Most meeting and event planners have probably already read about how companies want more value than ever before from their meetings these days. While this can create more work for planners, there are some things you can do to keep costs down while increasing ROI.
Think Replacement
If you need to help the company save money on a tight budget, replace these meeting parts:
Replace the reception with a working lunch — this will let people meet and network, as well as enjoy a meal together. Replace the open bar idea with team building exercises or mind storming training–these programs have a much better chance of improving the ROI than a bunch of drunk employees blowing off steam. Replace entertainment with a spa wellness trip. You will have more refreshed folks ready to work. Replace land based venues with a cruise meeting, and save as much as 40%. Cruising is all-inclusive, so Planners may be surprised to know that meeting rooms, meals, A/V equipment and luxury accommodations are all included in one low price.
Think Reduction
What if your client says, “Okay, that’s wonderful, let’s cut out the reception, evening entertainment, and the open bar welcome reception meet-and-greet! So what do we do on the last day?”
Cut those activities, and tell the client that not only will they save on the usual expenditures that don’t improve ROI on the cost of the meeting, but they can eliminate the last night’s hotel bill as well.
By just replacing the non-ROI generating activities and events, you have already increased the value of the meeting. Your client will be grateful for that for a long time. And happy, satisfied clients translate to more meeting planning business for you in the future. So, it pays to find every way to cut out unnecessary expenses and increase meeting ROI for your clients.
Increase meeting ROI with a cruise event. Cruising offers a savings of as much as 40 percent of the cost of hotelvenues, since a cruise is all inclusive. Go to Seasite.com to use the state-of-the-art cruise meeting planner, and make your next company event a cruise event!
Tags: business, business meeting, conference, cruise meeting, event planner, incentive cruise, incentive planning, incentive trip, meeting planner, meeting planning, sales meeting, travel