Lillian Novak
Director of Education, Marketing and Member Services
NACM Midwest, an affiliate of the National Association of Credit Management
Rolling Meadows, Ill.
Describe your event.
Part of our mission is to provide a forum for credit managers within the same industries to come together to discuss customers and current issues within their industry. NACM personnel handle the planning of the meetings as well as serve as antitrust law moderators. Our four current national meeting planners all enjoy good relationships with several properties in Clearwater Beach and St. Pete. Our National Home Centers Credit Group and our National Housewares/Consumer Products Credit Group meet four times each year back-to-back. Five of the past 10 November meetings have been held in the Clearwater/St. Pete area, with the November 2008 and November 2009 meetings already booked in the area. Our last meeting (November 2007) was held at the Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area?
The board of directors chose the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area for several reasons. The proximity to the Tampa airport and the great beaches play into the equation, but the main reasons are the value and the incredible service we receive from the properties themselves as well as from Jill Brown and Jeff Gassaway with the CVB [Tampa & Company].
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
This was the group’s first visit to the Sandpiper since its renovation. Many of the attendees were greatly impressed with the “new” property. It’s fresh, comfortable and hospitable. It never hurts to be on the beach, and dining options are good, too.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
I could not possibly say more about Mike Wagner or Deborah Probst [at the Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort]. These two individuals are among the most professional and helpful hotel staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I told them this when I was there, and I meant it. I wish I could have taken Deborah home in my suitcase! I have had similar experiences with Susan Blair at the Sheraton Sand Key, another favorite property of my groups.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property? I would say any type of small group would fit well at the Sandpiper, and for larger groups, their Island Grand Resort is equally suited.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
Most of the events were all at the hotel, but we did enjoy board dinners at Patrick’s and Madfish, both restaurants I look forward to revisiting. We are an active after-dinner group and really liked that we could walk from the Sandpiper to Ricky T’s and Jimmy B’s right along the beach.
How does St. Petersburg compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
We find the Gulf Coast much more affordable than the Atlantic coast, and the people are so much more accommodating. I try to direct my groups in this direction as often as possible.
Would you return? Absolutely! I currently have meetings booked at the Sandpiper for January 2009 and November 2009 and at the Sheraton Sand Key for November 2008.
