Destination Cleveland is expecting over 50,000 visitors and an economic impact of over $200 million during the course of the Republican National Convention (RNC) next year. Although the official Convention time is July 18-21, Destination Cleveland is working on a “Come Early, Stay Late” campaign to extent the length of time visitors are in the area, and also the amount of Northeast Ohio they may see. Destination Geauga wants to be sure that participants to the RNC have ample information to make Geauga County part of their plans.
The Destination Geauga office has listed their office as a resource on the “Supplier List” that is available to RNC participants and encouraged their 180+ members to do the same if their business is conducive to Tourism. During the first debate held in Cleveland in August, the Geauga County Office was invited to a mini tradeshow orchestrated by Destination Cleveland to get information in the hands of the participants.
“It was a great start, and gave us a solid indication of the need Geauga County can fill,” said Lynda Nemeth, Destination Geauga Executive Director. “Attendees were eager to hear about unique venues outside of the city. Being less than an hour from downtown, and able to offer a great ‘get-a-way’ from the hustle and bustle, will be important selling points.” During the initial tradeshow Nemeth handed out Geauga County Visitor Guides along with chocolates shaped like maple leaves that were donated by White House Chocolates.
Since then, filming has taken place in Geauga County to be included on a series of videos Cleveland will make available to attendees as part of their “Come Early, Stay Late” campaign. The Destination Geauga Office has also held a meeting inviting local chambers and county officials to come together in an endeavor to market the county. “If we are going to have a presence, now is the time to plan and get marketing materials together specific to what we can offer,” said Nemeth. “We need to get more people involved and sponsors to help shoulder some of the costs involved.”
The committee also discussed possibly hosting a large event during this time to draw visitors from downtown, and also to get Geauga County residents involved. If you represent a community group or are an elected official and would like to be part of the committee, or are interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Lynda Nemeth at the Destination Geauga Office.
