Non-traditional meeting space is another thing that attracts planners to independent properties, noted Melissa McDevitt, director of sales and marketing for Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center in Blue Bell, PA.
flexibility to accommodate such requests. This exclusivity allows for the elimination of crowds and outside distractions, and ensures that no competitor’s events will take place on site during that time.
Most meeting venues staffs are very honest about what will work and will not work in their space. After all, their primary focus is the client’s satisfaction.
McDevitt observes, “Being able to take over the whole hotel and conference center is a huge perk for groups. It almost becomes its own ‘team building event,’ because everywhere you go, you know that the people on site are part of your group.”
She continues, “The fact that we have a very fun, chic bar and restaurant is a big plus, too, as it is a natural gathering spot after company-sponsored events. Clients can relax there and get to know each other on a more personal level.”
McDevitt goes on to speak about her property’s strengths, and what group size is an ideal fit for Normandy Farm. “At Normandy Farm Hotel, mid-size meetings work wonderfully. We have 141 overnight rooms on site. The perfect sized meeting here is a general session of around 200-plus people that requires multiple breakouts. We can arrange as many as 17 breakout rooms for their meeting.”
Off the Record
One item not mentioned by the event staffs at each of these ven- ues is one of the more obvious reasons to choose an independent property - doing so in support of local business.
Scenic view of the lake at Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center in Macungie, PA
Beyond bottom lines and interesting spaces, the positives of sup- porting a local business spread beyond the event itself. Communities benefit greatly from business generated by the hos- pitality industry. Independent properties often restore historic land- marks, employ residents, and bring attention to local restaurants, shops and attractions.
These properties are vested in their communities and work to fos- ter awareness about the needs of their neighbors. Examples of this are seen in the creation of meals for our military and in initiatives that will provide cleaner air and a better environment for today as well as future generations.
At the end of the day, an event planner’s goal is to organize a memorable event. Why not start with a memorable location?
Meeting space at the historic Nassau Inn in Princeton, NJ
Offer attendees a location and an event that has a story to tell - one that’s filled with interesting information about a property and that includes the moral of supporting the local community.
Cat Lambert is the Marketing Manager in the corporate headquarters of SolomonEdwardsGroup, LLC, working closely with the Elite Companies Charitable Foundation.
mcatherinelambert@gmail.com
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 29
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