Coordinating and executing a destination meeting or even a simple one-off event takes considerable effort and a dedicated team. Likewise, creating a destination experience requires the help and knowledge of local experts. Calling upon destination marketing organizations (DMO’s) or CVBs in the early stages of planning will help streamline the entire site selection and RFP process and introduce valuable resources to ensure a successful experience.

DMO’s pack big benefits for destination meetings

Pre-planning – Finding the ideal location for your next group program, one that checks all the boxes and can deliver authentic experiences, ease of access, value, service and comfort, is a huge responsibility. But, the process can be streamlined with the help of a DMO. As the local experts, DMO’s can provide key information to help meeting planners make educated decisions. Connect with your DMO early on, as they’ll be able to provide more than just an overview of the area. Take a close look at the website of your possible destination for meeting inspiration, including venue ideas, food and beverage trends, suggested itineraries and destination-specific activities. One look at Visit Newport Beach’s site and you’ll know this is a thorough DMO, with a love for its community, businesses and experiences that highlight the area.

First-hand knowledge – As the Destination Marketing Organization for Newport Beach, CA, Visit Newport Beach represents the destination to meeting planner’s nationwide and is responsible for bringing group business to the area. In order to do so, the Visit Newport Beach team has cultivated strong partnerships within the industry and has earned the respect of meeting planners, hotels and suppliers.

Working as an extension of both a hotel sales team and a meeting planner, Visit Newport Beach often acts as an intermediary. They can offer objective information to meeting planners because they have in-depth knowledge of hotel properties and their needs, and are aware of what may be going on in the destination that can affect a competitive, timely RFP response.

Incentives & Resources – DMOs may offer funds or sponsorships to clients considering their destination. These resources can be used to help extend the meeting budget. Visit Newport Beach, for example, offers support to groups with a qualified RFP, and can provide resources to groups who have selected a Newport Beach hotel. With their company’s expectations and budget to meet, meeting planners are often charged with over-delivering. Partnering with the local DMO will save time and resources and help groups get the most out of their destination experience.

A strong DMO can boost your destination meeting experience

Praise for Visit Newport Beach – Visit Newport Beach assists its partners by simplifying the site selection and planning process with customized site visits, local expertise and meeting resources. The team prides itself on the VIP treatment and elevated experiences meeting planners receive when interacting with Visit Newport Beach and the entire hospitality community. Regardless of meeting size, Visit Newport Beach invests the same heightened attention and dedicated service for every meeting planner and small meeting that visits.

In turn, partners have come to appreciate the knowledge and value Visit Newport Beach offers and recently recognized the local DMO with industry praise and honors including the 2019 Smart Stars Award for the top CVB/DMO in the west. This honor is quite meaningful as it comes from meetings industry professionals who share their experience of working with our team; from the RFP to site visit, to property selection and program execution. Additionally, industry leaders such as Deborah Cartwright, manager global accounts at HelmsBriscoe has high praise for the team, “Visit Newport Beach will treat you and your clients like royalty. This CVB will knock your socks off and make you shine in your client’s eyes. They are accommodating, professional, generous and fun. During our time in Newport Beach, we were picked up by an executive SUV, treated to a Duffy electric boat experience, a tour by electric bikes and then dinner. They do all the work for you, are extremely organized and very efficient.”

According to Michelle Donahue, vice president of sales at Visit Newport Beach, “No other destination dedicates as much time, resources and talent to the small meetings market as Visit Newport Beach. Our gorgeous coastal community of Newport Beach, CA offers small meetings sophisticated allure with heightened attention: the perfect combination to make you feel like the big business you are.”

When you’re ready to begin organizing your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this Pacific paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships, and valuable resources.