Though 2008 has proved to be a tough economy for many businesses, companies are still holding destination meetings in Rhode Island to encourage creative thinking and solidarity, albeit on a smaller budget.
Air travel prices are rising and the economy remains sluggish, but none of that has deterred travelers from flocking to Providence, an informal survey of downtown hotels reveals.
Meeting planners are most concerned with the size, look and cost of space when booking an event, but the extracurricular activities a city has to offer can make or break a deal.
When the Lifespan hospital group’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer David Hemendinger is choosing where to host a major corporate meeting, the list of logistics he checks out makes it sound as if he were planning a Madonna concert as opposed to a gathering of hospital executives. Lighting, speakers, video feeds, screen sizes – these are just a few of the considerations he takes into account.
The care and feeding of attendees at meetings and conventions has become something of a science in recent years. The public’s knowledge of nutrition has increased, as has interest in food in general. Local restaurant and hotel food-service meeting planners find themselves advising their clients on what to eat almost as often as when to eat during business gatherings.
