The Wildwoods attracts a lot of military and
group or interest. “We have a collection of large attractions and unique ‘hidden gems’ in and around the Cumberland Valley that are attractive to groups who are looking for something different.”
In southern New Jersey, John Lynch is the director of sales and entertainment for the Wildwoods Convention Center, which is situated on the Wildwoods’ boardwalk.
According to Lynch, "The SMERF market is our 'bread and butter' in the Wildwoods. One of the reasons why we’re so popular when it comes to this market is that we're definitely a ‘mom-and-pop’ community. Many groups return here year after year because they like the fact that they get to know the locals, and most stay in the same hotels each time they return, so they get to know the property owners and staff."
Like these other communities, the
Wildwoods is value driven. In fact, the Wildwoods Convention Center is able to attract and accommodate a wide variety of events because of the value it offers for meetings and events.
“For example,” noted Lynch, “we have played host to everything from Futsal - which is indoor soccer - to VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) events. The youth market is very solid for us, as well, and includes everything from cheerleading competi- tions to dance groups to wrestling, youth religious conferences, Girl Scout retreats and more."
Robert A. Baldassari, director of sales and marketing for Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, stressed that all meetings - no matter the market seg- ment - are important to his resort, as evi- denced by the addition of the Executive Conference Center at Skytop in 2005. Despite the uncertain economy in recent years, he said, the SMERF market has remained strong and business from within this market segment has even increased.
Typically, groups from within these mar- kets seek out recreation and activities, said Baldassari. “They tend to be more socially- oriented, especially the military, fraternal and social segments. A property like Skytop is able to provide them with the facilities they need to conduct their busi-
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 33
veterans groups. Part of that attraction includes the town’s recently completed Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall - a 1/2-sized replica of the one in Washington, DC.
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