
When listing the pros and cons of a meeting or event venue, it is important to evaluate all the possibilities, including holding meetings or events at a resort. Choosing an option that’s just economical may mean losing out on important value-added amenities that will draw more attendees in and keep them engaged throughout. For some, resorts may seem too expensive or inappropriate for meetings, but upon closer examination, the benefits gained through meeting at a resort simply outweigh the uncertainty.
The advantages resorts offer are limitless. Resorts boast a variety of cost saving options, teambuilding activities, all-inclusive planning and extensive family-friendly perks. Special amenities and package deals make resorts an outstanding option for a meeting or event. Resort locales also lend themselves well to achieving meeting goals and objectives and, of course, having a fun and relaxing time.
Packages put together by resorts allow for networking and teambuilding opportunities that are hard to establish in the confines of a typical conference or meeting venue. Teambuilding and networking skyrockets on the golf courses, tennis courts, nightclubs, lounges, spas and other resort locales that are not commonplace at other meeting facilities. Attendees can enjoy themselves and gain a lot from their resort experiences.
By holding an event or meeting in a new and exciting environment, such as at a resort, attendee creativity, problem-solving and communication skills can soar among event participants. Resorts provide attractive surroundings and help boost attendance while providing ample space for general sessions, workshops and programs for families.
Plus, with tighter budgets, companies are under more pressure to keep meeting costs as low as possible while retaining quality programming and content during meetings and events. Savvy planners typically uncover money-saving opportunities at resorts while maintaining overall value.
Cost Saving Advantages
A common barrier, when considering resorts, is the concern that the venue may be too expensive for the allotted budget; however, value and ease must be accounted for as well. Resorts exude an aura of relaxation and comfort that undoubtedly boost participants’ willingness to attend and participate, increasing the revenue and quality of your meeting or event. Most importantly, make sure to work with the resort to negotiate contracts that work well with your meeting budget.
If cost is holding you back, keep in mind that savings can be found in unlikely pockets of your budget. For instance, if a meeting planner can be flexible with event dates, there are savings that can be discovered. Resorts have shoulder time, between high and low traffic influxes, in which a planner can take advantage of cost-saving opportunities. The resort’s off-season may even correspond better with your specific meeting in terms of attendee availability, seasonal opportunities and the meeting/event theme.
In many instances, planners might not consider all of the benefits and conveniences of staying onsite, especially those associated with transportation costs and hassle.
Additionally, many resorts have joined the discount battle, offering lower rates, cutting fees and adding freebies to attract meetings and events. With various amenities available at resorts, meeting planners can cater meetings to fit their specific needs, deciding what is and is not necessary, thus resulting in more savings and higher dividends.
All-Inclusive Options and Planning
Many resorts assist planners in devising programs that meet their objectives. Resort personnel are experienced in planning meetings and maximizing the use of their facilities. Numerous times, resorts shine when providing planner assistance, thus making it easier to market and plan a meeting.
Whether you are looking for live entertainment, nightlife, teambuilding activities, golf, spa retreats or a great place to hunt or fish, resorts can accommodate varying requests. All groups have different needs and meeting planners can contact an onsite resort planner to create a one-of-a-kind resort experience, all while taking in unique resort hospitality.
The list of services and activities at many resorts literally go on and on. Unlike other meeting facilities, numerous lodging and dining options are available onsite. Resorts are able to create an ideal meeting scenario that is not only productive but memorable.
Planners can eliminate the hassle of choosing one or two activities that all participants will enjoy by choosing an all-inclusive package. These packages eliminate the hassle of buffet-style planning and put the attendees in charge of what they would like to do, without the financial strains of a few, varied options.
Obviously, resorts can score big points for their event complex setup. Facilities, meeting rooms, special-event venues and leisure activities are often all within the same complex or in close proximity to one another, allowing guests to walk from one area to the next with limited hassle. A resort’s self-contained campus makes meeting planning simple and saves time. The financial expenditures on ground transportation costs is drastically reduced as well.
Teambuilding and Social Networking Options
Resort amenities allow for meetings that balance general sessions and breakouts with memorable and invigorating leisure activities. They create an environment for opening minds, stimulating conversation, generating ideas and increasing productivity.
If innovation is the goal of your meeting, look into booking a resort. By placing event attendees in scenarios they wouldn’t normally encounter, industry networking, socializing and teambuilding opportunities are sometimes more original and unique than they would be at typical meeting venues. Horseback riding, tennis, zip lining, golfing, snowmobiling, river rafting and other exciting resort activities may ignite a participant’s creative or adventurous side while allowing them to relax and forget about everyday stressors.
Resorts make it easy for attendees to mix business with pleasure. With various amenities and teambuilding activities available, they can help you set up a meeting to promote a desired outcome, such as effective communication, problem-solving and confidence building.
Family-friendly Possibilities
With families cutting back, some are using work-related meetings and conferences as a family vacation. Resorts can accommodate this by negotiating group room rates for family-oriented days before or after meetings. By setting aside resources for this, meeting planners may increase attendance for the event, meeting or conference. Attendees may be more apt to utilize their work travel opportunity as a family vacation, saving themselves time and money.
Many resorts have more to offer families than typical hotels do. They have the ability to entertain everyone by catering to the event specifications as well as family members through their extensive range of activities and services. While one family member attends meetings, the others can utilize the many resort amenities. Resorts keep everyone on property; families can relax onsite without taking a separate vacation.
All resorts are different and offer varying amenities. With everything onsite, convenience is a standard. For meetings and events, resorts provide an unparalleled opportunity for teambuilding and networking in a comfortable and inviting setting. Consider choosing a resort for your next meeting or event.