What is more luxurious than arriving at a conference where it feels like some of the most accomplished leaders in their fields have gathered to help you shine? The community curated for Smart Meetings Luxury Experience at Conrad Orlando in Evermore enjoyed exactly that experience. From a serial C-suite executive changemaker to a #1 hitmaking band, the volume dial on impact was turned all the way up at the five-star resort.
Tips for an Elevated Site Inspection
While gathered at one of the newest resorts in Florida built at the edge of a crystal clean turquoise lagoon, leaders from DMC, destination and meeting planner perspectives, shared their secret for conducting site inspections that deliver over-the-top events. Terramar Vice President of Global Engagement Kate Patay, PMC Senior Events Procurement Manager Michelle Thornton and Visit Sacramento Chief Convention Sales & Services Officer Mariles Krok dished about luxe touches that uplevel the experience.
“It’s all about attention to details, making everything personalized and exclusive,” said Thornton.
Communication is everything when taking time to visit properties. Being clear about what you want to see, what you don’t need to see and what is import
ant to your group will streamline the number of steps that would have been wasted checking out every room type when your group really needs to know how long it will take to get to the lobby bar from the ballroom and how late it will be open. “Sometimes it is the property that listened best that wins the day,” said Krok.
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Patay suggested using the time to talk to the chef and catering services manager to brainstorm ways to up the level of service beyond the expected. “Create bespoke moments from the beginning with welcome beverages (leaded or unleaded) that set the stage for a thoughtful stay,” she suggested.
In an in depth pre-education session and a quick tips visit on the main stage, Animatic Media CEO Scott Frankel shared an AV Site Inspection Checklist that similarly focused on the details to look for, including accurate laser measurements that take into account obstructions in the walls and ceilings and loading dock limitations.
Love This Meeting Prof Life
In addition to conducting an exclusive concert at the legendary Mangos Tropical Cafe, the number 1 country duo Locash (See photo at top) sat down to spill the beer about the best way to work with artists for corporate events. It turns out the two love getting the group interacting with what’s happening on stage.
“We’re not singing to them, we’re singing with them,” said Preston Brust in an interview with Romeo Entertainment Group President and CEO R.J. Romeo on stage. “We want to make sure that they laugh. It’s one of the greatest things in the world to do for someone,” said Chris Lucas, the other half of the songwriting duo behind such hits as “I Love This Life,” “Hometown Home” and “I Know Somebody.” The pair also wrote the classic, “Truck Yeah” for Tim McGraw.
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Sure enough, that evening, Brust was off the stage, getting everyone on the dance floor, singing an ode to Smart Meetings and making memories. “The magic happens when you can see people out of their element for a moment,” he said.
Secrets of Impact Makers
Entrepreneur and Author Jen Buck is a massive advocate for creating impact by leveraging the nuances of neuroscience, including the power of activating all the senses.
The challenge today is curating and specializing something unique that audiences have never seen before. “When people feel something deeply, that gets locked in the deepest part of their brains. That connection, that moment, that magic has to be the goal for every single thing that we do,” she said.
The way to do that is by pulling the levers of laughter, novelty and nostalgia. “You can tickle positive emotional contagion by playing a song, activating a scent or getting people moving,” Buck said. Multisensory engagements that include touch, taste and surprise amplify the message—especially when it is subtly repeated. When attendees suddenly feel a heightened awareness of their body, they internalize details and memories are formed.
Read More: 5 Ways Neuroscience Drives Engagement at Events
If all fails, tell a story and make it meaningful. Better yet, let them participate in the story. After learning the mental tricks for designing shared purpose, the group retired to an adjacent ballroom to stuff fluffy buddies for children fleeing dangerous environments. To make that experience repeatable, Experience Kissimmee, which organized the connection with the nonprofit Help Now Osceola, shared resources for the stuffed animal shells, fluff and cute little outfits.
Your impact is your currency,” concluded Buck.
What is one thing you can do for your next event that no one was expecting?
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