ABOUT THE DMCVB
What is the DMCVB? The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) is the only organization that promotes metro Detroit regionally, nationally and internationally as a convention, business meeting and tourism destination. To achieve this goal of soliciting and servicing the area's second-largest industry, the DMCVB works with the Detroit and Windsor area business community, civic organizations and local government offices in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The DMCVB is neither a branch of any government nor a charitable foundation. It is an independent, nonprofit economic development organization which receives its funding from several sources, including:
DMCVB Mission The mission of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau is to market and sell the Detroit metropolitan region to business and leisure visitors in order to maximize economic impact. In collaboration with our partners, stakeholders and customers, our purpose is to champion the continuous improvement of the region as a dynamic and memorable tourism destination. DMCVB History The year 1896 was an incredible period for the city of Detroit. It was the year of the "horseless carriage," which would eventually make Detroit the automotive capital of the world. It was also the year prominent Detroit journalist Milton Carmichael revved up an equally important invention - the world's first convention & visitor's bureau. At that time, spending money to bring conventions to a city was a questionable endeavor and, just like the automobile, the Bureau experienced a bumpy start. But soon the Bureau had proved itself and was on the road to continuing success. In fact, the formula was so successful that similar organizations in virtually every major city worldwide would use the Detroit Bureau as their model. In Carmichael's own words, "Originally, the idea of spending money to bring conventions to a city was so unheard of that even the hotel man could not see it. Now even the bellboys are wise." Since its inception, the DMCVB has played an active role in the Detroit area's growth. In the 1920s the Bureau was involved in the original plan for the region's Civic Center, a project that would come full circle decades later when the DMCVB played a role in the expansion of that center's current incarnation: Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center. Convention Sales Department The Convention Sales Department sells metro Detroit as a meeting and convention site to the visitor markets that research shows will have a significant impact on the local economy. The department's executives use business presentations, tours, telemarketing and written correspondence to secure commitments from prospective meeting planners. These executives concentrate on securing a variety of meeting sizes to satisfy hotels throughout the region. Group Tour Department The Group Tour Department markets metro Detroit's attractions, special events, festivals and entertainment to professional tour operators and reunion planners. This department provides group clients assistance with itinerary planning and local supplier contacts. Marketing Department The Marketing Department develops marketing and advertising programs to attract leisure travelers to the region. These programs are aimed at increasing metro Detroit's visibility and improving the area's image as a visitor destination. The Bureau also consists of Bureau Services and Operations Departments.  |
