Location, Location, Location…..more important than ever
It’s no secret that ambiance and scenery help to create the proper mood for an event, but now a study by The Deck at the National Theatre confirms just how important it is for meeting planners in selecting a location. The study was highlighted in the article, Planners prefer room with a view, says research, in which participants were asked to identify the leading factors when selecting a venue for their event. Among their choices were: scenery and setting, ambiance, flexible facilities, quality of catering and service. For a large majority, scenery and setting ranked higher than quality of catering and service.
“The survey also revealed that given the right vista, bookers are also very keen to utilise outdoor spaces, whether for pre-dinner drinks, backdrops for photographs, a change of scenery or simply a breath of fresh air.”
When you think about it, it actually makes perfect sense. The one sure fire way to create a memorable event is to host it at a memorable location. Setting and ambiance definitely set the tone and create the energy that will fuel the event. More importantly, the announcement of an event to be held at a unique location tends to create anticipatory buzz and increased participation.
Let’s try this example…
You receive two invitations for corporate events. 
One function is being held at a local high-end hotel. You know the drill, cocktail reception in the lobby waiting area, open to the ballroom with standard setup, rubber chicken and mediocre service. Second function is being held aboard a cruise ship. Private reception on deck, ocean breeze blowing, sky blanketed with a thousand stars, to be followed by gourmet meal in a lavish dining room and ending the night with a spectacular Broadway-style show. Which would you get excited about attending? Now what if the cost for the second option was comparable to and in many cases less than the first?
Cruise ships are also able to provide one thing many hotels simply can’t…CHOICES. Whether you want an outdoor reception in the middle of the ocean, a variety private meeting venues with state of the art equipment (included at no additional cost), or a customized program for your guests, cruise ships can usually accommodate most requests. In addition, with the world as your backdrop, there’s no better way to create the perfect ambiance and setting.
Given the limitless possibilities, is there any reason not to CRUISE into your next corporate event or meeting?
