COLLEEN BRZOZOWSKI Director of Sales ✪ Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Michigan’s Premier Resort Experience
What’s new at your resort that meeting planners are most excited about? Our new Dylan’s Candy Bar and Candy Café has been a huge hit with our meeting planners for both creative amenity gifts and group activities. Even more excit- ing is the remodeling of our guest rooms, which will include a fresh redesign and updates to enhance guests’ comfort.
What challenge do you think the meetings industry has successfully overcome in the past year or so? What’s the big- gest challenge facing the industry in 2012? The biggest challenge for both planners and suppliers is doing more with less, whether it’s managing budgets, staff, or time. But by having successful partnerships, both parties can handle these challenges successfully. In 2012, we will continue seeing short-term bookings requiring quick turnaround. We plan to meet that challenge through great communication, attention to detail, and our solid network of relationships.
How has your team responded to requests from groups to incorporate CSR initiatives into their meetings? We are seeing more groups looking for ways to give back to the community. Our event design manager serves as our on-site DMC and works closely with groups to design customized CSR opportunities, whether it’s donating tote bags or creating a team- building activity in con- junction with a local charity organization.
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HOME BASE: “Our staff is the single most valuable asset to our property,” said Colleen Brzozowski, director of sales for Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.
How has your team used social media to work with meeting professionals and promote your resort? Has it been a success?
We’ve seen a high number of downloads of our mobile app, which we recently introduced, as well as significant growth in social-media interaction with our guests. Many of them love to comment and share their personal experiences on our Facebook pages.
CHANGERS 86 pcma convene January 2012
What are meeting professionals asking for now that they weren’t asking for a year or two ago? How are you responding to that need? More organizations are open to sharing their meeting objectives with us so that we can help them achieve ROO, ROI, and ROE. It’s becoming more than just dates, rates, and space. We communicate early in the process to build a partner- ship and assist in designing all elements of the meeting to ensure a successful experience. n