Destination events have a huge impact on the local economy.
They drive powerful sources of business growth and brand awareness for local producers and companies. If managed well, an event in a destination, tourism-led market can provide a positive impact to the local community and allow it to not only thrive but become stronger than it was before.
As we continue to produce events in markets across Canada, here are our top tips on how to savour the essence of the local culture, leverage home grown partners, and give back to the community beyond your event expenses.
Discover which businesses are locally owned, such as hotels and accommodations, restaurants and event venues. Ideally, you partner with companies that help to create a thriving local business community. The local CVB can help.
Find like-minded companies to connect with about the local community. For instance, if you are a producer, pair up with a local production company to leverage their knowledge and their talent base for event execution.
Get curious about not only the written laws but the unwritten way of doing things in the region. Adopt the mindset of a local business person when pre-producing and when you are boots-on-the-ground.
Research local charities and organizations that directly impact the people of the region and integrate charitable activities or giving into your event strategy.
Above all, get excited about entering a new market and see each and every event decision as an opporutnity to invest in the local area. As they say, think global, act local.
