A memorable destination is great—but accessibility matters. Consider where attendees are traveling from, airport options, drive times, transportation availability and the distance between hotels, meeting venues and activities.
The easier it is to get there and get around, the more time attendees can spend enjoying the event.
Don't overlook what happens between arrival and the first meeting. Build in time for attendees to settle in, explore the destination and enjoy local experiences.
A welcome reception featuring local food, a group outing or even a few destination recommendations can immediately make attendees feel connected to the place they're visiting.
Destination events are an opportunity to use the community as an extension of your venue.
Think beyond the ballroom: unique restaurants for networking dinners, attractions for team-building, cultural experiences, outdoor activities and distinctive local venues can all add personality to your program.
Transportation can make or break the attendee experience. When hotels and venues aren't within walking distance, provide clear information about shuttles, rideshares, parking and public transportation.
For off-site events, communicate pickup locations and schedules well in advance—and build in a little extra time for traffic and unexpected delays.
Why should the event end when the final session does?
Destination events can encourage attendees to arrive early or stay an extra night. Highlight local restaurants, attractions, shopping, recreation and entertainment that they can enjoy on their own or with family.
It's a win for attendees—and an opportunity to create a stronger economic and community impact for the destination.
Even the best destination plan needs a backup. Weather, flight delays, traffic and last-minute changes can affect the schedule.
Have a communication plan ready and make sure attendees know where to find updates. A little advance planning can prevent a small travel hiccup from becoming a major event headache.
The best destination events balance inspiration with convenience. Attendees should be excited about where they're going—but confident they can easily get there, navigate the destination and enjoy the experience.
The meetingpages Scoop: When researching your next destination event, don't just ask, “Where can we hold the meeting?” Ask, “What experience can this destination create for our attendees?”
From destination guides and convention centers to hotels, unique venues, activities and event services, Meetingpages makes it easier to discover the places and partners that can bring your next event together.
Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.
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