Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Instead of an Annual Meeting

For as long as civic luncheons have been held, they have primarily served as fundraisers and a means for organizations to bring attention to themselves.

But DCVB decided to forego the typical annual luncheon and instead elected to self-fund and produce Durham’s Annual Tribute Luncheon each year. Our partner is The Special Event Company so we also try to illustrate how alternative venues can work for meetings and events.

Rather than bringing attention to DCVB, we seek to bring attention through the Annual Tribute Luncheon to individuals and groups who help shape and preserve Durham’s brand values. After all, in telling the Durham story, it is those distinctive brand values that are most important to what DCVB does as Durham’s official marketing agency.
The event this year is April 29th right on the Mildred and Dillard Teer Stage of the new Durham Performing Arts Center. And as always, it is a sellout. It is also one of the most diverse events of its type every year.

Last year, the Annual Tribute Luncheon was on the floor of Cameron Indoor Stadium, where the Duke Blue Devils play, a building and team that also showcases the Durham brand.

In addition to The Special Event Company, the Annual Tribute Luncheon is made possible by loyal sponsors like Duke Medicine, US Foodservice, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, ABC 11 News, Summit Hospitality Group, LTD, American Airlines, PMB Graphics Inc. and The Talking Phone Book.

And DCVB is sure to connect in other ways with internal stakeholders about Bureau activities and results. Surveys of both residents and of civic, business, university and neighborhood leaders show the Bureau has a very high awareness and understanding level and approval rating.

2 comments:

Lisa said...

What a wonderful concept! I love the idea of honoring the businesses that make Durham... Durham!

I'd rather attend something like any day!

Reyn said...

Nice of you to say. And it is much more rewarding to produce as well. Turned out to be a great event.