When planning a military reunion, one of the most valuable first steps in the planning process is reaching out to the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) in the destination you’re considering. Whether you’re organizing a Navy ship reunion, an Army unit gathering, or an all-branch event, CVBs can be powerful—often free— local partners in the planning of an upcoming reunion.
What Is a CVB?
A Convention & Visitors Bureau is a local tourism organization that promotes a city or region to visitors and organizers of events of all shapes and sizes. Their goal is to bring business to the area and support planners in creating successful events. They typically serve as a neutral resource to help planners connect with vetted hotels, venues, and attractions that meet the needs of the event. As an example, a dog show event organizer would only receive recommendations of hotels that allow dogs.
Why Contact the CVB First?
Here are six compelling reasons—along with a key caveat:
1. They Know the Area Best
CVBs have up-to-date, local knowledge about:
– Veteran-friendly hotels
– Group dining and banquet spaces
– Military attractions and memorials
– Best value travel seasons
Instead of hours of Googling, they’ll help you focus on the best fit for your reunion’s size, needs, and budget.
2. They Offer Free Planning Assistance
Most CVBs provide services at no cost to your group, including:
– Collecting hotel bids and availability
– Coordinating site visits
– Recommending group-friendly tours
– Supplying maps, welcome bags, or promotional materials
Some even offer cash incentives or grant funding to attract reunions. HINT: Ask if they have any grants, rebates, or incentives your reunion qualifies for
3. They Know Which Hotels Welcome Military Reunions
Not every hotel is a good fit. Some aren’t interested in group hospitality suites, memorabilia displays, or flexible banquet setups. A CVB can direct you to hotels that:
– Value and understand reunion groups
– Offer perks like free parking, hospitality rooms, or discounts
– Are willing to work with varying budgets
4. They Help You Avoid Common Pitfalls
The CVB can flag:
– Conflicts with large citywide events (which raise rates)
– Hotel construction schedules
– Travel challenges or accessibility issues
This lets you make informed decisions early, avoiding costly surprises later.
5. They Provide Veteran-Related Resources
Need help with a color guard, a local chaplain, or a venue for a memorial service? CVBs often maintain connections with:
– Military bases and veteran organizations
– Local ROTC/JROTC units
– Patriotic entertainment and ceremony options
6. They Strengthen Your Credibility
Even if you’re a first-time planner, involving the CVB shows hotels and vendors that your group is legitimate. It helps you:
– Get better response rates from hotels
– Receive more competitive proposals
– Appear professional and organized
But a Word of Caution: Not All CVBs Are Alike
Some CVBs actively seek and value military reunion business. Others may not. This depends on the destination’s tourism strategy, hotel availability, and staff experience. They may be chasing other types of business such as multi-hotel conventions, sports tournaments, corporate meetings, or association conferences. When contacting them for the first time, politely ask if they support military reunion groups. Look for destinations that are actively recruiting reunions like the ones on The Military Reunion Network website. Here is the list to get started.
Final Thought
A military reunion is more than an event—it’s a chance to reconnect, reflect, and honor service. Reaching out to the local CVB first can simplify planning, reduce stress, and open doors to local support. Just be sure to focus on destinations and CVBs that truly value your group’s presence. Because when a city welcomes you with open arms, your reunion becomes unforgettable.
