In an effort to increase continuing education and professional development opportunities for the tourism industry, the West Virginia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (WVACVB) recently established a scholarship program for WVACVB members.
“Our membership includes many small-to-medium-sized CVBs who do not have the resources to attend educational conferences and programs,” said Peggy Myers-Smith, WVACVB president. “Our goal is to ensure the highest level of professionalism and knowledge from tourism industry professionals across the state.”
In addition to Hospitality University, which is hosted by the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (WVHTA), and the West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism, also hosted by WVHTA, WVACVB and the state Division of Tourism, there are also scholarships for the Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) Spring Symposium, Fall Forum and Marketing College.
“STS, which is an organization of tourism professionals from 12 southeastern states, is a recognized leader in travel and tourism education,” said Myers-Smith. “All of these programs offer cutting edge information on destination marketing, management and advocacy.”
Myers-Smith, who is the president of the Morgantown CVB and member of the West Virginia Tourism Commission, was elected as president of WVACVB in May 2015. Also elected: Lewis County CVB President, Chris Richards, Vice-President; Jefferson County CVB President, Annette Gavin, Secretary; Greenbrier County CVB President, Kara Dense, Treasurer.
WVACVB is made up of 30 CVBs from across the state. The WVACVB is a non-profit membership organization of Convention & Visitors Bureaus’ CEOs whose mission is to serve as the advocate for its members through education and communication, while representing their legislative interests in our state.
