Freelance Council Chair
Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
Milwaukee
Describe your event.
It was a five-day meeting in early 2008 at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Banff and Lake Louise? The Freelance Council of the Society of American Travel Writers is always seeking exciting, interesting and scenic destinations that are excellent for story opportunities. The Banff/Lake Louise area is a major tourism destination and offers exceptional feature and photograph potential.
What surprised you the most?
The magnitude and beauty of the mountains [and the] size of Lake Louise.
What did your attendees enjoy the most?
The outdoor sporting challenges as well as the chance to meet and talk with locals about their extended community.
How do Banff and Lake Louise compare to other destinations where you have hosted meetings?
The members of the SATW Freelance Council are well-seasoned travelers who write about and photograph destinations around the globe. They and their editors know the value of prime locales, such as Banff and Lake Louise. The area has been a tourist mecca for generations and has long been a “must-stop” for journalists specializing in nature, environment, outdoors, skiing, hiking, and related topics.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Banff and Lake Louise?
Be aware of the distances from the Calgary airport and the time it takes to get attendees to Banff, especially for those needing morning departures after the meeting. If attendees need to make their own travel arrangements, planners should alert them to the transportation cost involved in getting back and forth from the airport if they use commercial services. Car rentals can also be a challenge, due to drop-off and pickup charges if they wish to reserve a vehicle in Banff rather than at the airport.