Our Panelist

Margie Sitton Senior Vice President of Sales and Services San Diego Tourism Authority

The 10 stupid things

we all do

How to take control

so they don’t happen

to you

What to put in motion

before you go

Our Site Inspection

Webinar Roadmap

We miss opportunities for

great 1st impressions

Planner Difference Maker

Impressions are measured by expectations. Be sure your expectations for your program and site inspection are set and expressed in advance.

Set your expectation of business goals and critical take-aways.

#1

We don’t make meaningful

introductions and we don’t give

everyone something to do!

Planner Difference Maker

Make a list of people you

want to meet and

information you need them

to provide.

#2

We waste time showing things that

are not pertinent or of interest

Planner Difference Maker

Provide a prioritized

checklist of things you

expect to see. Make note of

things you do not want to

see as well.

#3

We aren’t knowledgeable enough

and do basic fact finding during the

site inspection

Planner Difference Maker

Share the foundational information about your program and organization, along with the intricacies that make it work!

Don’t forget attendee demographics and preferences.

#4

We don’t aid the decision making

process during the site inspection

Planner Difference Maker

Communicate clearly the priorities for making a decision. What’s critical? Who are the influencers and what are the deciding factors?

Include details of the decision making process.

#5

We talk, walk, point, and

state the obvious

Planner Difference Maker

Ask for a sit down. Get the lay of the land before you begin the tour.

State again face to face your priorities for the site and review hot buttons.

#6

We aren’t prepared

Planner Difference Maker

Note preparedness as an

indicator of things to come.

Site inspections are almost

always the best foot forward.

#7

We dump cards, brochures and

amenities

Planner Difference Maker

Be very specific about what

you want hard copies of and

what should be sent digitally.

Share your amenity

preferences in advance.

#8

We don’t take the opportunity to

discuss the hard stuff

Planner Difference Maker

Now is the time to address the hard stuff: attrition, cancellation, F/B minimums, ancillary fees.

Invite key players to roll up their sleeves and see if you can come together on key components of disagreement.

#9

We neglect the WOW

Planner Difference Maker

Ask to be impressed!

Challenge creativity and the

destination’s and the hotel’s

ability to differentiate

themselves from the pack.

#10

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