The destination factor, a determining factor for the success of events
Event planning professionals know that finding the right destination partner is often the first step to executing a successful call. James Jessie, director of sales for Travel Portland and a Skift Meetings contributor, brings three tips for how destinations can help industry planners.
MANAGING COSTS BY GETTING BACK TO BASICS
Meetings and events are more expensive now than ever before. It's a reality for the industry. The advisable thing to do is to go back to the basics, look for savings
First of all, all taxesare not the same in every destination. One must carefully examine the final expected expenditure to opt for one or the other. For example, Portland does not levy sales tax, which can result in significant savings that are not easily visible in the early planning stages.
Also, it can be really useful to have flexibility in dates so you can opt for destinations during theirlow season, when leisure travelers don't drive up hotel rates and spaces are more readily available.
Also, while it may seem like a no-brainer, it bears repeating: the larger the group and the economic impact, the more likely you are to negotiate with destinations for support.
Contact local tourism offices, especially convention bureaus early in the planning process. Their job is to make your job easier. Request their collaboration, learn about their financial incentives.
GUARANTEE SAFETY
Safety is paramount for any event at any venue. It is a universal rule for all attendees, so it is important and should be part of your first meetings with any destination.
It is good to make a list of requirements as early as possible and make sure your chosen destination can meet them. Mostía most of the time, participants simply want to know that there is someone thereí who is looking out for their safety. It can be as simple as making sure that security personnel are clearly visible.
The other part is ensuring that attendees feel welcome. Destination selection can also play a big role here. Ideally, the host city should share the values of the visiting delegation or, at the very least, not be at odds with them.
THE LEISURE ATTRACTION
The word that has become fashionable in the world of corporate travel and events in recent years is "bleisure", although the concept has always existed.
Simply put, people are more involved in destinations that have tourist and leisure attractions. If this were not true, every city would simply build its convention center near the airport.
Similarly, most of us are influenced by our partners,
families and friends. If you have a convention in a desirable destination, it is possible that someone close to you will want to accompany you if there is a possibility to extend the stay, which is an added incentive.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to choose destinations with the possibility to create a leisure program complementary to the official sessions. It can be a powerful marketing tool to boost attendance. And it'sgood for both the event and the destination.
It can be a powerful marketing tool to drive attendance.