Winnipeg Spring Sales Mission: April 17-19, 2012
This annual event includes sponsoring a breakfast for Winnipeg area media and tour operators, and hosting an interactive evening with staff of the three Winnipeg metro Canadian Auto Association (CAA) offices. The event always includes a novel way to educated about Minnesota destinations and attractions, while cementing relationships with people key to providing information to the million Canadians who travel to Minnesota each year. This year’s mission is April 17-19, 2012. Space is limited!

In recent years, due to escalating air fares, we have focused on providing two vans. With increased interest in this year’s mission, and to provide a more comfortable and productive trip, I have secured bids from our motor coach partners. Transportation will be provided by a full-size coach, complete with restroom, DVD, wifi and power ports. For those of you who find it tough to get away from the desk for three days, you can get a lot accomplished during the trip.

Our schedule will be as follows:
April 17: departure from two metro pick-up points at 8:00 and 8:30 in the south and northwest metro. Additional stops along I94 will be made to accommodate those who may join us from central/northwest Minnesota. A lunch stop at Fargo/Moorhead and then on to Winnipeg, arriving at 5:30 to our hotel.
April 18: 8:00-10:30 hosting of tour operator/media breakfast at our host hotel. 11:00-12:30 meeting with leadership team from CAA Manitoba. 4:30-9:00 pm hosting of CAA dinner and activity.
April 19: 8:00 return to Minneapolis Saint Paul with lunch and stops en route. Arrival around 5:00 pm.

Both venues will include your moment in the spotlight, including a chance to address the group at large and to host a table promoting your attraction, destination, or property. Hotel selection is underway and CAA venue details are also being worked out. 

Cost to participate is $425 to include transportation and sponsorship of both venues, including food and beverage for the breakfast and dinner venues on April18. Your additional costs would be for two nights accommodations at the host hotel (budget $135/night) and personal meals and incidentals. Should you wish to have multiple representatives attend, a discount of $75 for the second person is offered. If you provide your own transportation, a discount off the participation fee will also be possible.

Promotional materials can include a pop-up display, destination guides, brochures and other give away items you wish to include. Count on about 100 pieces to distribute.

Though we have plenty of room on the coach, participation will be capped at 20 individuals. Historically we’ve had 15 participants, but with increased interest in this event, don’t delay in your response. An invoice will be generated with your confirmation. To reserve your spot, send an email to Chris Van Meter .

Minnesota will be featured throughout October to the 192,000 members of CAA Manitoba.  As part of our ongoing relationship with CAA Manitoba, a contest is underway on their designated web page for Minnesota, and Winnipeg branches will feature Minnesota destinations, attractions and hotels the entire month. Join us for CAA sales activity October 5-7, 2011 in Winnipeg. Cost to participate is $250 plus hotel and meal expenses.

 

The focus is to provide interaction with CAA members in the two largest Winnipeg branches on Thu, Oct 6, 2-6 p.m. Expecting our usual high interest by Minnesota partners, we will split our presence between the branches. Our time in the branches will include refreshments and giveways to all who visit with us, and hourly prize drawings. The timing is key, as we’ll be there just prior to Canada’s Thanksgiving on Mon, Oct. 10.

 

Two vans will depart on Wednesday afternoon, with overnite in the Fargo/Moorhead area. We’ll continue to Winnipeg for a day of activity, then return for our second overnite. Friday morning we’ll head back home, with mid-day arrival in the metro. A group block and special  rate has been established at the Courtyard Marriott in Moorhead for $118/night plus tax. More details about the block will be provided to those who attend.

 

Participants are asked to provide items for the giveaways bags (approx 250, with coupons and any value-add features, as well as items to contribute for the hourly drawings (8 total). Participation from around the state is encouraged; we’ll adjust logistics to make it as feasible for all.Contact Chris Van Meter to be included. NOTE: A valid passport or US passport card is necessary for travel across the border to Canada. See the US State Department Web site for details.

 

 

Our annual Winnipeg Sales Mission took a unique twist this year. The three-day mission started off May 16, 2011 with a long drive in two vans into flooded territory across the border, forcing us to take detours in approaching Winnipeg. The next morning our entourage of 11 hosted a breakfast and presentations to area media and tour operators.

You can see the fruits of everyone’s labor below – in yellow, pink and a smattering of green:
Nickelodeon Universe – the winner
The BDI – the MN team walked the talk with a preview diorama
Getting Crafty – Idea>Research>Execution (of Peeps) in 1 hour
Pretty in Peep – CAA Travel Chief Cherille Price proves life imitates art
PeepPopper – at least one CAA staffer had to sample
Aquatennial – even sandcastles
At the Zoo – watch out for PeepPoop
Duluth Harbor – that lift bridge concept was a toughie
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres – Hairspray
Gangsters on Parade -  at the Hamms kidnapping: “Not a Peep outta ya!”
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium – after its transformation
Vikings Beating the Packers – but it’s only the 1st quarter
Waterparks Everywhere – what’s that in the water???

Explore Minnesota Tourism’s Guide to Canadian Marketing
Are you interested in learning more about visitors from Canada descending on Minnesota throughout the year? Then you’ll find this guide particular helpful. Consider it a primer for snaring more of the Canadian marketplace. Learn about the market potential, differences in culture, events to reach tour operators, travel professionals and media, and reasons why it pays to help support tour operator and media familiarization tour efforts. Get a leg up on the growth potential from actively courting Minnesota’s largest international travel market by reviewing the guide, developed by Explore Minnesota Tourism staff, and implementing some of the suggestions within.

CANADA EVENTS/SALES MISSIONS

Winnipeg Spring Sales Mission: April 17-19, 2012
This annual event includes sponsoring a breakfast for area media and tour operators, and hosting an interactive evening with staff of the three Winnipeg metro Canadian Auto Association (CAA) offices. The event always includes a novel way to educated about Minnesota destinations and attractions, while cementing relationships with people key to providing information to the hundreds of thousands who travel to Minnesota each year. Space for this popular mission is limited; stay tuned for more details!

Ontario Motorcoach Association (OMCA) – Windsor, ON
Annual Conference: November  3 – 9, 2011
This event reaches top tour operators in Canada, primarily Ontario and Quebec, though some from further west also. Annual membership cost is US$370. Registration cost is US$875. Travel expenses include three nights hotel, some meals, ground transportation and air travel to/from Detroit.

Travel Media Association Canada (TMAC) – Fredericton, NB
Annual Conference: May 2-5, 2012
TMAC is well-run membership base of professional travel writers, both staff and free-lance, from across Canada. Their coverage of destinations reaches the travel professional and consumer audiences in print and online publications, including all major newspapers and lifestyle magazines. Annual membership is $260 plus a nominal initiation fee. Conference registration is US$850. Travel expenses include three nights hotel, some meals, and air travel to/from Fredericton, NB.

Manitoba Sales Efforts – Winnipeg, MB
CAA Promotions: September-October

2012
Winnipeg Spring Sales Mission: April 17-19 2012