Iconic museum is making major strides in building out group programming
Few things epitomize cool like the Chevrolet Corvette.
The Corvette not only stands as an emblem of American ethos, it embodies freedom and ingenuity like few other American brands. So much so that this April, Motor Trend magazine readers voted it the quintessential vehicle of the last 75 years.
More than seven decades ago, the inaugural Corvette was unveiled at the 1953 General Motors Motorama in New York City. Since then, it has developed a massive following with Corvette clubs sprouting up across the United States and the world.
“The Corvette is ingrained in America’s fabric. It’s been featured in motion pictures, television and music for decades,” said Paul Crafton, group sales and services coordinator for the National Corvette Museum. “It’s one of the most famous cars worldwide.”
The 115,000-square-foot museum showcases more than 80 Corvettes from each of the car’s distinct generations.
A celebration of speed
Since 1981, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky at the 1,700,000-square-foot General Motors plant just up the road from the museum.
This iconic museum is a celebration of innovation, speed and the enduring appeal of the Corvette. The 115,000-square-foot museum showcases more than 80 Corvettes from each of the car’s distinct generations while interactive exhibits, virtual simulators and rare memorabilia make the museum a popular destination. The museum’s campus features three notable attractions: the General Motors plant, the motorsports park, which is a 3.2-mile driving course situated on 419 acres, and the crown jewel, the museum itself.
In 2024, the museum debuted its newest exhibit called “LUSTER: Realism and Hyper Realism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Paintings.” LUSTER is a traveling exhibition comprised of more than 55 paintings by nearly 15 of today’s realists and hyperrealists who specialize in automobiles and motorcycles as their primary subject of choice.
Another popular addition is the electronic conversion of two Corvette simulators, models C7 and C8, into a virtual reality racing experience. Designed for children of all ages, these simulators give visitors the sensation of being in a high-speed race.
This iconic museum is a celebration of innovation, speed and the enduring appeal of the Corvette.
Expanding group programming at the Corvette Museum
In recent years, the museum has been making major strides toward expansion. In 2019, it acquired a 208-acre parcel to the east of its existing track and is progressing toward a two-story, 30,000-square-foot addition to the museum.
It also has put together popular group-friendly packages including one created by Crafton. This after-hours dinner package for groups features a meet and greet, a VIP tour by management and an upscale four-course dinner with live entertainment and dancing.
“It’s a very upscale dinner and there is a bar available,” Crafton said. “There is also a VIP parting gift for each person. It just makes for a really special evening. I’ve been to several of these and folks don’t want to leave.
“We always spoil the tour groups,” Crafton added. “But more importantly, I was taught that you always take care of the escort and the motorcoach driver. Those are the unsung heroes of the entire picture. And we do that here.”
An industry veteran joins the museum
In the summer of 2023, the museum hired Crafton after an esteemed 30-year career in the resort hotel and attractions business to help facilitate group programming and sales.
“Having been in the tourism industry for so long, I’m excited to use my contacts and help grow the group tour market for the museum,” Crafton said.
Crafton has an impressive background which includes spending 16 years with Opryland Hospitality & Attractions Group in Nashville, during which time he rose through a series of positions from reservation agent to director of travel industry sales. He went on to work with several hotels as a consultant before working for the Greenbrier Resort where he found success with special holiday packages. His efforts led to several industry recognitions, including HSMAI’s Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing award.
“It’s taken a long time for me to find what I consider the perfect job,” Crafton said. “I’ve always had a love for vintage automobiles. My grandfather owned a Marathon service station from the 1930s through the 1960s. My dad was also a great mechanic, so I’ve always had a little gas and oil in my DNA. I get to take a hobby that I’m passionate about and combine it with a career in tourism so I feel like a kid in a candy score. Who doesn’t love Corvettes?”
For more information on the National Corvette Museum attractions and packages, contact Paul at 270-777-4550 or paul.crafton@corvettemuseum.org.
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By Jason Paha
All photos courtesy of the National Corvette Museum
The post National Corvette Museum Gearing Up for Group Travel appeared first on Leisure Group Travel.
