Annual Report FY24-FY25

HOW DO WE GENERATE AWARENESS ABOUT OUR GROUP EVENT CAPABILITIES

DIGITAL ADVERTISING We run targeted digital ad campaigns to raise awareness about Maine, as a group event destination. These ads highlight the area’s accessibility, charm, and wide range of experiences. TRADESHOWS AND INDUSTRY EVENTS Our team attends numerous tradeshows and networking events where we meet face-to-face with event planners. We showcase Maine’s accessibility, unique venues, and wide variety of activities—making a compelling case for why they should choose our region for their next event. EMAIL CAMPAIGNS Our email campaigns target event planners by showcasing Maine’s unique, experience-driven meetings—like lobster bakes and wine sails—alongside diverse venues and full-service planning support. Clear calls to action make it easy to submit event details or RFPs. RFP COLLECTION AND VENDOR MATCHING We collect Requests for Proposals (RFPs) through our website and analyze each to connect planners with the right local vendors. We essentially act as matchmakers, ensuring planners find ideal partners for their events. DESTINATION GUIDE + EVENT PLANNER GUIDE DISTRIBUTION We proactively send both our Destination Guide and Event Planners Guide to meetings and event planners. These resources are designed to inspire them and encourage consideration of Portland as the ideal location for their future meetings and events.

LEADS + REFERRALS We send qualified group sales leads to hotels, venues, transportation companies, AV providers, restaurants, attractions, and a wide range of other local businesses to support room

blocks and comprehensive event logistics. FAMILIARIZATION (FAM) TOURS

We organize FAM tours for meeting planners so they can experience Maine firsthand—touring venues, sampling local activities, and envisioning what their event could look like here. GROUP SALES MEETINGS We regularly host group sales meetings to strategize, share insights, and coordinate our efforts in attracting and supporting group events. EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND PEER NETWORKING We attend industry educational seminars to stay current on best practices for engaging with meeting planners and to gain insight into trends shaping the events industry. These sessions also allow us to build valuable connections with peers and potential partners. INDUSTRY MEDIA CONTRIBUTIONS We contribute content to leading meetings and events publications when approached, using these opportunities to promote Maine’s strengths as an event destination and raise our visibility among a broader audience of planners and industry professionals.

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