You’ve heard the term “finding a needle in the haystack.” You’ve probably experienced its meaning firsthand several times over, especially if you are a corporate meeting planner who has had to look for activities and diversions outside the meeting. However, sometimes it’s not enough to find a needle–it needs to be a certain kind of needle, a golden one that will make sure your client never forgets you (in a good way). Think about activities like this when you are trying to find the perfect diversion for your travelers.
Historic Tours
There are almost always tours of a city sponsored by a historical society or foundation. These are often by bus. Some tours are not guided, such as the various tours of San Francisco–you just get on the streetcar and follow the signs, getting off when you wish to view the area in more detail.
Special Interest
Let’s say you have a meeting of graphic designers and artists. By the time the conference is mostly over, they may be tired of the subject. You can still book a diversion for them that is interesting and still artistic. Why not look for a laser light show, or a night at an artistic music performance like The Blue Man Group? Is there a Cirque Show around?
When You Can’t Send Them Out
You may have a meeting that is just jammed. There is no time for anything outside the walls of the conference center. This means that if entertainment is needed, you have to bring it to them. Outside of the regular reception entertainment, you may need to find a local act. This is easier than you think. The aforementioned cirque has lots of local knockoffs, there are sometimes laser shows that are portable, and you can get displays of all kinds to set up wherever you are.
Often just a call to the local entertainment agents will give you all sorts of ideas. Make that one of your first contacts when you get a gig.
