Developing and sustaining tourism business will be the focus of a workshop to be taught next month by travel expert and nationally syndicated radio talk show host Stephanie Abrams at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pittsfield.
The five-session workshop, titled "The Tourism Marketing Magnet"
(WKS-2501), specifically focuses on applications for companies and organizations that derive their growth from tourism. According to Abrams, in addition to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, this also includes any business or organization that profits from tourism. "Even those responsible for running the gift shops at cultural attractions will benefit from this course," she said.
Course participants learn how to sharpen their marketing skills by defining their goals, creating programs to achieve those goals, understanding tourism product and consumer expectations, exploring niche markets and target-marketing, going after the traveling public on a "shoe-string" budget, and creating tourism "magnets" that attract attention. Classes meet Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 2-30, from 2:30 to 5:30.
Abrams, who has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, has repeatedly been rated as one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in Travel." She served as the executive vice president of Travel Network and Global Travel Network, building that company into an international chain of franchised travel agencies.
The recognition of her leadership in franchising resulted in her serving on the International Affairs Committee of the International Franchise Association. Currently, she heads Abrams Hospitality Marketing in Lanesborough and hosts the nationally syndicated "Travel with Stephanie Abrams!" show on the Business Talk Radio Network.
Developed in collaboration with the Office of LifeLong Learning and Workforce Development at Berkshire Community College over a period of 10 months, Abrams' workshop is intended to be the first in a series of courses that address evolving tourism issues. "In light of recent news articles about tourism in the Berkshires, it is clear that this program's debut is on target for meeting the needs of (tourism-related) businesses in search of direction to improve performance and results," said Abrams.
For more information, or to register, contact BCC at 413-499-4660, Ext. 374 or 375. All registrations should be completed no later than one week before the first class.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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