In Tribute
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TOURISM AMBASSADOR
 Jimmy Bright,
SCVB Intern
Jimmy Bright is a 15-year veteran intern at Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau who stepped into the spotlight (by dubious invitation) at the 2007 PCMA Annual Meeting in Toronto. There, he gave his boss, Don Welsh, a run for the podium (no easy task), and introduced himself as an unexpected, though strangely endearing, spokesman for the 2008 annual meeting in Seattle. During the past 11 months, he has relentlessly promoted meeting attendance through e-blasts, web site postings, unsolicited phone inquiries and global positioning and tracking devices.
Who is Jimmy Bright?
Intern Extraordinaire. I'm a Seattle ambassador, public speaker, tour guide, concierge, sommelier, valet, protégé and all-around, good-to-go go-to guy. Oh, and a barista when the job requires it.
As a Seattle ambassador, you must embody the new Seattle destination brand. What about you is metro and what is natural?
Admittedly, the bow tie nods to the renaissance man thing I've got working for me. As for natural, well, I enjoy looking at nature photography, especially in the SCVB Visitors Guide. The SCVB Meeting Planners Guide needs more nature photos, though.
How were you chosen for this high profile role in promoting the PCMA Annual Meeting?
[fidgets] Well, that's an interesting question and one that should be phrased in the proper context. I mean, the word "chosen" conjures visions of formal review committees and blue ribbon panels, and I think it goes without saying that many of the most important choices in business are made by the seat of one's pants, off the cuff, in the throngs of creative energy and brainstorming. Those choices fly in the face of committee-speak, if you know what I mean?
No, but here's a more important question. What about Seattle as a destination compels a meeting planner to bring business here? Is it the convention center's reputation for excellence, the superior downtown hotel package, unique off-site venues, urban walkability, coffee on every corner or the impressive infrastructure of biotechnology, medicine and scientific research?
Carmine's Consignment on Battery is amazing for men's top coats and spatz - you know, for the closing reception. I've taken many-a-meeting-planner there. And, the Pike Place Market is a must-see.
Last question: What book is currently on your nightstand?
I read several books simultaneously. It keeps my mind sharp. Right now, Authenticity: What Customers Really Want and The Experience Economy - I want Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore to autograph them next month when they speak at PCMA. Also, Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell, and the draft 2008 SCVB Destination Marketing Plan - I'm helping them proof it, which is a typical intern grunt job but, again, it helps keep me sharp and on-mission.
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