If innovation is the goal of your meeting, look into booking a
resort. By placing event attendees in scenarios they wouldn’t nor- mally encounter, industry networking, socializing and teambuild- ing opportunities are sometimes more original and unique than they would be at typical meeting venues. Horseback riding, tennis, zip lining, golfi ng, snowmobiling, river rafting and other exciting resort activities may ignite a participant’s creative or adventurous side while allowing them to relax and forget about everyday stress- ors.
“Attendees can be in corporate meeting mode and then relax
through events such as slot tournaments and snowmobile outings,” said Hartl. “You get to know people and coworkers you may not normally see through fun, social networking activities.” Resorts make it easy for attendees to mix business with plea-
sure. With various amenities and teambuilding activities available, they can help you set up a meeting to promote a desired outcome, such as effective communication, problem-solving and confi dence building.
Family-friendly Possibilities
With families cutting back, some are using work-related meet-
ings and conferences as a family vacation. Resorts can accommo- date this by negotiating group room rates for family-oriented days before or after meetings. By setting aside resources for this, meeting planners may increase attendance for the event, meeting or confer- ence. “We always honor group rates two days before and after the
meeting for families, as long as there is space availability,” said Walters. Attendees may be more apt to utilize their work travel op- portunity as a family vacation, saving themselves time and money. In addition, Southwell feels resorts have more to offer families
than typical hotels do. They have the ability to entertain everyone by catering to the event specifi cations as well as family members through their extensive range of activities and services. “Resorts can team up with other local businesses to provide cre-
ative outlets and networking activities for families, such as skiing, biking and indoor water play lands,” said Hartl.
Top 10
• Reasons to book a resort for your next meeting or event
1. Price 2. Convenience 3. Expert Advice 4. Multiple onsite dining and lodging choices 5. All-inclusive 6. Limited, if any, necessary travel offsite 7. Nightlife 8. Family-friendly 9. Special Amenities 10. Out of the ordinary
While one family member attends meetings, the others can uti-
lize the many resort amenities. Resorts keep everyone on property; families can relax onsite without taking a separate vacation. “We have a lot of recreational activities for families. We have kid-friendly activities onsite including an 8-lane bowling alley and children programming at Kids Kabin,” said Walters. All resorts are different and offer varying amenities. With every-
thing onsite, convenience is a standard. For meetings and events, resorts provide an unparalleled opportunity for teambuilding and networking in a comfortable and inviting setting. Consider choos- ing a resort for your next meeting or event.
“Whether you are looking for live entertainment, nightlife, teambuilding activities, golf, spa retreats or a great place to hunt or fi sh, resorts can accommodate varying requests. All groups have different needs and meeting planners can contact an onsite resort planner to create a one-of-a- kind resort experience, all while taking in unique resort hospitality.”
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MIDWEST MEETINGS SPRING 2010
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