I help run a non-profit as a local branch president. At our fall conference this year I heard a rumor that the conventions will no longer be bid on by local branches. Instead, three or four cities will be selected based on geography and amenities to be used as hubs for the future conferences.

I'd like to put in a bid package for Buffalo when this gets formally announced. I think we are geographically competitive based on our membership numbers, but the city is a tough sell to outsiders...especially for an October/November conference.

Here are some statistics:

3000 attendee's average
takes place late October/early November
4 day conference on literacy (dyslexia specifically)
We are geographically competitive based on membership statistics


What do I put in a package to show we can pull this off? I'm looking for ideas, and appreciate the brainstorming. Recent conferences, to compare locations: Seattle, Orlando, Pheonix

I know it's a long shot...but nothing ventured, nothing gained right? These are scheduled through 2011 already, so some of this recent work (hopefully) could be done by then...

I help run a non-profit as a local branch president. At our fall conference this year I heard a rumor that the conventions will no longer be bid on by local branches. Instead, three or four cities will be selected based on geography and amenities to be used as hubs for the future conferences.

I'd like to put in a bid package for Buffalo when this gets formally announced. I think we are geographically competitive based on our membership numbers, but the city is a tough sell to outsiders...especially for an October/November conference.

Here are some statistics:

3000 attendee's average
takes place late October/early November
4 day conference on literacy (dyslexia specifically)
We are geographically competitive based on membership statistics


What do I put in a package to show we can pull this off? I'm looking for ideas, and appreciate the brainstorming. Recent conferences, to compare locations: Seattle, Orlando, Pheonix

I know it's a long shot...but nothing ventured, nothing gained right? These are scheduled through 2011 already, so some of this recent work (hopefully) could be done by then...


First of all contact the Buffalo Convention and Visitor's Bureau. They can give you information, stuff to distribute and help.

Second find out what institutions and corporations in the area have services and products related to the field. For instance Buffalo State College is a highly respected Teaching college and I think they have a specialty in special ed.

After that go to the Elmwood Village Association and the Allentown Association. they will have stuff on those greta neighborhoods to help sell the city.

Then of course you have Niagara Falls which will be very interesting to anyone. You have historic Fort Niagara and historic Fort Erie as sights to see. You have The Albright Knox also which is a national treasure. Arange a special deal for Philharmonic concert tickets and Sheas tickets (or one of the several other theaters there.

That is a start.

The CVB will help you- all they need is a foot in the door to prepare a package/bid.