Partners
There is a long list of reasons why a business in the hospitality industry should partner with the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. The South Shore CVA's partnership program brings together businesses throughout the South Shore and the Chicagoland area to support the region's growth as a convention, event and visitor destination.
The partnership program closely connects local businesses with visitors, meeting planners and sporting and special event planners looking to come to the South Shore. The goal is to provide partners with increased visitation, revenue and occupancy through the South Shore CVA's integrated marketing initiatives.
By taking advantage of the South Shore CVA's various partnership benefits, partners can better market their products and services to those groups and individuals who visit the region. Below is a list of our general partnership benefits. The South Shore CVA will also customize a program to best suit the needs of each individual business.
Website - #1 resource for visitor information
All partners of the South Shore CVA will have a detailed description on the website including photos, a link back to the company's website, a list of amenities, contact information, and the opportunities to list special offers. Partners can also position their business with premium placement on the website with priority listings, page sponsorships, spotlights and web banners.
Annual Visitor's Guide - travel size guides printed and distributed
Guides are distributed to South Shore hotels/motels, partner establishments, at tradeshows and to travel plazas throughout the state including the Indiana Toll Road. The guides are also distributed to potential visitors and prospective tours.
Online Partner Portal - constant connection to your information
Access and update your information on our website at any time with a partner username and password. Partners have the ability to update contact and listing information, post coupons and events online for visitors to incorporate into their travel plans.
Quarterly Rack Cards - seasonal print marketing
A minimum of 20,000 event/attraction rack cards will be distributed on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1. With approximately 10 advertising spots available on each card, partners can opt to promote a seasonal event or attraction for maximum exposure.
Partner Leads & Referrals - generate business
Hotels receive leads for meetings, sporting events, weddings, reunions and group tours. Other businesses will receive partner referrals for other requests such as transportation, off-site events and more.
Brochure Distribution - priority distribution
Partners of the South Shore CVA receive priority distribution at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. The Welcome Center is open 7 days a week and travel counselors are always available to assist guests with reservations, directions or simple recommendations.
Partners will also receive exposure in the South Shore Tour Mobile, the South Shore CVA's "traveling welcome center." The Tour Mobile travels to attractions and events throughout the year and is equipped with video screens, computers, internet access, brochure racks and a sound system.
Networking - get to know people in the industry
The South Shore CVA hosts a variety of events throughout the year including an annual tourism week luncheon, the R.O.S.E. Awards, educational opportunities and seminars. We encourage our partners to attend these events to meet people in the industry and to mingle with the South Shore CVA staff.