According to a recent Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) price index forecast, spending on meetings and events is growing, with five percent per attendee per day expected in 2013. “Booking windows have increased as organizations are more confident in their own performance and thus their ability to invest in meetings and events to drive business,” the report states. CWT further notes that advance book- ings for the coming year are already as strong as mid-2012.
Small meetings represent a substantial portion of these bookings. When seeking sites, corporate and institutional planners of small meetings expect and appreciate the same care and service from venue professionals that a huge convention enjoys.
“Location, convenience and affordability are what I look for when booking,” says Pam Smith, event manager for Lansdale, PA-based Mobile Air Conditioning Society. “Plus, great service and a great facility are often rewarded with return visits.”
Although reports indicate more meetings, this does not mean that budget watch- dogs will slacken spending reins. CWT predicts that airfares will rise by 3.4 per- cent next year. A smart solution to higher travel costs is to book small meetings at drivable destinations. There are innumer- able choices that offer exciting packages designed for ROI.
First stop, Saratoga Springs, NY, land of health, horses and history. Here, Todd Garofano,
president of the Saratoga
Convention and Tourism Bureau, reports a huge boom in semiconductor and emerg- ing technology industry activity.
The launch of University of Albany’s School of Nanoscale Science and Engineering coupled with Sematech’s relocation from Austin, TX to New York’s state capital presents a plethora of small meeting possibilities.
“We’ve hosted the SEMI Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Confer- ence for the past two years. As a result of the success of these events, Saratoga was chosen for SIA’s World Semiconductor Council meeting, which brought together
10 November December 2012
35 CEOs and top industry leaders. This conference is held in the U.S. only every six years. If just one of those attendees recognizes what we have to offer, we can look forward to many more bookings,” notes Garofano.
SEMI ASMC’s 2013 conference is already set for Saratoga, but Garofano stresses all eggs aren’t gathered from this market. Organizations representing various fields select Saratoga not only for its beauty and wide range of creative meeting theme options, but for the special attention they receive while there. Major metropolitan markets don’t always cater to small groups - Saratoga does. “We do very well with board meetings, corporate retreats and incentive groups,” observes Garofano. “Saratoga is a quick-access getaway that gives guests all the amenities of a large resort at lower price points.”
Among those amenities is Broadway, which was recognized by The American Planning Association as one of the top 10 Great Streets in the United States in 2012. Known for its architecture, building facade improvements, compatible new construction, revitalization and diversity, this is the place meeting participants love to browse. From shopping to culture, it’s bound to be on Broadway.
Perhaps the greatest draw, however, is the sport of kings. Saratoga Race Course, the oldest operating sports facility in the
nation, will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2013. Garofano shares some ideas for meetings wrapped around the track and other popular area attractions. Shortly after arrival, join colleagues at an opening reception at Saratoga National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. Other organizations may prefer to start their day instead at the National Museum of Dance or Saratoga Performance Art Center.
Enjoy breakfast at the track and watch horses workout. Between meetings, which can be held in the race course’s private suites that accommodate 40 to 60 people, go on a private tour of the back track and discover some secrets from the world of racing, polo and other equine competi- tions. Golf, shopping and pampering are part of the package that brings meetings back again and again.
Saratoga also is heralded for its natural springs. Mineral baths, followed by sooth- ing massages, are extraordinary perks that planners seek when booking small meet- ings. History buffs delve into the annals of the Revolutionary,
Civil and 1812 wars.
The Battle of Saratoga marked the turning point of the Revolutionary War, a feat that planners sometimes incorporate into team building programs.
Toast your meeting at the track’s famous Siro’s and you may just have some celebri- ty tales to take home. House star Hugh Laurie and World Series champion
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