Mat-Su CVB awarded at regional convention

The Mat-Su CVB was one of four destination marketing organizations honored during the Destination Marketing Association of the West (DMA West) Education Summit last week in Boise, Idaho. The Best Idea program honors destination marketing organizations for innovative projects and creative marketing strategies.

Mat-Su CVB earned a Best Idea Award for its “Empowerment” project of video production. Four years ago, the CVB had budgeted for contracting video production for its marketing efforts. Internally, staff member Justin Saunders was producing great photography content in his spare time. After discussions, the CVB purchased a professional camera and editing software and Saunders took on the challenge. He has produced more than 50 videos since, which are used on the CVB web site, blog, social media and marketing campaigns such as being shown at the baggage claim area where visitors are first arriving in Alaska.

“Rather than just producing one video project, we empowered and challenged Justin and now we have a collection of videos to use in a variety of ways,” said President & CEO Bonnie Quill.

Videos have also been produced showcasing member businesses, as well as tutorials for CVB members on how to better market themselves online. Saunders’ video of the Iditarod won a national competition among CVBs in the past as well.

Other Best Idea Award winners were the Aspen (Colorado) Chamber Resort Association, Visit Santa Rosa (Calif.) and Visit Tri-Valley (Calif.). DMA West is a regional professional association serving more than 150 destination marketing organizations in the west.