New convention goals: booking the summer months.

• Author: Bohi, Heidi
• Position: TOURISM

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As sure as the midnight sun appears in the summer sky, tourists from around the world flock to Alaska every May hoping to live the postcard dream. Then in September, just as certain as the first snowfall ushers in the state's longest season, these recreational travelers are replaced. Now, those who come to Alaska attend large meetings and conventions being hosted by companies and organizations, combining business and pleasure that also leaves behind millions and millions of dollars in communities across the state.

Different means, same end. It is the ebb and flow Alaska's convention and visitors bureaus continue to count on as one of the most substantial means of economic development for their communities. The result of courting independent and group travelers for summer months, and convention and meeting delegates for the less popular shoulder seasons when the inventory of hotel rooms and plane tickets doesn't have a very long shelf life.

The cycle is as predictable as salmon returning to their spawning grounds. But the numbers are off, the 2009 Alaska summer tourism season is down by almost 30 percent and 2010 is expected to be worse. At a time when it's too risky to rely on "the way it's always been"--some of the state's largest convention markets are also keeping an eye on opportunities to bring the convention market here during peak season. Seward, Ketchikan, Anchorage and Juneau are all growing their summer convention trade.

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People are willing to go out of their way to meet in Seward because when they are done with business, they can enjoy the activities the area is known for. Attendees go fishing, marine wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, boating, or spend the afternoon shopping along the side streets of a quaint seaside town. Combine that with the fact larger conferences of about 350 people put more emphasis on social activities to complement the business. It makes sense Seward is starting to see an increase in its May to October convention business as was seen this summer, says Laura Cloward, executive director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce.

"This is where Seward really shines," Cloward says, of the activities that attract summer convention bookings, including sightseeing trips, dinner cruises and fishing charters that can be tailored to large groups based on their size, schedule and interests. Conventional thinking is to sell meeting groups during winter months and save limited lodging nights for...