Why Every Event Planner Should Partner With Their CVB: The Free Resource You’re Overlooking

When it comes to planning meetings or events, success often comes down to who you know — and what local insights you can tap into. Whether you’re planning in a destination for the first time or returning after several years, one of the best-kept secrets in the events industry is the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

What Is a CVB?

A CVB (also known as a Destination Marketing Organization or DMO) is a local expert team dedicated to helping meeting planners, event organizers, and visitors navigate a destination. Their primary goal? To make your planning process as smooth, informed, and successful as possible — and here’s the best part — their services are completely free to planners.

Why Planners Should Partner With a CVB

1. Local Expertise You Can Trust

No one knows a destination better than the CVB team. They live and breathe their city — from the newest hotel openings and meeting venues to unique local experiences that make events memorable. They can help you choose the perfect fit for your program, offer insider recommendations, and even share updates on upcoming developments that could enhance your attendees’ experience.

2. Time-Saving Support (at No Cost)

When you work with a CVB, you gain access to a dedicated team ready to do the heavy lifting. From sourcing venues and hotels to arranging site visits, the CVB streamlines the process so you can focus on strategy and content — not logistics. Many CVBs can also help distribute your RFP, collect proposals, and even coordinate your site tours.

“At Valley Forge, we love working with planners—whether they’re familiar with our destination or planning here for the first time,” said Scott Higgins, Director of Sales for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. “As local experts, our goal is to make your planning experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. We offer support in many ways, including distributing your RFP, coordinating site tours, crafting a unified welcome message from the destination, and providing marketing tools to help boost attendance for your event. One of the best parts about partnering with your CVB? We're a free resource—and in some cases, we can even offer incentives to enhance your event.”

3. Insider Connections and Destination Partnerships

CVBs have strong relationships with local hospitality partners — from hotels and convention centers to caterers, DMCs, and transportation providers. Their connections can unlock added value, help negotiate competitive rates, and ensure your group receives personalized service.

4. Attendance-Building Resources

Beyond logistics, many CVBs offer marketing and promotional tools to help you attract attendees. Whether it’s custom destination content, welcome videos, or digital materials, they help you showcase what makes your event city unique.

5. Added Value and Incentives

In some destinations, CVBs can offer financial or in-kind incentives to help offset event costs — such as promotional support, sponsorship opportunities, or rebates tied to room nights.

The Bottom Line

Working with a CVB doesn’t just save you time — it enhances your event’s success from every angle. These local experts provide invaluable insight, connections, and support to ensure your program runs smoothly and makes a lasting impression on attendees.

No matter the size or scope of your event, your CVB is a partner ready to make your job easier — and your event extraordinary.