Operations Director; Murdoch Walrath & Holmes; Sacramento, Calif.
- Describe your event. This conference is a small group of approximately 20 to 30 attendees who are business owners in California that provide services and products to California K-12 public school districts in the area of facilities and maintenance. They attend this conference to learn about California’s current budget, how to do business with public schools, current issues that may affect business, and what’s ahead. This conference has been held on Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island. Maui is the most popular and may be the future exclusive island to hold this event. The last conference was held in January of 2010 at the Sheraton Maui. We are returning to this property in January 2012.
- Why did you decide to host the meeting in Hawaii? It gives [attendees] the opportunity to network with one another in a setting far away from their day-to-day business and bring their families for a vacation.
- What surprised you the most about Hawaii? How relaxed attendees are during sessions.
- What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? That it was held in Hawaii and that there were so many options for excursions and cultural events. Also, they could get away from some wet or cold weather to a warm, sunny climate.
- Was anybody particularly helpful? All of the staff at the Sheraton Maui are very accommodating and friendly. From the sales team to catering and beyond, the experience was top-notch.
- Did you incorporate any interesting excursions or activities into the agenda? A catamaran sail and snorkeling.
- How does Hawaii compare to other destinations where you have hosted meetings? This same meeting has been held in Indian Wells, Calif. While the desert provided a very great resort destination, there’s nothing like being in the islands for this event.
- Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Hawaii? Do your homework. Talk to other groups that have held meetings in Hawaii. Contact the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) for information. Site visits are important to make sure you get the right fit for your meeting. There’s a lot to choose from, and rates and hotels vary. Joan Palmtag of the HVCB is a great resource for California-based groups looking to book Hawaii. Sherry Duong is also a great resource at the Maui Visitors Bureau.