Regional Events Planner
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
North Haven, Conn.
Describe your event.
I hosted our annual sales training conference for my Northeast sales team at the Hotel Viking in Newport last September. There were about 200 attendees. I bused them in from our offices in Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut. I was looking for a central location that would keep the travel time to a minimum for all three states. It was also important to find a location where we could walk and explore during the limited free time that was available.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
The group enjoyed the variety of restaurants and accessibility of shopping—all within walking distance.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
Jennifer Pitt, national sales manager at the Newport CVB, has been a great resource for me. She opened my eyes to venues I wasn’t familiar with and put me in contact with so many helpful contacts. Abi Sheehan, our sales manager at the Hotel Viking, was the key element in helping us accommodate this group.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property? This property is ideal for social and corporate groups. Executive-level retreats fit very well at this property and the town of Newport, a perfect fit with most any size group.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used for events or meetings?
Our first night I scheduled a dine-around at six different restaurants—all within walking distance of the hotel. The second night we hosted a clam bake (lobster dinner) at the Castle Inn. We dined on the patio in an enclosed tent overlooking the ocean. The restaurants in Newport were incredibly accommodating to my groups. Each restaurant provided special attention, great food and a wonderful experience. The entertainment could not have been better. Bruce Jacques is a one-man show. He sings and uses synthesized music, adding costumes as he becomes Madonna, Devo and even Britney Spears. He had my guests dancing in the aisles.
Would you return?
Absolutely! The feedback from my survey was the most positive we’ve had yet.