Metrowest Boston Visitors Bureau Announces Annual Tourism Summit on March 27

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) will be holding their Annual Meeting, Tourism Summit and Legislative Breakfast, entitled “The Power of Travel” on March 27 from 8:00 – 11:30am at the Warren Conference Center and Inn in Ashland.

The event is open to everyone, and will include a travel and hospitality industry update, both at the regional level delivered by MBVB Executive Director Stacey David, as well as at the state level, given by Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox. 

Additional speakers include Sheila Green, who will update on the MA250 initiative that is marketing events surrounding the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and Representative Priscila Sousa, who will talk about building a strong community in uncertain times. 

Metrowest Boston Visitors Bureau A
nnounces Annual Tourism Summit on March 27

The second half of the program will be educational sessions designed to provide inspiration, insight, and tangible takeaways to help attendees in promoting their own businesses. 

These sessions will include 

• a panel discussion with the Travel Editor from Yankee Magazine and the team at ShoredUp Digital on the ways you can use storytelling to gain free press coverage and greater social media engagement
• another panel discussion on experiential tourism and how to create experiences visitors want (even if your business isn’t normally experientially based!)
• a presentation on the Visitors Bureau’s new walking and driving tours app and how to get your organization into one of their itineraries
• and an interactive session designed to help you think creatively about the impact of tourism and how you can leverage those impacts in your own organization

All businesses in MetroWest and the surrounding communities are invited to attend, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, non-profit arts & culture, retailers, town administrators and more. 

Registration is required. To view the full agenda and register, please visit www.metrowestvisitors.org/annual_meeting.

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Partners with Tailbox to Launch Innovative AI-Powered Travel App

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) is thrilled to announce its partnership with Tailbox, an innovative AI-powered travel app, to launch the MetroWest Boston VisiTOURs. This cutting-edge app is designed to transform the way visitors explore the MetroWest region, offering personalized, interactive experiences that uncover the area's rich history, hidden gems, and must-see attractions.

MetroWest Boston VisiTOURS

With the new app, powered by Tailbox’s advanced AI technology, visitors can dive deeper into MetroWest’s landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the first time, the MetroWest Boston VisiTOURS will provide customized walking and driving tours, audio guides, interactive Q&A features, and real-time updates, making it the ultimate digital travel companion.

“Tailbox matches travelers with unique experiences tailored to their preferences, interests, and location. Through custom recommendations and immersive stories, Tailbox provides a seamless blend of exploration, discovery, and connection,” said Bayazid Malikov, co-founder of Tailbox.

“We are excited to partner with Tailbox to enhance how visitors and locals experience MetroWest,” said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. “This app brings our region’s history and culture to life in a fun and engaging way, giving users a deeper and more personalized experience.”

With a soft launch this fall for iOS users and a full launch in January 2025 for both Apple and Android devices, the app is perfect for all types of travelers—whether you're a family, solo traveler, history buff, or adventurer—offering a fresh and engaging way to experience the charm and attractions of MetroWest.

About MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau:

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is the region’s official organization for tourism promotion, dedicated to highlighting the vibrant communities, historic sites, and natural beauty of the MetroWest area. For more information about the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau and its offerings, visit www.metrowestvisitors.org.

About Tailbox:

Tailbox is an AI-powered travel platform that transforms visits into interactive and engaging experiences through storytelling, intelligent recommendations, and dynamic content. Tailbox is reshaping the future of travel with smart, personalized itineraries. Explore how Tailbox can transform your travels—visit www.tailbox.com to learn more and start your next adventure.

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Announces Grant Program

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) announced that their annual mini grant program is now accepting applications. Designed for marketing and advertising projects that will promote tourism in MetroWest, grants from $1,000 to $10,000 each are available. 

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Announces Grant Program

The MBVB will consider applications for projects devoted to marketing a MetroWest event, attraction, restaurant, shop, or cultural or recreational offering. The applicant does not need to be a 501(c)3 charitable organization, but must be based in one of the 19 towns that comprise MetroWest or be devoted to attracting potential visitors to those 19 towns.

Eligible projects include brochures and other printed collateral; print, TV, radio, outdoor or online advertising; and websites. Advertising in the Bureau’s co-op advertising program is also eligible. The marketing project must be targeted, at least partially, at potential visitors who live more than 50 miles from the event or business location. 

Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for 25% of their campaign, up to $10,000. For-profit businesses are eligible to apply for 10% of their campaign, also up to $10,000. 

