Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau

YOUR June TULSA E-VIEW

WE KNOW TULSA...DO YOU?

This monthly newsletter will keep you in the know. In an effort to relay important updates, the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed E-View. This newsletter is designed to entice visitors to Tulsa and inform Tulsa citizens of efforts to put Tulsa on the global radar.

Holiday branding campaign recognized by local PRSA chapter

The Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau received an Award of Merit at the Tulsa chapter PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Silver Links award ceremony earlier this month. The award recognized the Tulsa CVB Holiday campaign, a submission in the public relations campaign category.

In November of 2007, the CVB launched a holiday campaign in an effort to drive holiday visits from high-potential communities. The launch concentrated on areas in the Northwest Arkansas area and Joplin, Missouri during the holiday season. These markets, including Fayetteville and Ft. Smith, where chosen based on the fact that they are all within driving distance from Tulsa and would be likely targets for overnight visits to Tulsa. The creative concept provided potential visitors with a glimpse into the genuine and exciting experience in Tulsa.

“Marketing that experience and then delivering on that brand promise is the key to both attracting customers and to ensuring repeat visits,” says Suzann Stewart.

The campaign encompassed strategic elements including paid media, direct mail, public relations and digital components all seeking a positive outcome resulting in attraction to VisitTulsa.com and actual visits to the city of Tulsa.

In addition to the traditional campaign materials, value added items were delivered through prize packages given away during radio promotions and during morning shows aired on major networks in each market.

The campaign proved successful in reaching audiences and encouraged the CVB to implement a corresponding Spring campaign leading up to summer time travel. Tulsa has the potential to benefit from travelers in the designated markets looking to stay close to home this summer.

BOK Center to host 2010 Conference USA men’s basketball tournament

The Tulsa Sports Commission and the University of Tulsa athletic department are credited for landing a deal that will bring the first major sports championship to the BOK Center and arena. Earlier this month, the Conference USA Board of Directors approved the decision to move the men’s basketball tournament to Tulsa, March 10-13, 2010.

“We feel like, because of our support, city support and position of the basketball program, that we can host it,” said Bubba Cunningham, TU athletic director in an interview with the Tulsa World. “It’s rewarding that others share those feelings.”

The Tulsa Sports Commission has worked with the TU and C-USA leaders to secure the tournament for Tulsa - efforts which date back to the summer of 2006.

“Tulsa will always have the opportunity to be a host and be a significant player in the sports industry if it buys tickets and supports events,” Said Mike Dodson, executive director for the Tulsa Sports Commission. “We are in the middle of the country and have a strong reputation as a community that provides hospitality and volunteerism.”

Memphis has hosted the tournament for the past five years and has had great success. Tulsa looks forward to the economic benefit that will help sustain the community and provide future opportunities for hosting other sporting events. The C-USA women’s basketball tournament has yet to finalize a site for 2010.

Future sporting events currently scheduled for BOK Center:

Dec. 6: Oklahoma vs. Tulsa men’s basketball
Dec. 13: NBA exhibition Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic
March 10-13, 2010: Conference USA men’s basketball tournament

Downtown hotel invests $20 million on a luxurious transformation

Tulsa’s downtown hotel options are not only expanding, but they are transforming. The Crown Plaza Hotel, owned by Ascension Hotels LLC, is nearing the completion of a $20 million renovation project of its 462 rooms and nearly 12,000 square feet of retail space.

The 30-year-old hotel structure will undergo a transformation in an effort to rival other luxury hotels in the region. The addition of the state’s first Daily Grill, a 24-year-old chain of 30 restaurants operated by Grill Concepts Inc. of Woodland Hills, California, and the extension of an outdoor lounge patio are also assets likely to lure guests to the comfort and luxury of the hotel.

“I really believe about one to two years after we finish this, we will target occupancies in the low 70s,” said Crowne Plaza General Manager Marlin Keranen.

Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau reported a 1.4 percent increase in Tulsa’s hotel occupation with in the 13,000-room hospitality sector. The Crown Plaza alone has reported benefits from its downtown location as City Hall has relocated to the One Technology Center. They also express the ideal situation of the possible future site for the Drillers baseball stadium if the proposed project occurs. Other downtown hotel projects and renovations including the Atlas and Marriott projects continue to see future dividends as a result of downtown revitalization and the predicted influx of downtown visitors attending upcoming scheduled events at the BOK Center upon its grand opening.

“This will be the most recent renovation and certainly the most complete,” said Suzann Stewart, senior vice president and executive director for Tulsa’s CVB. “That puts them a couple of steps ahead of some of these other properties. It will make them very, very competitive.”

What to expect from the renovations
The hotel’s main double and king-size rooms have received a major facelift with new televisions, refrigerators, business desks, bathrooms, additional amenities and new decor providing a luxury boutique appeal. The Crowne Plaza also offers the Sleep Advantage program available in the main rooms a suites.

Five luxury suites have also undergone a major renovation. Ascension Hotels LLC, has invested $1 million on all five suites. A Chairman’s suite on the 15th floor provides 2,310 square feet of living space with a separate master bedroom, bar area, patio and double walk-in shower. This room will boast the largest room available in Tulsa.

On the hotel's main floor the lounge bar will be replaced with pockets of recliners and tables, a large-screen television and grand piano. A series of smaller guest check-in “pods” replace the main desk check-in counter providing individual attention for each guest.

The Daily Grill restaurant space is also joined by other retail outlets including a Starbucks Café, which Ascension operates, and the Elements Spa. The Crowne Plaza is also in final negotiations to secure a 2,000-square-foot financial institution, a car rental agency and a boutique wine company outlet, alongside the existing gift shop. 2,000 square feet of retail space remains vacant for future tenants.

Tulsa hosts PHBA World Championship horse show in July

Palomino “golden” horses are found among the finest bloodlines of breeds with international appeal. Horse owners and exhibitors are scheduled to be in Tulsa this July for the Palomino Horse Breeders of America World Show. The public is invited to see the majestic creatures as they compete in shows and events at the Expo Square.

The PHBA World Show is a showcase event held annually, and this year’s event is scheduled for July 15-26 in Tulsa, OK. The World show began in Indianapolis in 1983 and Tulsa has been home to the PHBA World Show since 1986. The 2007 World Show hosted competitors from 36 states, exhibiting 195 Youth horses and 516 Amateur and Open horses. Total entries for the two weeks were 2,304. Exhibitors compete for cash and prizes in excess of $200,000.

PHBA World show competitors and members bring an estimated economic impact of $1.2 million to the region. Spectators are invited to view the shows at Expo Square during the youth and general World Shows. For a full schedule of events, visit the Expo Square or the PHBA websites.

About Palomino Horse Breeders of America
The international organization known as the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) was formed in 1941 to collect, record, preserve the purity of blood and improve the breeding of Palomino horses. The original concept began in 1938.

Currently PHBA has 10,959 Members with 85,319 registered hoses. PHBA recognizes horses registered with 15 different breeds.

Members reside in all 50 states, in providences of Canada and in Mexico. The organization has 38 active Affiliate Palomino Associations (APA’s) whose primary activities are sponsoring horse shows. In 2007 the APA’s provided competition opportunities for youth, amateur and open exhibitors at 474 PHBA approved shows with a total of 21,437 horses exhibited. This represents a total 104,708 total entries.

PHBA’s VISION STATEMENT- “To provide the highest quality service to the equine enthusiast by creating an environment that supports the efficient facilitation of their goals”

MISSION STATEMENT – To record and preserve the pedigree of the Palomino Horse while maintaining the integrity of the breeds. To provide beneficial services for its members which enhance and encourage Palomino ownership and participation. To generate growth of PHBA membership via the marketing, promotion, advertising and publicity of the Palomino Horse

Tulsa Freedom Fest and RiverParks celebrate July 4th

Similar to the celebrations in Boston along the Charles and New York along the Hudson, Tulsa celebrates our nation’s freedom with fireworks on the Arkansas River with a weekend of festivities for everyone to enjoy. This year’s fireworks spectacular is the headliner for Friday’s show, but activities are planned throughout the weekend as well.

