Member Memo March 1, 2008

Collinson Publishing- Matt Johnson

Collinson Publishing provides destination marketing organizations greater access to the leisure travel market and niche markets through many internet solutions and publications such as Audubon Magazine, Group Travel Planet Magazine, REJUVENATE Magazine and Vacation Values newspaper inserts.

Based in the Greater Atlanta, Georgia, area with field representatives from coast-to-coast, Collinson Publishing is a leader in Internet technologies and preprinted marketing tools for the tourism, travel, destination and meetings industries. Collinson Publishing serves a wide variety of clients, including Convention & Visitor Bureaus, State Tourism Offices, Attractions, Hotels, Resorts, Destinations, and Convention Centers.

Collinson Publishing has also been selected to Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Alliance Partner program.

Welcome!

AMTA would like to say “Welcome!” to our newest member, The Comfort Inn - Union City. The Comfort Inn will be represented in AMTA by Chirag Patel. We're glad to have you!

Sales Committee Update

The Sales Committee is excited to announce the dates for the 2008 Motorcoach Sales Blitz.  Committee members, Jonathan Boisjolie and Barbara Mullin, have been working hard to coordinate dates and locations for this year’s blitz.  Mark your calendars for June 8-12, 2008!  The cost to participate will be $500 plus your own expenses including accommodations and meals.  We will begin our blitz in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky.  The blitz will continue through West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  This is a great way to make sales calls on tour operators and AAA offices in these markets.

More details to follow soon.  If you have questions or if you are already ready to commit, please contact Barbara Mullin at 770-817-1414 or via email at mullinb@bellsouth.net

2008 Membership Drive

The “flight” to the $100 drawing on April 9th is selling out quickly.  Don’t be left without a seat!  Make your reservation (recruit a new member) today!
See the attached flyer and 2008 AMTA Membership Application - [pdf] - for all the details. If you have questions, call Diane Stone, Membership Committee Chair, at 770-552-2628 or Brandi Warnock, Membership Committee Co-Chair, at 404-814-4032.  Good luck!
AMTA Member News

• Cobb CVB News- The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre was recently named in Billboard Magazine as one of the top 5 performance venues in the country to watch!
    
  The Cobb County CVB has launched its new and improved website. The new site includes a video gallery, events database and a member’s only section. Visit www.cobbcvb.com today!
    
• Underground Atlanta News- Underground Atlanta features a miniature replica of the Cyclorama which will be on display through the month of March. The display was recently rediscovered after being in archives for over 25 years!
    
  
• Stone Mountain Park News- Challenge your family to a new climbing experience this summer at Sky Hike. Set in the great outdoors at Stone Mountain Park, Sky Hike is an all new attraction sure to get your adrenaline going. Trek through the treetops on an adventures course more than four stories high while secured to the patented overhead safety system. Gain a whole new perspective from the top down! Stay tuned into www.stonemountainpark.com for details and opening dates.

March Events

Saturday, March 2
2nd Annual Alpharetta Marathon and Half Marathon presented by LifeTime Fitness- Runners will take to the streets of Alpharetta at 7 AM this Saturday for the race. This 26.2 mile qualifying course is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Drawing from a $4,000 purse, cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in each age group for the marathon.

Thursday-Friday, March 6, 7
Nothin’ But the Blues 2008 at Atlanta History Center- Come celebrate 10 years of Nothin' But the Blues! The March dates, “Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues” guarantees another great line-up of blues performances by renowned heritage blues artists paired with delicious southern fare and beverages. Get your tickets now for one or all concerts in the series at www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.

Friday-Monday, March 14-17
St. Patrick’s Day Festival Celebration- On Saturday, come watch the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning at 12:00pm on Peachtree Street. The parade will end at Underground Atlanta where the festivities will continue. Discount parking is available all day. The festival will include performances by Desire, Turnstile and Radio Disney (on the children’s Lucky Charm Stage). The festivities will include traditional favorites such as green beer, dancers, Irish grub, bagpipers, along with a vendor market and other children’s activities that will run all day Saturday. For details visit www.underground-atlanta.com.

Saturday, March 15
U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Competition- This competition is the official youth skills competition of the U.S. Olympic Team will be held at Hammond Park in Sandy Springs. For more details call 404-843-3481.

JUNE Events

Friday-Saturday, June 6-7
Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival
This all new annual festival will be held in downtown Douglasville. The event will include a formal ball, outdoor activities, garden tours, hat parade, home and garden expo, book signings and more! The event is named for the late Penny McHenry, founder of the American Hydrangea Society and frequent visitor to Douglasville and Douglas County. Stay tuned for more details or visit www.pennymchydrangeafestival.com.

AMTA Member Specials

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Experience North America’s #1 Dinner Attraction!
Adults Save $10, Kids Save $5
Purchase Tickets Today!
1-888-WE-JOUST
www.medievaltimes.com

*Must mention code SSAMTA at time of purchase to receive discount. Limit six people per coupon. Not valid for gift certificates. Not valid for prior purchases. May not be combined with any other discount offer. Valid at Georgia castle only. Expires March 30, 2008.