STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — With the goal of improving Centre County’s presence in one of its top feeder markets, the Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau (CPCVB) announced the hiring of Jenny McConnell as regional sales manager.
Credit: VisitPennState.org
McConnell will rely on her past destination marketing and sales experience at Explore York and Destination Gettysburg to concentrate CPCVB efforts in the Greater Harrisburg area. She will focus on opportunities with state associations and agencies, corporate business and the group tour market while based out of York, Pa.
“Being strategically based ‘in market’ will allow Jenny to spend more time in Harrisburg creating necessary relationships in an effort to bring more events, conferences and meetings to the county,” said Dave Gerdes, vice president of sales and marketing for the CPCVB. “Centre County is a wonderful meeting destination, with top-notch facilities and great dining and entertainment options. We believe there is opportunity for growth in this area.”
In overseeing the CPCVB’s efforts in the group tour market, McConnell will focus on enhancing Centre County in the eyes of tour operators and group leaders.
CPCVB President and CEO Fritz Smith said the addition of McConnell to the CPCVB Sales and Marketing Department is part of the organization’s enhanced efforts to market Centre County as a destination of choice for meeting planners, tour operators and other event planners.
“Jenny’s efforts will help us generate mid-week business for our hotels and attractions,” Smith said. “I am delighted she is bringing her great experience to our team.”
The CPCVB is the recognized tourism promotion agency for Centre County. The bureau has had continuous success at encouraging visitors to Penn State and the county. The bureau maintains a Welcome Center and offices at the corner of Park Avenue and Porter Road, University Park, Pa., as well as a Welcome Center at Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte, Pa.
