Arlene Davie, President and CEO, Travel Planners, Inc., San Antonio
Event Overview: Arlene Davie has brought several groups to Los Cabos properties, including the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association at the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa, the University of Pennsylvania Radiology Department at the Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos, and Boston University School of Medicine at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort. Attendance ranged from 120 people to 300 people. Boston University will be returning to the Hilton in January 2010, with 250 people expected.
Meetings West: What are the biggest selling points of Los Cabos for groups?
Arlene Davie: Excellent hotels, good meeting facilities, good service and a wide variety of activities—fishing, golfing, sailing, spa opportunities, unique dining experiences, shopping—and good accessibility by air.
What were the highlights of the program for attendees?
The size and quality of the hotels and the fact that the properties all have a distinctive ambience and are nicely spaced along the beach to prevent overcrowding.
What other feedback did you receive from attendees?
Cabo maintains its reputation as a superior destination, and guests always enjoy their experience, although many attendees do comment that costs for food, taxis, transportation and golf are more expensive than other resort areas in Mexico.
Do you have any suggestions for other planners on navigating the customs process?
Be sure to work with a reputable broker who will assist in clearing materials through customs, provide accurate paperwork on all materials being shipped, and ship materials at least 10 days prior to the commencement of your program, allowing for weekends and local holidays when delivery of shipments may be delayed. Send materials air freight through an airline, for ease in tracking.
What off-site venues did you use?
We held a dinner cruise that was very popular, and we did cocktails in the main plaza of San Jose del Cabo, a dinner party at Los Flamingos restaurant and a cocktail and dinner party at La Panga Antigua, which was very memorable.
What types of excursions and activities did you incorporate into the program?
Deep-sea fishing tournaments, golf tournaments, sailing competitions on America’s Cup vessels from Australia and New Zealand, and cultural tours of San Jose Del Cabo.
What was your experience with local suppliers?
We use IVI Destination Management in most areas of Mexico where we plan meetings (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, San Jose, Mexico City and Merida) for airport transfers, registration, sightseeing and special off-site events. They are professional, reliable and quick to respond in the preplanning stages as well.
Do you have any advice for other planners bringing groups to Los Cabos?
Once you have made your hotel selection, rely on the expertise of a local DMC to assist with your program. They will become an invaluable extension of your staff.