Visit Plano earned three Destination Excellence Awards from the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (TACVB). The organization received one first-place Judge’s Choice award and two Peer Recognition awards. TACVB presented the awards at its annual conference on September 1, 2022. These honors recognize outstanding work in destination marketing and tourism promotion.
Meetings & Conventions Promotion
Visit Plano earned first place in the Judge’s Choice category and a Peer Recognition award for Meetings & Conventions Promotion. The team competed in the $1 million-and-over budget category. In particular, the awards recognized its promotional video, “10+ Venues for Conventions, Meetings and Events in Plano, Texas” The video has generated more than 7,000 combined views. It showcases Plano’s diverse meeting venues, from modern convention hotels to historic buildings in Downtown Plano.
Public Relations
Visit Plano earned a Peer Recognition award for its “Travel is Better with Friends” social media campaign. To bring the campaign to life, Visit Plano partnered with The FRIENDS™ Experience and the Shops at Willow Bend. Together, they showcased Plano as a destination for memorable trips with friends. The campaign featured two members of the Visit Plano sales team in a viral video.
Additionally, the campaign helped increase attendance at The FRIENDS™ Experience and the Shops at Willow Bend. It also raised awareness of local restaurants and retailers while encouraging day trips to Plano. The Facebook post received 10,000 comments, 1,900 likes, and 9,900 shares. Meanwhile, the Instagram Reel generated 12,000 plays, 382 likes, and 341 likes.
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Texas Destination Marketer Credential Recipient
Visit Plano’s Social Media Manager, Stephanie Weeks, also earned her Texas Destination Marketer (TDM) credential. This designation recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in the convention and visitor bureau industry. To support their development, the Texas Destination Marketing Certificate program provides training in marketing Texas to tourists and group business.
The program covers eight areas of knowledge, including cultural tourism, communications, group sales, marketing, and visitor services. Participants earn credits by completing coursework in these areas. Once they complete 27 credits in an area, they receive a certificate of completion. To earn the TDM designation, participants must complete six of the eight areas. TACVB administers the program with support from an advisory committee.
Visit Plano is looking forward to hosting TACVB’s Winter Conference in Plano, Texas in January 2023 at the Hilton Dallas Plano Granite Park. For more news from Visit Plano and information about our destination, explore visitplano.com.
