CVBs (Convention & Visitors Bureau) are a community's resource that offers information and ideas for event planners and tourists on the area's services, opportunities and activities for tourism and planning events. 

• At no cost, CVBs can suggest options for travel, dining, hotels and other advice toward organizing a great event at a location perfect for your group.  At the very least, you can find out what locations are available in your area and at the most, you will get everything you need with minimal research effort on your part.
• CVBs can also help with transportation arrangements, accommodations, venues, off-site activities, restaurants and shopping ideas.  They are champions for their communities and have the most up-to-date information that may dovetail well with your reunion. 
• Check a CVB in your area and ask for the meeting planner to answer questions and help plan your event. 

We have listed three CVBs that we like.  Just search on line for a CVB in the city you would like your reunion held and ask for the meeting planner.

1.    If you are planning a family, military or other type of reunion event in Utah, the DavisCounty Area CVB is located just north of Salt Lake City, about 20 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport.  They are near the Antelope Island State Park, a small ocean in the middle of the desert located in the Great Salt Lake with hiking trails, biking and horseback riding and vivid wildlife.  Lagoon is a large amusement park with 40 rides, a water park and entertainment in the Pioneer Village.  Also, the Cherry Hill Resort & Waterpark is open in the summer as another fun adventure for families with sports, food and video arcades. For military reunions, there is the nearby Hill Aerospace Museum with over 100 military aircraft and related historical artifacts.  Golfing and camping in the summer and skiing in the winter are also available.  (888) 777-9771, www.davisareacvb.com

2.    Santa Monica CVB has a great website detailing all kinds of information on locations, events, activities going on in the City.  They have 4 drop in centers to walk into, call or email them to find out everything you need to know to hold an event their City.  There is an incredible arts scene throughout the city, Bergamot Station, Southern California's largest art gallery complex and cultural center or performances at The Broad Stage, Santa Monica's new art theater.  Santa Monica beach is famous for outdoor entertainment including a bike path, beaches and the Santa Monica Pier. Try group surfing lessons or take a bus tour of the city.  (800) 544-5319, www.santamonica.com.

3.    Chicago CVB.  Going to a large city can be imposing, but worthwhile if you can channel your energies in one direction.  Chicago is a vibrant city with so much going on, ideal for planning any size group reunion with a wealth of information on their website.  In their meeting planner section, you can search for accommodations to fit your groups needs.  Also, get specifics on tours and attractions, shopping, theater, museums, dining, nightlife, transportation and accommodation venues.  Check out what events are going on this summer as it may help you select the time and place for your event.  For example, in August 20-21, there is the Chicago Air and water show, during August 26-September 8, a mile shopping festival occurs, on September 2-4 the Chicago jazz festival, then September 23-25 is the Chicago Gourmet and September 23-25 is Oktoberfest Chicago.   312/567-8500, www.choosechicago.com

These are just 3 CVBs, but I hope this gives you a flavor of how you can use any citys CVB for the range of information and assistance they have to offer to help what we strive to do here.  That is to "Make your reunion event a social and financial success!"

Family Reunion at Davis area CVB