DANVILLE — Those planning public events this year have a powerful resource in which to advertise them.
The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau is accepting submissions through Friday for its 2009 events guide brochure. Jaime Bohler Smith, HCCVB’s associate director, says 60,000 copies of the brochure are published and submitted to rest areas and visitor centers throughout central Indiana and the Midwest. Several thousand copies also are mailed to citizens in HCCVB’s database.
About 80 events were featured in the guide when the bureau first started publishing it. It has since expanded to include more than 100 listings. With more than 500 items on HCCVB’s online calendar, the organization has to prioritize what gets in the brochure. Signature events like North Salem Old Fashion Days and other annual town festivals, as well as target markets like history, education, cultural, family, and motorsports events, are priority.
“There’s lots of fantastic events in the county, but we try to pick those that have the most appeal to a visitor to put in the printed guide,” Bohler Smith said.
All submissions to the event guide must include the event name, date, time, location, contact, and brief description. Additional information such as admission charges also is appreciated.
Events may be submitted by calling HCCVB at 718-8750, faxing to 718-9913, or e-mailing community events manager Tracy Whetstone at tracy@tourhendrickscounty.com.
Items that aren’t included in the event guide are posted on HCCVB’s online calendar at www.tourhendrickscounty.com. Another website, www.hendrickscountycalendar.com, takes visitors directly to the calendar. Bohler Smith says there were about 90 events listed on the website when she started at HCCVB six years ago. The calendar has grown tenfold since then.
“It’s a real testament to our community that they have quality events they’re willing to share with the residents and visitors to the county,” Bohler Smith said.
Community event listings also are published in the Hendricks County Flyer and posted on the Flyer’s website, www.flyergroup.com. Call Wade Coggeshall at 272-5800 ext. 156 or e-mail wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com to submit an event.
Bohler Smith is optimistic that tourism in Hendricks County will remain strong this year despite the economic downturn. HCCVB estimates more than $344 million is spent annually in the county as a result of tourism development and economic impact.
“Of course everyone will be touched by the economy, but we’re in a good position being in central Indiana, and having lots to offer,” Bohler Smith said. “We’re within a day’s drive of 80 percent of the U.S. population. We’re actually a pretty good value right now.”
More people are forgoing extended vacations by plane or car in favor of day trips and extended weekend jaunts.
“I think (more people) are looking to connect with the community and with the things we have,” Bohler Smith said. “They want to go to small towns and rural areas, hike a trail with their kids, go to a farm and see animals, see things they wouldn’t see in urban areas. We have a lot of opportunity to do that.”
Thanks to the new Indianapolis International Airport, Hendricks County also is in a special position to attract even more visitors and business.
HCCVB completed an eight-month study late last year on a new hotel/conference center near Interstate 70 and State Road 267. Working with Minnesota company Convention Sports and Leisure International, they determined such a venture has the potential to bring in an additional $20 million annually to the county. Such an operation would complement similar venues in Hendricks, such as the 4-H Fairgrounds and Primo.
Bohler Smith says HCCVB mailed about 300 letters last week to area developers requesting an expression of interest on the project.
“We’re excited,” she said. “We think we’ll be able to move forward on that this year as well.”
wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau prints an events guide annually, which is distributed all over the Midwest. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Visitors Bureau seeks submissions for event guide
- Local News
-
-
BPD training facility draws law officers from near and far
Tucked away on the north end of Brownsburg is one of Indiana’s hidden law enforcement training gems. The facility’s state-of-the-art training has law enforcement professionals, including federal agents from throughout the nation and beyond, coming to hone their abilities in Hendricks County.
-
Plainfield man arrested in band theft
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detectives and officers with the Southwest Neighborhood Resource Office collaborated in arresting 28-year-old Timothy Pepper of Plainfield in connection with a musical equipment heist from a rock band’s trailer.
-
Beacon of Hope prepares for annual jazz event
The Beacon of Hope Center for Women’s fourth annual winter fundraiser will move to The Murat Shrine Center this year. The theme for the event is “Evening of Hope & All That Jazz.”
-
Civic Theatre presents 'classic farce'
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre continues its inaugural season at the Center for the Performing Arts with the audience and actor favorite comedy by Ken Ludwig, "Lend Me A Tenor," Feb. 10-25 at the Tarkington, 3 Center Green, Carmel.
-
Beef & Boards to have auditions for young performers
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will host auditions for young performers in March.
-
Myers opens 2012 season with 'I Do! I Do!'
Myers Dinner Theatre announces the first show in their 2012 season, "I Do! I Do!" opens Feb. 8.
-
Bratwurst voted best Super 46 Sandwich
The Schnitzelbank Restaurant's Bratwurst is the winner of the Super 46 Sandwich competition. The restaurant, located in Jasper, garnered 63 percent of the vote for its brat in the final round over the Mile High Club from Rock Cola 50s Cafe in Indianapolis.
-
Man found shot dead in west side home
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are working the apparent homicide of 20-year-old Derik Tanner, found shot to death in a residence along the 1600 block of N. Livingston Ave.
-
Indianapolis gets rave Super Bowl reviews
The early reviews are in for the city’s first Super Bowl and they are through the roof.
Mayor Greg Ballard was at the Indianapolis International Airport Monday morning to thank the many travelers who visited Indianapolis.
-
Habitat builds on Super Bowl hoopla
CAMBY — More than 80 volunteers participated in the Habitat for Humanity Super Build Event last Friday where walls for two homes were built.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
