By David Gabri, CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)
Whether you are planning a large convention or a smaller meeting for your organization, one of the most important decisions to make is where to host your program.
There are many factors to take into consideration in this process, including the objectives and focus of the program, the “distinctiveness considerations” to best support branding and attendee expectations, and the region(s) from which your attendees will be coming.
You will also, obviously, need to outline the specific program requirements, such as the number of guest rooms needed, the quantity of meeting rooms required, the sizes (capacity) of the meeting rooms for the various sessions, and the desired dates of the program. Note that if you have flexibility on the dates or pattern you will get greater value with your property.
Resorts vs. City Hotels: Advantages To Both
One of the main decisions concerning the location is whether to conduct the meeting at a resort or at a city hotel. There are advantages to both.
Resorts often provide more networking opportunities by keeping attendees on-property for meals and functions. Meeting at a resort also can contribute to creative thinking, and can provide a more discrete environment for sharing new plans and directives. There also can be cost-savings benefits, including transportation savings, as there may be no need to go off-site.
For smaller groups, small resorts can provide an intimate atmosphere, which can be particularly attractive for groups that require total confidentiality, or that wish to use the hotels’ beautiful public spaces for private functions.
Larger resorts typically offer on-site recreation and diverse activities that encourage interaction between attendees. An array of recreational options also can lead to attendees bringing their family for a pre- or post-program stay, and can lead to greater overall satisfaction with the program.
Distinctive city center hotels in dynamic metropolitan areas also offer many benefits. This includes often easier, and timelier, access to the meeting for attendees. Plus the group can experience the vast entertainment, cultural, dining, and business-related offerings of the city.
There also can be benefits to selecting a hotel in a smaller city. These destinations typically provide a great value and are often very accessible, with the option of low-cost carriers. Your group may be the major group in-house, and these properties and communities are often very service-driven to make attendees feel special. The smaller markets also often have availability when the major markets are booked.
A great way to identify properties that will suit your program’s specific needs is to work with a Global Sales Organization (GSO) of your favorite brand, such as Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), as they are a “one-stop shop.” They can check multiple hotels in different destinations with one discussion, at no cost to you. They also can provide insight into bargains, and can inform you of hotels where a cancellation may have just taken place.
Selecting where to conduct your program is a very important decision. By identifying your specific program needs and objectives, you can find the location and hotel or resort that will provide the ideal platform for your program.
David Gabri is CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), which has the global sales responsibilities to the meetings and incentive marketplace for its distinctive portfolio of over 160 Four- and Five-Diamond quality hotels and resorts worldwide which specialize in meetings, conventions, and incentive/recognition programs. Contact Jolene Boatright, Director of Sales, ALHI, at 804-716-2045 or email jboatright@alhi.com and visit www.alhi.com.