Marketplace

In 2010, 450 group leaders went to the event in Gettysburg.  The event at Dover Downs saw record numbers as well and many happy Group Leaders.  The FAM Tours that the Tourism Department of DE coordinated with their partners were outstanding and made the options hard to choose from.  Group Leaders were welcomed at the Air Mobility Museum, Dover Speedway, First State Heritage Park, Nemours Mansion, Pizzadili Winery, Winterthur,  and Gaming at Dover Downs Casino.  

The Delaware Tourism Department Office (DEDO), helped to organize this event. Linda Parkowski, Director of Tourism at (DEDO) and Heather Horton also of the DEDO, were instrumental in coordinating the 9 different familiarization (FAM) tours in the State of Delaware area following the two-hour session at Marketplace. Group leaders were invited to lunch at one of four Dover Downs Restaurants before they departed on their respective FAM Tours. The FAM tours allow the Group Leaders and Tour Companies the chance to visit and develop future tours for their groups.  Several of the companies actually booked return business to the area during the FAM's. 

 "All of my guests were extremely pleased with the Marketplace and Fam Tour.  Everyone thanked me and Carol.  Also, I have booked several trips and have two overnight proposals out for Dover Downs. The committee put together a really good Marketplace for all" said Kay Gaddy, Hubers Bus 

Carol Joyce with Jubbs Bus Service stated, "As I walked into the Marketplace with my group leaders, I knew right away it was going to be a lot easier to move around from vendor to vendor.  The room was set up exactly the way it should be.  We were able to get to the reps and listen to what they had to say and get the information they had for us.  The flow of the day was great.  The group leaders were spread out among the many restaurants at Dover Downs so there were no lines to get our meal.  The food was very good and the servers were polite and professional.  My group left the casino to visit another property and the timing was correct and they knew we were coming.  It was a great day.  I have received "Thank You" notes from many of my groups letting me know how much they enjoyed the day and can't wait for next year.  I'm already getting phone calls from my group leaders with questions and ideas for trips later this year and in 2012.  Everyone who was involved in the preparation of this Marketplace should stand proud for a job well done."