ness, yet also provides them with the diver- sions they are looking for.”
He added that some may look for an “all inclusive” experience, where everything they require is offered in one price, while others may ask for the price to be broken out with a portion to be paid by the indi- vidual attendee and a portion by the organization.
"Value is critical for a destination to attract this business,” observed Kaminetsky, “and we are a very attractive fit for groups com- ing out of the Northeast Corridor. The Lehigh Valley is a really affordable option for those on a budget, and we are drivable from Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey and the New York Throughway."
He noted that groups from within the SMERF market typically look for similar price points and amenities, but added that the family reunion differs in other ways. Kaminetsky said this market often requests specialized foods and entertain- ment options. In addition, these groups are typically organized by an individual who isn't an event planner by profession. For them, Discover Lehigh Valley can offer as much direction and guidance as is needed. “We can help them to locate a caterer who can serve up exactly what they are looking for, whether that's a pig roast or a kosher meal, or Spanish, Caribbean or Middle Eastern cuisine."
According to Oakley, SMERF groups usu- ally want quality facilities in an easy to find location. Most of them require overnight accommodations along with a variety of meeting room set ups for break- outs, luncheons, etc. She said that the Cumberland Valley is enticing to groups from these markets due to its diverse lodg- ing choices and easy accessibility via major highways.
Ocean City, Maryland is a popular meeting place among SMERF groups for many of the same reasons it is such a successful vacation destination, including attractions like the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum
Photo courtesy: Ocean City, Maryland CVB 34 July August 2011
Ned Blair, meetings and conventions sales development leader for the Delaware Tourism Office, said that Delaware also offers a convenient location, affordability and diverse offerings. As a result, the SMERF market continues to represent a large portion of the state’s meeting and convention business.
The Delaware Tourism Office also is work- ing diligently to increase association busi-
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92