Donna Wikstrand
Vice President; Conference Hotels Unlimited; Hull, Mass.
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Describe your event. We did a meeting in May at Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club for one of our association clients. About 90 people were there for a two-and-a-half-day educational and networking program that combined meetings, golf and individual use of the spa.
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Why did you decide to host the meeting in the Berkshires? The people were
coming from all over New England, and Cranwell provides a great central geographic location. It was also a nice change for attendees who often think of resorts in the region being north or east of Boston. The Berkshires are west, and are a nice alternative that isn’t on most people’s radar. Also, it takes less time (about two hours)
to access those foothills. The region has so many cultural aspects, so you have them and the resort along with natural beauty, quaint towns for antiquing and so
on to keep everyone happy. -
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? The main part of the hotel is a grand historic mansion, and it has wonderful views of the rolling hills. They also liked having so much available for business and relaxation only a couple of hours away from their lives and realities.
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What were some of the unique off-site venues you used? The Norman Rockwell Museum is excellent for small dinners and corporate retreats. It’s on 36 acres in a beautiful setting, only about 15 minutes from Lenox and close to Stockbridge.
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How does the Berkshires compare to other destinations where you have hosted meetings? The combination of culture, history and great geographical location makes it an excellent site choice.
- Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to the Berkshires? Season matters. Take advantage of May, before the major season, when you can have wonderful weather, enjoy the amenities but not pay peak summer prices. Like most places, they are very interested in weekday business, so think of The Berkshires, especially if you’re in Boston. They have anything you want at a conference site, but there’s so much else to do. In only a couple of hours, you get a place that feels completely different.