|
Tour
Stop Coordinator Guide
Available
in Microsoft .doc format
If
you are interested in becoming a tour stop coordinator,
please fill out our request form - click
here for the link
P.2
- Community Relations
A local visit with the Wings of Freedom tour is
much more than just a small event, it can be an
event to bring a community together. The aircraft
can make a wonderful backdrop to local festivals,
patriotic ceremonies, or airport open houses. More
than just for aviation enthusiasts, the bombers
can relate to anyone who had family that fought
in, or were a part of WWII.
One
of the most important parts about being a tour stop
coordinator is the job of getting information out
in the community about the visit of the bombers.
Those of us that have been interested in these airplanes
for quite a while will have to put away the notion
that everyone will know about them coming to town
just because they are WWII bombers. In reality,
many people don't know about them and won't know
unless we tell them and get them excited to come
out and see them! Consider some of the following
options when setting up a promotional plan.
Veterans
and Civic Groups: Visit your local VFW Posts,
American Legion, Rotary, Elks, or other fraternal
organizations and tell them about it, or at least
promote with a poster. These groups generally have
many civic leaders as members too, so it will help
to spread the word through word of mouth. Additional
funding may also result to help in promotion when
communicating with local civic leaders and groups.
School
Groups: Did you know that the average amount
of time spent on learning about WWII in an entire
four-year high school experience is merely one week?
This is obviously not enough to truly explain the
impact of WWII on the world we live in today. The
bombers can create a truly hands-on field trip for
local schools, combining the physical presence of
accurately restored planes with the stories of veterans
that served aboard them. Approach teachers and deans
with the exciting option and explain the impact.
We can offer reduced admission for large school
groups if there is interest.
Chamber
of Commerce: The Wings of Freedom tour is a
great tourism opportunity within a community. Since
the aircraft have a significant following and can
draw from a great area, the prospect of drawing
out-of-town guests increases when they are in town.
Reinforce this with your local Chamber of Commerce
through distribution of press releases or present
it at a meeting with members. It can also be a good
contact for assistance when finding accommodations
for the crew (see logistics)
Aviation
Groups: Don't forget to look for the local chapter
of aviation groups in the local area that may be
interested in the visit. This includes your EAA
chapters, local museums, CAF Wings, and even local
pilots groups and flying clubs. Check with local
flight schools and fixed based operators for listings.
Local
Senior Groups: There are many groups such as
Councils on Aging and Senior Centers that may be
interested in arranging for groups to come out and
see the aircraft. Talk to recreation advisors about
getting those who may not be able to come out on
their own to come out as part of a group of seniors.
Note that we can provide group discounts similar
to school groups.
Local
Business Leaders: When a community event comes
to town, you may look for help through local businesses.
Some companies such as the local hardware or printer
may be able to help with banners and signs, while
local hotels and car dealers may help with logistics.
Remember that some community favors such as complementary
hotel rooms and cars for crew may be able to be
bartered with inbound flights on the aircraft, a
truly once in a lifetime opportunity for those interested.
See the full description on what we can offer in
terms of barters in the logistics section.
Here
are some suggestions that past stop organizers have
passed on to us…
- Did
you realize that many of your local chain stores
such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot may have a discretionary
community fund or discount program that is available
to those that ask? See if your local stores have
such a program and if they would be willing to
help honor local veterans with a donation of money
or materials.
- If
you are considering banners or signs to promote
the event, consult your local signage and zoning
department in your locality. Working with their
guidelines may help quite a bit in the long run.
- Advertise
before and during local events such as fairs,
festivals, and open houses. Make sure and note
these dates and make them work to your advantage.
Doing so makes the information available to a
wider audience.
- Don't
think that weekday stops are not as good as weekend
stops. Remember that a weekday stop can provide
a great community event. Invite schools to visit
on field trips or host a local coffee reception
for local businesses at the FBO to draw out your
community "at work" crowd.
Next
Page: Airport
and FBO Relations
Previous Page: Introduction
Table
of Contents:
|
