The 2008-09 Las Cruces CVB Marketing Plan is available on the bureau's website. Click here to download a copy.

The Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has hired a new Convention Sales Manager to assist the bureau in bringing meetings and conventions to Las Cruces.

Rochelle Miller-Hernandez, joined the CVB sales team on September 15, 2008. Hernandez worked five years as a meeting planner for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology.

"We are very excited to have Rochelle as our new Convention Sales Manager," said CVB Executive Director Ken Mompellier. "Rochelle comes to us already having experience as a meeting planner which will allow her to hit the ground running".

As Convention Sales Manager, Miller-Hernandez will be working with meeting planners, government officials and corporate planners to maintain current and book new meetings and conventions into Las Cruces meeting facilities.

In addition to working as a meeting planner at IEEE, Rochelle has over 20 years of professional experience with proven excellence in sales, marketing, staff management and event planning.

The Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has hired a new Tourism Sales Manager to assist the bureau in bringing group tours and leisure travel to Las Cruces.

Daniel Sandoval, formerly of Mobile Technical Systems Incorporated (MTSI), joined the Las Cruces CVB staff on September 15, 2008. Prior to working at MTSI, he owned his own company - Global Dynamics Services in Melbourne, Florida - where he developed and marketed land, tour and special interest cruise vacation packages.

"We are eager to see Daniel's new ideas for expanding and enhancing the group tour and leisure travel markets in Las Cruces," said CVB Executive Director Ken Mompellier. "Having an experienced tourism professional on staff will greatly benefit the bureau and the City of Las Cruces."

As Tourism Sales Manager, Sandoval will be working with tour operators and group leaders in an effort to raise Las Cruces' profile within the group travel industry and increase the number of tours visiting Las Cruces. He will also be charged with developing travel programs and packages for leisure travelers and auto clubs.

In addition to owning his own company, Sandoval worked for five years as the District Sales Manager for Royal Viking and Norwegian Cruise Lines where he sold cruise packages to travel agents and provided agent training on the basic principles of selling cruise packages.

The Las Cruces CVB hosted five German travel writers visiting New Mexico on a press trip over Labor Day weekend. The writers were treated to some of the best Las Cruces has to offer. During their time in Las Cruces, the group toured White Sands National Monument, Mesilla, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum and took in the Hatch Chile Festival.

"All of the journalists were really impressed by the people, the culture and the beautiful landscapes of New Mexico," said Gitte Balkwitz, the tour guide accompanying the group. "In short, they are truly enchanted! They asked me to send you their regards and many thanks for your hospitality."

The trip was organized by Get It Across Marketing & PR out of Germany who represents Albuquerque, Farmington and Las Cruces to potential visitors throughout Germany.

The bureau is seeking individuals interested in becoming a part of the Las Cruces CVB Sports Volunteer Program. Some of the areas we are looking for assistance in are: concessions, event operations, hospitality, promotions, registration and security. If you are interested, please contact the CVB Sports Sales Manager Edward Carnathan at 541-2216 or visit www.las crucescvb.org/volunteer.

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Annual Meeting, July 28-30, 2008
CVB Executive Director Ken Mompellier attended the DMAI Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, NV this past July. The meeting was a chance for travel industry professionals to connect with others who know and understand the industry. The meeting is also the travel industry's leading event for top suppliers and providers to showcase new products and services.

Western Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (WACVB) CEO Forum, August 7-10, 2008
CVB Executive Director Ken Mompellier attended the WACVB CEO Forum in Santa Rosa, CA this past August. The forum, produced by the Western Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus, was an opportunity for bureau heads to meet and to discuss issues important to the tourism industry.