Tulsa Freedom Fest, organized by River Parks Authority, is a two-day event with entertainment and activities scheduled for Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5. Activities have been scheduled in areas surrounding the river to provide live music entertainment form local favorites, children’s activities, a fun run and many other activities.

Friday, July 4th

• FREE fireworks
• Two airplane parades
• Four entertainment locations along the Arkansas River
• Free kids’ zones
• Live Music and more…

Saturday, July 5th
• Ride, Rock & Roll
• Bicycle Night Ride
• United Freestyle BMX stunt team
• BMX rides and races
• Radio Disney and more…

For complete details on the scheduled events visit www.TulsaSalutesFreedom.com.

A night out at the ballpark is a perfect play for summer

Don’t sacrifice summer fun at the ballpark. Tulsa Drillers, the Double A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, have a number of home games scheduled this summer. While summer travel is expected to drop this year, as families struggle to justify extra expenses surmounted by increasing gas prices, a perfect day or night out at the ballpark can add to summer fun.

Tulsans and travelers are encouraged to experience the excitement of Tulsa’s Drillers as they take to the plate and battle out victories against rival teams. Go online today and plan your next trip out to the ball game when the team is at home. A full schedule of home games scheduled through September is available on their website as well as announcements about special events scheduled, like prize give-aways and fireworks shows.

Tulsa Drillers Fireworks Extravaganza
To add to the summer experience, the Tulsa Drillers have introduced a "Fireworks Extravaganza" to the line-up for a number of games. The following dates are sheduled for the fireworks display: June 20, July 3, July 4 and July 26. Crowds in excess of 8,000 are anticipated to attend and enjoy the Post Game Fireworks Show event, which launches sometime between 9:15 PM and 10:15 PM.

Ticket prices can vary with general seating, season tickets and suite seats. Plan your trip to the next Drillers game.

Convention Services - Staff your event with Regi-stars

The Tulsa CVB Convention Services offers registration and event staffing assistance with our team of Regi-stars. The Regi-stars are Tulsa CVB staff who are trained and well-versed for serving as a prime source of Tulsa hospitality and information for your event attendees. If you are interested in scheduling the Regi-Stars, please contact John Roe, director of convention services, johnroe@tulsachamber.com or 918-560-0269.

Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center take the spotlight

The Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center stole the awards spotlight at the recent Marriott Western Region Full-service General Managers Conference in Long Beach, Calif., attended by more than 350 hoteliers. The 300-room, upscale hotel received five honors, more than any other full-service Marriott property in the western region.

The five accolades bestowed on the Tulsa property include:

• Market Excellence – General Manager John Klukan was recognized for highest RevPAR Index of the Renaissance Brand 2007.

• Sales Leadership Excellence – General Manager John Klukan assembled the right strategy/tactics with a strong, focused team to accomplish an aggressive transient and group business strategy that yielded great results.

• Food & Beverage Excellence – General Manager John Klukan led the team to achieve impressive improvement versus last year and to provide an outstanding customer experience in its food and beverage operations.

• Spirit to Serve our Communities/Community Service Award – General Manager John Klukan was recognized for his excellent handling of associates and key customers during ice storm; use and focus of community resources in HR recruiting, including special needs associates.

• Revenue Manager of the Year/Franchise Full-service Hotels – Stephanie Walsh, a five-year employee of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, limited discounting and provided guidance and strategy to both transient and group segments that brought great results.

Led to success by General Manager John Klukan, CHA, the top performing hotel was recognized from among Marriott’s full-service brand portfolio spanning JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts properties throughout the western United States. The Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center is owned by Mr. John Q. Hammons and operated by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the nation’s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites (www.jqhhotels.com).

“John and his team have done a remarkable job of leveraging Tulsa’s premier hotel, but having the finest facility isn’t enough. John invested the time and resources to ensure he had the best talent, and kept the best talent, for consistently delivering on the outstanding experience at the hotel, and in the community, that people expect from a John Q. Hammons property and a Renaissance branded hotel,” said Mr. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

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