Beth Austin
Marketing Communications Coordinator;
Bostik; Middleton, Mass.
Describe your event.
The Americas sales and marketing meeting is an annual meeting for product training, discussing new products, and sales and marketing issues. The meeting was held at the Newport Marriott with 37 attendees.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Newport?
This was my second time holding a meeting in Newport. I had a great time two years ago, and Newport offers so much that I wanted to experience more.
What surprised you the most about Newport?
Its relaxed environment.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
Being close to the water and the center of town.
Was anybody particularly helpful at a venue or property?
Patricia Smurro from the Newport County CVB was extremely helpful from day one two years ago. When this meeting came up and I needed to look at locations I thought, “I need to call Patricia.” She put me in touch with Ryan Larkin at the Newport Marriott. We hit it off right away. Ryan was the best at working with my budget and making this meeting happen. Jennie Haywood was my event manager. She was always there when I needed her to make the meeting go smoothly. She was fabulous. Then there was Bruce Browning, also with the Newport Marriott. He did a wonderful job for me and my group. He was always there going the extra step and I so appreciated that. This was a team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without any of them.
I can’t say enough great things about the Newport Marriott. The staff there is so professional. Everyone always had a smile and nice words to say, even if you were just passing each other in the hall. There were times during the meeting that something changed without notice and the Marriott staff was very accommodating. The CVB also has a great staff. The meeting would not have been as successful without their support.
What other types of groups would fit well with the hotel?
The great thing about the Newport Marriott is that it offers a great amount of meeting space. Any group would fit well within this hotel.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
We had our first off-site dinner at the Atlantic Beach Club. It was a great, relaxing environment. Our second off-site dinner was at the Belcourt Castle. We had a Murder Mystery Tour there that everyone enjoyed.
Did you incorporate any interesting activities into the agenda? We hired Team Bonding to organize a scavenger hunt. The group went out on foot for two hours. This was great because it gave everyone a chance to experience Newport in a very different way, and they all loved it. The locals were very supportive and had a good laugh at us running around.
What local suppliers did you utilize?
I used the CVB for a multitude of reasons. Patricia Smurro was extremely helpful and directed me to venues that would fit my budget. Blackstone Caterers is the catering service I used for the dinner at Belcourt Castle. I used them two years ago and called them for this meeting. Marybeth Hunte was my contact, and she worked miracles to fit my budget. She was great to work with, and the food was so very good. Viking Tours was used for transportation to bring the group to Belcourt Castle. I rented a trolley, which made the experience feel great.
How does Newport compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
The great thing about Newport is that there are so many things to do, that one meeting can be so different from another. The meeting in June was nothing like the one I organized two years ago. They were both great experiences. I have organized meetings in New Hampshire, and in locations here in Massachusetts. Newport is a favorite.
Would you return?
Yes, in a heartbeat! I am already thinking about my next meeting and what I would like to do.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Newport?
The biggest piece of advice is to contact the Newport County CVB.