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This article was published on Thursday, 2 August, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Connecting Visitors to Greater Shepparton’s small town stories - Destination Marketing business event

Business workshops will take place in Murchison on 29 August, Tatura in September, Mooroopna in October and Dookie in February 2019 with this year’s workshops featuring a tourism theme.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development Geraldine Christou said “Businesses, big or small, are realising the massive benefits of attending small business events in their home towns.”

“The upcoming Murchison event is no different, covering the important topic of destination marketing and what small businesses can do in their communities to establish a local identity, deliver a service with a point of difference and generate local opportunities to benefit from Greater Shepparton’s growing visitor economy,” said Ms Christou.

Greater Shepparton City Council is hosting this years small town business workshops with guest speaker and local Place Making and Destination Marketing expert Carrie Donaldson from Sense of Place.

Carrie has titled the workshops, “What’s your Story?” and aims to get business owners to have a think about what visitors should know about their business and small towns in Greater Shepparton.

Sense of Place Carrie Donaldson said “Contemporary destination development tells us that while big cities and places with internationally renowned attractions have often been seen as the most popular tourist destinations, today we are seeing a rise globally in regional travel. This is a significant shift and is creating not only economic benefits but social benefits for smaller towns and their residents.

“As many leading destinations start to grapple with the challenges of over tourism, there is a growing desire for visitors to live like a local in smaller communities that have become known for their friendly service, safe environment, clean air, fresh produce and unique local stories. It can be this more localised experience that leaves a more lasting impression with visitors than the big block buster exhibition or iconic photo opportunity.

“Connecting with a visitor audience starts with creating a memorable experience or feeling. Often it’s not the attraction that people remember – it is the feeling they had when they visited that place that stays with them the longest” said Ms Donaldson.

Greater Shepparton City Council is keen to hear from you in the lead up to the event. If you have a story about what you love about your town or know something that perhaps others don’t know about Murchison email events RSVP@shepparton.vic.gov.au.

When: Wednesday 29 August 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Murchison Community Centre, Watson Street, Murchison
Cost: FREE
Contact: RSVP by Wednesday 22 August to Sarah Hardwick eventsRSVP@shepparton.vic.gov.au

For more information call Sarah Hardwick on 03 5832 9847