Internet Technology Use by American Convention and Visitors Bureaus

Abstract

Adoption and diffusion theories are used to explain key factors affecting the use of Internet technology by American convention and visitors bureaus. Organizational properties, leader characteristics, and technology-activity fit are assumed to determine the extent and length of information technology (IT) use. A survey conducted among American convention and visitors bureaus indicates that bureaus can be classified into five adopter groups (laggards, sophisticated followers, knowledge adopters, early light adopters, and late light adopters), which follow two different paths of technology implementation and use. Bureaus along these paths differ substantially in terms of their use of applications, their perceptions of IT, and the impacts of IT on their activities. Education and knowledge of bureau leaders and the perceived usefulness of IT also affect the bureaus’ potential to become knowledge adopters.