About Us
Tourism is Palm Beach County's number one industry, generating over $5 billion dollars annually in our area's economy. The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau is charged with the promotion and marketing of the tourism industry in the State of Florida, the United States and international markets.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau services include the development of an annual tourism marketing plan and the implementation of the plan through advertising, public relations, tour package development, online/electronic means, attendance at consumer and trade shows. Our well-trained team conducts familiarization tours and sales missions, participates in trade shows in foreign markets, conducts special projects, and other marketing initiatives agreed upon with the County to promote the destination.
These important programs are funded by the collection of a "bed tax" paid by lodging guests for short term stays in Palm Beach County.
The Palm Beach County CVB provides a world-class destination for the groups and meetings market within the national and international meeting and exhibition trade.
The CVB staff of professionals provides outstanding service with their intimate knowledge of venues and facilities within the County that meet the specific requirements for groups from 10 - 10,000. The addition of the 350,000 sq. ft. Convention Center in the heart of West Palm Beach re-brands the destination as a mecca for business/conventions.
History
The Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council (TDC) was established by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in 1981. In 1982, Palm Beach County enacted its first tourist tax and created a Tourist Development Plan for spending the revenues generated by the tax. The tourist tax, commonly known as the "bed tax," is levied on lodging room nights in the County for a term of six months or less.
Discover Palm Beach County, the original name of what is now known as the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was formed in 1983 as a nonprofit entity. The CVB operates under a contract with Palm Beach County to provide tourism marketing services under the County's Tourist Development Plan and receives funding from a portion of the "bed tax" collected in the County. The CVB Board of Directors provides supervision over CVB affairs.
The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau is only one of the non-profit tourism organizations acting under contract to the County. The Tourist Development Council whose responsibility is contract oversight of the agencies funded by the "bed tax," also acts as liaison between the agencies and the Board of County Commissioners. The other agencies under the umbrella of the TDC are the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, and, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
Mission
Increase visitation, deliver a one of a kind visitor experience and contribute to the overall economic development in Palm Beach County.
Vision Statement
To be the premier global destination for visitors.
Brand Promise
Palm Beach County is the Best way to experience Florida. The community where genuine hospitality is a way of life, and breathtaking beauty occurs naturally. It is the place to enjoy the time of your life.
Accreditation and Awards
By-laws
The Bylaws constitute the code of rules adopted by Discover Palm Beach County, Inc., for the regulation and management of its affairs. Click here to download a copy of the current By-laws.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of this Corporation, subject to the law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws.
CVB Board of Directors 2012-2013
OFFICERS / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman: Mr. Troy McLellan, President/CEO - Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
Vice Chairman: Ms. Vicki Chouris, VP/COO - South Florida Fair/PBC Expositions, Inc.
Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Joe Cardenas, Area Executive SVP - First Citizens Bank
Mr. Colin Clark, General Manager - Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach
Mr. Paul Emmett, President - Duffy's Sports Grill
Past Chair: Mr. Jim Mostad, Director of Sales - The Breakers
CVB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Jay Badillo, General Manager - Embassy Suites
Ms. Yvonne Boice, President - Fugazy International Travel
Mr. Roger Everingham, General Manager - The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach
Mr. Richard Hayduk, President - Boca Raton Resort & Club
Mr. Harold Kramer, Vice President - Lion Country Safari
Ms. Janine Mayville, Retired - Sr. Marketing Executive
Ms. Sharon Merchant, Vice President - Equipment Rental Services, Inc.
Mr. David A. Burke, VP Sales & Marketing - The Breakers - Ex - Officio
Ms. Rita Craig, President - Top Tier Leadership - Ex - Officio
Mr. Tom Kruczek, Dean - College of Bus. & Management Lynn University - Ex - Officio
Mr. Wesley Lauer, Attorney - Akerman Senterfitt - Ex - Officio
Ms. Cheri Rutledge, General Manager - West Palm Beach Marriott
Mr. Ken Kaylor, General Manager - Boca Raton Wyndham
Grants/Sponsorships
The objective of the Cooperative Advertising/Promotion grant program is to assist organizations in advertising/promoting (outside of Palm Beach County) events/activities. The events/activities in which the CVB participates with 50/50 matching funds, will generate tourism and encourage overnight stay in Palm Beach County hotels/motels through the promotion of travel/hotel packages related to the event.
Download the Category "A" Application
DMAI - 
The world's largest and most reliable resource for official destination marketing organizations (DMOs), with offices in North America and Europe, Destination Marketing Association International is dedicated to improving the effectiveness of over 2,300 professionals from nearly 650 destination marketing organizations in over 28 countries.
They provide their members—professionals, industry partners, students & educators—the most cutting-edge educational resources, networking opportunities, and marketing benefits available worldwide.
