Conference facilities
et’s meet in L Grenada
Jay Schleifer discovers the Island’s conference & meeting venues to talk business
“Business before pleasure,” the old adage goes. But progressive businesses know that, when it comes to their key employees, clients and associates, the two can, and should be combined. Especially when transporting their people to important conferences and meetings that are often as much a reward for past successes as a tool for planning those to come. This principle stands behind the worldwide business in hosting meetings and conferences, an industry that is, in a word, huge. One indicator of the market’s size is data from the British Association of Conference Destinations. In 2006, the last year reported, revenues generated by conference venues in the UK alone exceeded 7 billion pounds. Another clue to this market’s size is reporting by IBIS World that revenues from the sale of just the audio recordings of conferences were greater than $600 million in 2009.
It’s therefore no surprise that the hospitality interests of most developed regions want a piece of this opportunity. The Caribbean is no exception. Trinidad-Tobago has been especially aggressive in pushing for the business of business, billing itself as “The True Caribbean” and noting that four major hotels with extensive conference facilities will be opened in the next 12 months. Aruba, Barbados, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico also are among those actively pursuing the meeting market. To be a player, a facility must meet key criteria: ? Location that is both accessible and agreeable to the goals of the conference and to the needs and likes of its participants. ? A selection of conference spaces that can meet the needs of various sized groups, and that can be arranged in varied configurations, including theater, classroom, or U-shaped table. ? The amenities participants favor, in terms of inroom conveniences, dining options and recreational facilities ? Sufficient staff to support the event, trained in handling conference groups, at every step of the process, from group check-in to final session and
departure. ? Technology support in providing internet access, A/V equipment, copying and communications services. ? If needed, media facilities and translation services. The good news is that several Grenadian venues offer all these and also plusses not available elsewhere. One important differentiator: Grenada offers a level of exclusivity that more developed (some might say overdeveloped) Caribbean destinations can’t match. Conferees won’t find themselves jostling crowds of tourists as they meet, greet and eat. Business can be conducted in a quiet, efficient way during meeting hours, while still enjoying the full measure of sun, sky and azure beauty of the Caribbean when it’s time to relax. And the welcoming nature of the Grenadian people is instantly and constantly apparent. Here are some of the venues available: Grenada Trade Centre For a truly unique meeting experience, how about meeting in Grenada’s current seat of government!
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www.businessgrenada.com
Photo: Tony McQuilkin