This week we connected with one of our elite sponsors for BMTC18, the Vermont Convention Bureau, for a deeper look into what makes The Green Mountain State so attractive for meetings and events like our Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference. Here’s what Megan Hood, Senior Sales Manager, said in a Q&A:

Q: What seems to be the first thing people who plan to visit Vermont think of when they think of your beautiful green mountain state of Vermont?

A: Mountains, clean air, open space, picturesque New England towns. And of course, our award-winning craft beer!

Q: What does Vermont offer to everyone else who might not be interested in delicious craft beer (but honestly, who isn’t)?

A: Aside from our craft beer culture, Vermont also offers great skiing, snowboarding, an irresistible “localvore” food culture, mountain biking, hiking and so much more.

Q: Clearly, there are numerous activities, adventures, fine food, beer, spirits, and wineries in VT, but can you tell us about some of the standout facilities you have around the state for hosting a meeting or event?

A: Vermont is a fantastic destination for meetings and events. In Vermont, attendees truly have the opportunity to unplug and recharge, bringing teams closer together and allowing for the creativity to flow. You’ll find menu selections with locally sourced ingredients and experience genuine Vermont hospitality as we share our beautiful destination with you.

In Burlington, some of our standout venues include the host of the BMTC, the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington, as well as Hotel Vermont, famous for having their very own Beer Concierge, Matt Canning. Outside of Burlington, there are meeting facilities in Stowe, such as Stowe Mountain Lodge at the base of Vail-owned and operated Stowe Mountain Resort, as well as the Trapp Family Lodge, home to the Von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall. In the Mad River Valley, you have Sugarbush Resort where you can meet in the hometown of Lawson’s Finest. This is just scratching the surface though, there are so many more unique venues!

Q: What’s been the most positive change you/CVB has seen in the state of Vermont in the last decade as it pertains to visitors/tourism?

A: One item Vermont has really improved upon, and continues to invest in, is our transportation infrastructure. Small but mighty, the Burlington International Airport offers direct flights to twelve different destinations in the US and Canada with jetBlue, American, Delta, United and Porter Airlines. Amtrak also offers the Vermonter Train, which runs daily between Washington D.C. and St. Alban’s Vermont, picking up passengers along the way in New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Q: Name three MUST-SEEs or MUST-DOs for someone who visits Vermont for the first time, and they can be anywhere in the state.

A:

1. Check out the Burlington Waterfront. Toted as the “West Coast of the East Coast,” the sunsets from Burlington over Lake Champlain are breathtaking. During the day, enjoy the 13 mile Burlington Bike Path along the shores of the lake.
2. Go Hiking. There are so many hiking trails throughout Vermont of varying difficulty. Some of the most well-known are Camel’s Hump, Mt. Philo and the various trails and hikes along Vermont’s Long Trail.
3. If you’re here in the summer, have a maple creemee! Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Q: What is one thing a group should think about first when planning a meeting or event that maybe you’ve seen too many groups not consider soon enough?

A: We’re huge believers in having natural light in your meeting space. So many of our unique meeting spaces here in Vermont have windows, many of them showcasing the mountains and natural landscapes right outside the door. When you meet in destination such as a city or a convention center, you often lose that natural light. We think planners should definitely take this into consideration as they explore Vermont as a potential destination.

Q: What is the state’s official slogan and what does it mean to the people in Vermont?

A: Our official state slogan is “Freedom and Unity.” You’ll find freedom in the vast horizons of the Green Mountains and unity in the small, tightly knit communities throughout our state. I think it goes without saying that Vermonters are quite proud of our state and are united in our effort to make Vermont a great place to live, work and play for generations to come.

About Vermont Convention Bureau

The Vermont Convention Bureau is part of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is Vermont’s largest non-profit business organization in the state. The organization serves 2,500 member businesses by growing the economy and providing member-exclusive innovative programs and services. Find them on Facebook and Twitter.