The south facing wall of the new Group Health Exhibit Hall of the Spokane Convention Center reflects the city skyline.

When expecting guests from out of town most folks give their home an extra-thorough cleaning. Cobwebs are vanquished from corners, light fixtures shined, mirrors polished, and the front porch swept. Many wait until the last minute to make sure the house stays spotless.

However, in just a couple weeks, Spokane is expecting more than 1,500 visitors to attend the 2010 U.S. Figure Championships. And the city hasn't waited until the last minute to get ready.

In fact, Jeanna Hofmeister, Vice President, Director of Destination marketing for the CVB says, "The community has actually been preparing since the 2007 figure skating event ended."

Part of those preparations have been making sure the city has plenty of well-trained, informative hosts.

"In 2008 we launched the nationally accredited Certified Tourism Ambassador Program (CTA) and have since been on a mission to make certain Spokane County’s frontline staff at all hospitality entities from hotels to restaurants to retailers has a heightened awareness of customer service and a much deeper knowledge of the region’s history and tourism offerings. It’s been extremely successful!"


And the CVB hasn't been alone in its preparation. Marlene Feist, spokeswoman for the city of Spokane, says, "The City has been assisting with this event right from the beginning, starting with a financial pledge to help land the event during the bid process. Our elected leaders have attended skating events in other locales to help promote the Spokane championships and have spent time helping attract sponsors and other support for the event."


Just as the CVB staff has been training ambassadors, the city also has focused on readying its departments. "Our police department has been working on security and public safety issues. Our street department is aware of the shuttle routes for the bus in case there is a large snow event. Our fire department has been included in planning in case they need to respond to a medical incident," says Feist.


With key people ready to welcome visitors, key venues are getting extra polish too. "The Spokane Arena will be spotless," says Hofmeister. "One thing we’ve learned from traveling to skating venues in other cities is that the Spokane Arena is absolutely immaculate in comparison. Our arena looks as great as it did when it opened. Actually, it looks better!"


It will sound great too. Hofmeister says, "Last summer, the Spokane Arena put in a new sound system to the tune of $710,000. Music is critical in the skating competitions so this will be a great enhancement."


The Arena isn't the only venue getting spiffed up. Hofmeister adds, "Naturally, River Park Square is getting busy for FanFest and the windows and doors at our visitor center at Main & Browne have been painted with special skating murals."


Even parking will be better and more convenient. "The new parking lot built by the PFD on Spokane Falls Blvd. is a major community improvement," says Hofmeister. "The lot, which is on the special STA route for figure skating fans, will service those who’d rather park and ride to avoid congestion around the arena during the event."


Hofmeister and Feist agree that Spokane is ready to shine in the national spotlight. "Our goal is really to be welcoming and hospitable to all the visitors and athletes who will come to Spokane," says Feist. "We are a beautiful city, and we are excited to show it off to the nation."


Adds Hofmeister, "As always, we try to project Spokane as a friendly, embracing and vibrant community. As the figure skaters and fans discovered last time they were here, Spokane has the unique ability to make visitors feel welcomed and special."
 

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