Grant applications can be submitted at www.bit.ly/FY25minigrant and will be reviewed on a rolling basis from now until December 1. Awarded grant funds must be spent prior to June 30, 2025. For questions, or to discuss your project idea prior to submitting an application, please contact MBVB Executive Director Stacey David at sdavid@metrowestvisitors.org.

The MetroWest Visitors Bureau promotes travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org.

Economic Development Subcommittee holds listening session (audio)

FM #1262 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1262 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All four members of the subcommittee were present in Chambers (Hamblen, Chandler, Sheridan & Frongillo).

Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 MetroWest Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

The recording of the meeting runs about 95 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1262-town-of-franklin-edc-mtg-08-14-24/

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Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf  

Franklin TV recording -> https://www.youtube.com/live/5sWJsjS7o44?si=1n0VZ3CxD4mqT98M&t=130 

Slides from 495 MetroWest Partnership -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJMqhE8A7YvxJiCQA 

Slides from MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3MdnTwrkz5Tqo9Zb9  

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zeYxvDrjguIbC_tq-9McqDlMCB0DPTkM/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 495 MetroWest Partnership

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Economic Development Subcommittee holds listening session (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met at 5 PM on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 to held a listening session. The agenda doc and links are shared here along with the Franklin TV video which is available for replay. All four members of the subcommittee were present in Chambers (Hamblen, Chandler, Sheridan & Frongillo).

Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 MetroWest Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf 

Franklin TV recording -> https://www.youtube.com/live/5sWJsjS7o44?si=1n0VZ3CxD4mqT98M&t=130

Slides from 495 MetroWest Partnership -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJMqhE8A7YvxJiCQA

Slides from Metrowest Boston Visitors Bureau ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3MdnTwrkz5Tqo9Zb9 

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zeYxvDrjguIbC_tq-9McqDlMCB0DPTkM/view?usp=drive_link

 495 MetroWest Partnership

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Franklin, MA: Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Aug 14 at 5 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: Metrowest Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

2. Adjourn

Agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf

Franklin, MA: Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Aug 14 at 5 PM

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Announces New Executive Director

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stacey David as their new Executive Director. Ms. David most recently served as Deputy Director of the Bureau, and previously served as a Board member for the organization, representing the arts and culture sector.

“We are so excited to have Stacey David as the new ED at the Visitors Bureau,” the MBVB Board of Directors said in a statement. “Stacey is such a strong leader and has already shown how she plans to positively impact the organization's effectiveness, visibility, and ability to promote the local area as a tourist destination. We are excited to watch her guide the Bureau to success by providing clear direction, building a strong team, and adapting to the evolving landscape of tourism.”

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau promotes travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region, which includes Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. Affiliated with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), the MBVB conducts a number of marketing and advertising campaigns each year to draw both domestic and international visitors into the region, as well as enticing tour groups and meeting planners to consider MetroWest as a destination. The Bureau’s membership includes hotels, restaurants, area attractions, arts and cultural organizations, and retail establishments, all of which are promoted through the annual Visitors Guide and marketing campaigns.

“I am delighted to take over the helm of the Visitors Bureau,” Ms. David said, “and look forward to continuing the great work we started this year. We are continuing to expand our marketing and advertising programs, which include both ads and editorial coverage in Yankee magazine, Down East, Rhode Island Monthly, New Hampshire magazine, and Connecticut magazine, all of which highlight the amazing things to see and do in MetroWest. We launched a beautiful new Visitors Guide this summer, which can be found on our website as well as in visitor information booths all over New England. In conjunction with our partner tourism councils, we are working on a huge PR campaign as well as a digital marketing campaign. We have expanded our website, and will continue to do so, and hope that both residents and visitors see us as a resource for exploring MetroWest.”

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Announces New  Executive Director

Now that businesses are starting to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bureau has once again offered paid memberships that include a variety of benefits.

“We see ourselves as a partner to our members who can provide a wide variety of marketing and promotional assistance at a fraction of the cost were they to undertake the same campaigns on their own. Our members can participate in co-op advertising programs and other initiatives with very little investment on their part, either financially or through human resources. We love having engaged members because there are so many ways we can promote them.”

Residents and visitors can access the Bureau’s regional events calendar, attraction listings, and the Visitors Guide online at www.metrowestvisitors.org. Businesses interested in more information on the Bureau, membership, and current marketing initiatives should email Stacey David at sdavid@metrowestvisitors.org.