No taxpayer wants to see her hard-earned dollars being wasted by companies on the public bailout dime. Misused funds are one way American businesses got into their current predicaments in the first place. However, nixing meetings just because they look like they are in a “fun” place–and companies getting bailed out should not have any “fun”–has created tensions not only in the companies who are canceling their meetings, but with gaming community hotels and convention services, and the meeting planner.
As understandable as the restrictions are, they are largely unwarranted. Gaming communities, Las Vegas included, are hurting for business right now and have become flexible and cost effective for business meeting needs. Other considerations, such as travel within the city, large room blocks, and good meal choices, are also good for companies pinching pennies–much of Vegas is within walking distance, food is less expensive than other cities, and there are excellent choices of hotel rooms.
Not only that, but Las Vegas boasts one of the country’s best convention centers. The Las Vegas Convention Center is a three million square foot facility that offers flexibility in space, is in close proximity to many hotel, and offers high tech amenities. Of course other gaming communities have something similar, some on a smaller scale.
If you have been hired to plan a meeting and will need to market it, consider those facts when you prepare your materials. Don’t be afraid of public opinion–change it instead. Advertise that this choice will save so much money for this company, and find other advantages to broadcast to the public. Use the hotels’ and convention centers’ willingness to work with your client on pricing, space, amenities, food, etc., and get the news to the public.
Accept the challenge that the bailout restrictions have given you now and you will not only boost your client’s image while providing a great meeting destination, but you will also put another feather in your own cap. You will also have learned that you can not only make lemonade out of life’s lemons, but you can make a lemon meringue pie, too. Clients love pie.
