We recently had a prospective convention customer (let's call her 'Ann') come see Sacramento for the first time. Among the impressions with which she walked away was how her convention would garner the city's and entire Downtown convention/visitor package's attention. From the Sacramento Convention Center to the Sacramento area hotels to the attractions and restaurants and other visitor services, Ann's organization and her delegates would be welcomed as the primary meetings and conventions group in the Downtown core.
So why would that matter to Ann? As all/most of us are, she and her organization are facing the question "how do I provide and demonstrate increasing value of participating in my meeting while we're facing tighter budgetary and resource constraints?". One strategic leg towards that goal is to take advantage of relationships and networks.
The meeting professionals who tap into existing relationships are taking the first step along those lines. Moreover, those who recognize that a city's CVB and city leadership (business, government, academic) are able and available to open doors to new and regional experts and markets expand their reach and opportunities exponentially. A city and meetings/hospitality community that are focused on you and your meeting - where you're not just another name on the reader board - offers you that chance to tap into those new networks and opens new doors.
There are the basics on every meeting professional's check-list:
- - hotel/facility options
- - rates/prices
- - air access
- - things to do
- - etc.
But by going one or two steps deeper, by considering the ability of a city/community to give you their full attention and support, giving you access to their resources of time, talent, and networks, you and your organization will stand in a stronger position to conduct a conference that will be remembered as unique, rewarding, and a testament to your mission and brand. If they remember that meeting in that light, they'll be more likely to come back for more.
