CARLISLE, PA (November 2, 2010) - A 2011 brand roll-out plan, changing tourism trends, "Best in the Valley" announcements and new ways to work with area businesses have led the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) to host a first Annual Tourism Conference.

The CVVB is inviting community leaders, nonprofit and for profit tourism-related organizations to attend the free, all-day conference on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  "The tourism conference will allow our stakeholders to see everything we achieved in 2010 and where our plans and new brand will take us in 2011 and beyond," said Kristen Oakley, CVVB PR Coordinator.

The morning portion of the conference will include a discussion on general travel and tourism trends, the economic impact of tourism, a review of 2010 CVVB accomplishments , a presentation of the CVVB's 2011 vision, mission and strategic plan, a presentation of Branding Action Ideas and 2011 work plan, CVVB partner recognition and the "Best of the Valley" winner announcements.

The afternoon will include lunch and informative breakout sessions for attendees led by CVVB staff and partners. Topics include: What is Ag-Tourism, How to get & use Free PR to Your Advantage, a Virtual Familiarization Tour of Cumberland Valley's Assets, Expanding & Managing Your Web Presence, Cumberland Valley's Partnerships with South Mountain & Civil War 150 and Double Your Dollars with CVVB Co-op Advertising.

"We designed this program to help attendees learn how to work with their visitors bureau and provide important information that will help their businesses partner and thrive," said Shireen Farr, CVVB Director of Tourism. There are still a few seats left for the conference. Registration is required, if you are interested in attending, contact Kristen Oakley at kristen@visitcumberlandvalley.com or 717.240.7195.

The mission of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is to promote Cumberland Valley as a tourist destination, attract visitors to the area, enhance the visitor's experience, and to encourage and promote overnight stays.

The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is also part of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads region, the number one visited region in PA, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.