BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (August 15, 2024) – The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), in collaboration with the Birmingham-based organization Cheeriodicals, delivered 160 care packages to patients at a local children’s hospital during this year’s American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Expo in Cleveland, Ohio.
Held each August, the ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo is the largest educational and networking conference for association professionals in the world. The GBCVB was one of nearly 400 destinations and service providers that participated in this year’s Expo, partnering with representatives from the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Sheraton Birmingham, Westin Birmingham and Hyatt Regency Birmingham to showcase the Greater Birmingham Region as a premier meetings and conventions destination.
During the Expo, meeting planners who visited the GBCVB booth were invited to pack a Cheeriodicals box and write a personal note of encouragement for its recipient. At the conclusion of the two-day event, the 160 care packages full of toys, games, and activities were hand delivered to patients at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital – a pediatric acute care children’s teaching hospital in Cleveland – by team members from the GBCVB, Cheeriodicals, and invited meeting planners.
“This year, instead of having the traditional type of giveaway or promotional items at our booth, we wanted to do something that would give back to the local community and highlight Birmingham’s deep culture of philanthropy,” said Mike Gunn, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales for the GBCVB. “The response from the meeting planners was overwhelming, and the experience of delivering the care packages to the local children’s hospital was really special.”
Cheeriodicals, founded in Birmingham in 2011, conducts philanthropic events benefiting children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, healthcare workers, Veterans hospitals, the American Cancer Society, and other charity groups. Since 2011, Cheeriodicals has worked with organizations across the country to deliver more than 160,000 care packages.
“There’s no greater joy than collaborating with local partners from our own backyard in Birmingham to bring joy to those who need it most,” said Gary Parisher, President and CEO of Cheeriodicals. “Teaming up with the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau to brighten the days of hospitalized children in Cleveland has been one of our most rewarding and impactful endeavors to date.”
In 2024, the GBCVB has partnered with Cheeriodicals on three activations – two in the Birmingham community and the ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo in Cleveland – with plans to do more at events in the future.
###
About the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the official tourism and marketing organization for Birmingham and Jefferson County. Established in 1969, the non-profit agency generates positive economic impact by positioning the Greater Birmingham Region as a premier destination for conventions, sporting events, and domestic and international leisure travel. Birmingham and its neighboring municipalities welcome more than 3.96 million visitors each year, generating $2.52 billion in economic impact. Learn more at birminghamal.org.