Tips for Planning an Executive Retreat
The experts at Woodloch have some tips for those who want to plan a truly remarkable retreat, starting with keep- ing an open mind when it comes to suggestions by the property sales team.
Allowing the sales manager to suggest what has worked well in the past can help a great deal. “If we can’t do it well, we won’t suggest it,”said Hugaboom.
Also, don’t over-plan, because some- times less can be more. With so many activities and events available between the three properties at Woodloch, it’s wise to allow a bit of free time for atten- dees so that the group can experience as much as they would like to enjoy.
Be sure to plan a site tour whenever possible before booking, as well. It is important to see the property,meet the staff and experience the hospitality firsthand before making any final deci- sions.
Finally, Hugaboom suggests, try to remain flexible. If a planner is able to be flexible with the dates of their func- tion, the resort staff can help guide them into available time frames that work best within their budget.
For those planning a retreat, the teamat Kalahari Resorts and Conventions advise that it is important to schedule adequate downtime for guests to give them enough opportunity to enjoy the facilities. In addition,make sure to con- duct a post-event evaluation in order to best prepare for future events.
One of the most difficult tasks in plan- ning an event is finding a location that will please everyone in the group. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s Tim Bugas suggests finding a property that offers wide range of activities and that can tailor meeting experiences toward the wants and needs of specific guests. “When planning a meeting or retreat at a destination resort, we suggest build- ing in time during the agenda for guests to experience all the property has to
offer,” said Bugas. “As new generations strive to find a work/life balance,we’ve found that philosophy of balance works well with our meetings, too. Instead of planning a traditional 8:00 amto 5:00 pmmeeting,we suggest find- ing time during the program to incor- porate unique experiences,whether it’s a teambuilding event or relaxing at the spa. This will elevate your guests’ engagement and productivity during the program.”
Facility events and rentals manager for the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center and the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station™, Debbie Joyner, sug- gests choosing a unique venue and pro- gram for attendees. “Choosing a ‘stand- out’ venue or program will spark inter- est beforehand, inspire while there and be memorable for the team,” she said.
Joyner added that it’s important to understand the goals of the meeting prior to planning, and also to choose a venue and program based on those specific goals.
Cindy McQuaid, director of sales and marketing for Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center, suggested choosing a venue that understands and can fully support the mission of the meeting or training session.
Attendees of executive retreats and high-level meetings and events will enjoy the many services and amenities of resort destinations such as these. Planners will appreciate the exception- al service and abundant variety of offer- ings from which they can choose for their itineraries.
Outstanding facilities, excellent meet- ing space and top-notch services along with numerous team building and group activities will serve to go a long way toward creating superior retreat experiences for attendees.
Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy has extensive public rela- tions experience in the hospitality industry,having
worked for the Atlantic City Convention andVisitors Authority and with Morton's The Steakhouse.
lmullanaphy@gmail.com
RobertsEventGroup.com 215.887.7880
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 39
RELY ON ROBERTS
Events Entertainment Destination Management
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