Gaylord Properties
Optimizing Networking Through a Destination
Meeting planners know that one of the top reasons people attend a meeting or convention is to network. Understanding this important facet of a meeting can play a large role in deciding on which destination to choose for an event.
Here are the top five things to look for when picking a destination to enhance networking opportunities:
- Easy Navigation – Choosing a destination that is easy to navigate can help attendees not only make it to their sessions on time, but also network close to their meeting location. These destinations tend to offer a safe and walkable community with a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment venues that provide options for groups to explore and build relationships after their scheduled programs. It also allows meeting planners to plan off-site evening and day events without having to worry about transportation.
- Flexible Space – Finding a destination with a host hotel or convention center that offers flexible space is vital for networking. The ability to create unique receptions, team-building events or vender showcases are just as important as learning sessions. Larger hotels, like Gaylord Hotels, can offer the flexibility needed to customize space for these events. The size of our resorts mean that meeting planners can work with a large footprint when determining the best setting for their networking offerings.
- Interactive Attractions – A destination that offers a variety of attractions or interactive offerings make for the perfect off-site networking location. Whether it is a museum, ballpark, casino, outdoor activity or culinary class, attendees can find common ground when discovering new experiences. It allows for great conversation, team-building and boosts overall morale, especially when working side by side on crafting one’s own cocktail or testing one’s balance on a paddleboard.
- Local Flavors – Food and beverage is another extremely important part of a meeting or convention – as food is known to bring people together. Choosing a destination with a great culinary scene provides the opportunity to organize dine-around events for attendees to bond while discovering the unique flavors of the destination. Host hotels can also play a role in bringing those local flavors inside.
- Partnership – Another important component in choosing a destination is to determine if the host site has partnerships. If an event planner networks locally, it will ultimately make the meeting planners life easier. Gaylord Hotels’ meetings and events team partners daily with area outlets to guarantee a variety of off-site networking. Choosing a destination rich in partnerships is key to creating a smooth, well-planned meeting or event when looking for off-site networking opportunities.
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Combining the magnificence of our spectacular resorts with an unrivaled personal touch guarantees the increased flexibility and efficiency you need to create your perfect meeting. It's a philosophy every bit as unique as our properties themselves, and an experience you'll only find at Gaylord Hotels — where higher standards plus superior value make the difference between just another good meeting and the best meeting you've ever had.
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