500,000) and for its international prestige. Shoulder-Season Athletic Events Large athletic events play a key role in filling hotel rooms during shoulder season (No- vember-March). The group sales department works closely with organizers of large meets like the Speedo Swim Championships and Turkey Shoot Lacrosse Tournament to ensure these groups will return to Ithaca each year.

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