Officials to announce new Conn. convention bureau

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — State and business officials have announced a new Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau to market the state as a place to hold meetings, conventions and sporting events.

Officials held announcements Wednesday at the XL Center in Hartford and at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.

The private nonprofit agency is a partnership between the state Department of Economic and Community Development and the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau. It will promote venues in Connecticut through a $1.3 million marketing contract with the state.

Officials say the new bureau's marketing efforts will generate new revenue for Connecticut.

Michael Van Parys, president of the new marketing bureau, said it makes sense to maximize resources in a small state like Connecticut.