What makes your city a top meeting/convention destination? Affordability and accessibility are major factors. Ten carriers, including three discount carriers, now serve Wichita, and there will be a new airport as of fall 2011.

We also have a very versatile convention center, the Century II Convention Center, that doubles as a performing arts venue.

More than $300 million in public and private investments have transformed Wichita into a dynamic visitor destination. The community holds a diverse selection of performing arts, interesting museums, professional and collegiate sports, superb shopping and dining, and an array of live theater and entertainment options.
Tell us about a meeting you're thrilled to have just signed on, or a recent meeting you're very pleased with. Among other groups, we recently hosted the National Association of Interpreters, the North American Association for Environmental Education, and the National Forensic League.

Wichita is a great destination for all types of groups, but our niche is agricultural, aviary, and, to a certain degree, medical groups. Our 'Bible Belt' location also makes us a good fit for religious meetings. What is your perspective on destination leadership?
Destination leadership means taking the initiative to build on what you have and make your city a desirable destination in itself - not turning your city into 'another' destination.

The way I look at it, we don't need to become a Los Angeles or a New York City. We just need to keep developing product to maximize our own potential.
What is your city's roadmap for the future?
Downtown development is a focus for us. WaterWalk, a very unique, one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination development in downtown Wichita, is scheduled to open next summer. It's situated on the Arkansas River, within walking distance of the Central Business District, the convention center, and the new $200 million Sedgwick County Arena, which will open in late 2009 or early 2010.
In addition, we're currently in discussions regarding a convention center expansion.
What green initiatives is your city/convention center undertaking?
The city and county are continuing to pay close attention to recycling. It's not yet required, but some entities are adopting programs and there's more to come.

Meanwhile, the convention center is continuing to recycle and there are more ongoing discussions about other green initiatives.
How have destination marketing organizations (DMOs) evolved over the past 10 years, and how do you see the role of the bureau changing in the future?
DMOs are either becoming, or have already become, part of cities' economic development picture, and are perceived as such. This is in sharp contrast to the past, when they were mostly considered "travel planning organizations."
What is your biggest challenge as a DMO?
In general, many entities - governments, for example - do not see CVBs as being economically driven, so dollars aren't being injected into their marketing campaigns and other endeavors. Fortunately, in Wichita things are seen differently.
How did you get into this career? How long have you been there, and where were you before? My career has always been in economic development. I spent eight to nine years in the banking industry, and my economic background has served me well in my 11 years on the CVB side.