MATPRA Marketplace August 27 – 29, 2024 Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge The MATPRA Media Marketplace is a great opportunity for both PR professionals and travel journalists to get together and discuss story ideas, arrange visits to our destinations and talk about what’s new in our backyards. About Marketplace Destination: Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a metro mountain mix of exciting outdoor adventure with refined culture. Visit VBR is the official destination marketing organization for Virginia’s Blue Ridge which includes the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke. The region is easily accessible via the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), Interstate-81, and Amtrak’s northeast regional route. For more information, go to www.VisitVBR.com. DMO Registration Information: Registration for DMOs to attend the 2024 Marketplace will be coming soon! Host Hotel Information: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 110 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 More info on Host Hotel here. Sponsorship Opportunties: The Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) team is thrilled to welcome our DMO and media partners to the greater Roanoke region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. We have an exciting itinerary planned for our time together in August. The following sponsorship opportunities provide a variety of ways to promote your destination at the 2024 MATPRA Media Marketplace. If you don’t see an opportunity that fits your budget, we welcome your thoughts about how we can create an optimal opportunity for you. We hope that you will partner with Visit VBR by capitalizing on these packages and sharing your brand with the MATPRA audience. Download the 2024 MATPRA Media Marketplace Sponsorship Package (updated January 31, 2024 with available sponsorships) Journalist Application Process for Marketplace: Journalists must apply to attend MATPRA Media Marketplace. A select number of journalists are invited to attend based on criteria established by a committee that reviews each journalist’s audience, scope and past coverage to ensure the best fit for the marketplace. Media applications are due on March 22nd. Journalists can apply to attend MATPRA Media Marketplace HERE Questions about the application process? Download our handy FAQ sheet for more information. Questions about the Marketplace may be directed to [email protected]. DMO Attendees at MATPRA Marketplace 2022 in State College, PA Apply to Host the 2025 or 2026 Media Marketplace The MATPRA Board of Directors is soliciting applications from destinations interested in hosting the 2025 or 2026 Media Marketplace events. Please download the Request for Proposals for more information and details on how to apply. Past MATPRA Media Marketplaces Visit Montgomery County, Maryland – July 2023 Central Pennsylvania Region – October 2022 Greater Richmond, Virginia Region- September 2019 Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania – September 2018 Winchester, Virginia – September 2017 Talbot County, Maryland – September 2016 Erie, Pennsylvania – September 2015 Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania – October 2014 Arlington, Virginia – August 2013 Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania – September 2012 Calvert County, Maryland – September 2011 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – September 2010 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – May 2009 Annapolis, Maryland – August 2008 Hampton, Virginia – June 2007 Lancaster, Pennsylvania – September 2006 Richmond, Virginia – May 2005 Washington, D.C. – June 2004