The Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted their sixth Holiday Open house on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau office in downtown Beaumont.

“This is a fun and interactive networking event, stated Rebecca Woodland, Convention Sales Manager. “Our Holiday Open House is an occasion for convention and meeting planners, industry partners, local media, area officials and others to come by our CVB office, get meeting planning guidance and to celebrate the holiday season.”

The 2018 party theme – “Christmas Bites & Meeting Advice” – incorporated the CVB’s year-long food campaign (#eatbmt) by showcasing some of Beaumont’s local caterers and home-grown dining establishments.  One of this year’s party goals was to introduce local food vendors to the convention clients to show meeting planners how one might utilize these merchants when they are booking their overnight convention in Beaumont through the Beaumont CVB.

Over 175 party-goers mingled with CVB staff, local meeting planners and hospitality partners and enjoyed an afternoon of tasty treats from local restaurants including: Bando’s, Crazy Cajun, Green Light Kitchen, J. Wilson’s, K-Bobs, Salata, Suga’s, Amelia Farm and Market and WOW Food Concepts.

Guests had a chance to snack on small bites and various treats from the local Beaumont eateries, participating in a “Best Bite” contest. The winner of the contest was Green Light Kitchen, with their goat cheese cheesecake. Close behind in votes were K-Bobs with their shrimp skewers and Bando’s with specialty deviled eggs and gourmet mac-and-cheese.

An enjoyable guest activity at the CVB Holiday Open House was the CVB Staff Door Competition that is always tied to the party’s theme. Staff were to reflect the holidays and food in some manner. Attendees found Freddie Willard, Director of Sales, “Sweet Treats Christmas Tree” their favorite. Two other top contenders chosen by guests were the “Polar Express Hot Chocolate” Door by Susan Jackson, Convention Services Manager and the “Olive Christmas Tree” door by Rebecca Woodland, Convention Sales Manager.

Darragh Castillo, of the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau, commented on the Facebook event page, “Thanks, Beaumont gang. It was festive, friendly, and a delicious event. Love from Port Arthur!”

This Holiday Open House gave the CVB Staff an opportunity to invite current and prospective clients in hopes of encouraging those individuals to bring their organizations’ meetings to Beaumont and to use the Beaumont CVB from start to finish. The event was able to show off the CVB’s abilities and show how the staff will go the extra mile for meeting planners.

The 2018 Holiday Open House was an amazing kick off to the holiday season and a wonderful opportunity to network with partners in Southeast Texas.