Drive-to meetings can be one option in the planning arsenal to control costs as meetings costs rise for 2011 and beyond. Malinda Pettaway, associate director of sales for the Greater Raleigh CVB, offers some points to consider in the planning of these meetings:
- Negotiate free or discounted parking fees with your hotel or other venue.
- Look for easy-to-find lodging and venues near an interstate highway or other main road.
- Provide easy directions to the main meeting site and for locations where you hold off-site events.
- Plan to have your event contained in one property or work with your CVB to locate off-site venues within walking distance.
- Offer attendees pre- and post-meeting options and perks at nearby beaches or mountains. The CVB may be able to negotiate packages with other bureaus and hotels.