In late May, Lisa Neylon, CIS, our Senior Director of Global Sales traveled from Chicago to Newport/Huntington Beach, CA and documented the process. Join her on her journey and see what travel is really like as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
part 1
A Meeting Planner’s Video Journey
In late May, I flew from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to San Diego, CA to visit two resorts. Why? The coronavirus pandemic has rightfully ceased much of the meetings and events industry for the past three months. Now, as places across the country re-open, it was time for me to embark on a travel experience – from beginning to end – and share the process with our clients and community. To ask our clients to travel, we wanted to do it first; to make sure we have the facts and can navigate our clients to next steps.
Travel matters, as does the wellbeing of our clients, team members, and community. We look forward to advancing your story and being part of whatever the next chapter may be.
So, come along with me on my journey, enjoy this first episode (of three)… and get a little California sunshine.
part 2
A Meeting Planner’s Journey, Chapter 2
Last week, I introduced the first installment of my recent journey from Chicago to Newport/Huntington Beach, CA, to show what travel is really like as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. I’ve been amazed at all of the fantastic feedback received by those who watched the first chapter where I shared the air travel experience. As I noted then, our goal with this trip was to document the experience from beginning to end – so that our team has the knowledge and first-hand experience to help our clients and community make informed choices.
My first stop once I arrived in California was the amazing (you’ll hear I overuse this word) Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. The team was so accommodating – and there was so much to see – that we ended up with a two-part chapter this week:
In part one, I sit down with Kamia Kinchlow, director of sales, to hear how the resort has successfully adjusted to meet today’s needs. In part two, you’ll go behind the scenes to see how these new safety and sanitation protocols look across the resort.
Balboa Bay Resort on Making Meetings Happen
Behind-the-Scenes at Balboa Bay Resort
As always, we welcome the opportunity to advance your story and be part of whatever the next chapter may be. As for me, I look forward to sharing chapter three of my journey next week – stay tuned!
part 3
Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared the first few installments of my recent journey from Chicago to Newport/Huntington Beach, CA, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at travel today – and most importantly, how venues have pivoted quickly to ensure that we can all move forward with meetings safely.
I continue to be amazed at the fantastic feedback I’ve received from those who have watched and learned from my experience. It has truly empowered me and the rest of our team in our ability to help our clients and community navigate the new protocols.
My final stop in California was the fabulous Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, where I spent the day with Ben Stinnet, director of sales and marketing. The Newport Marriott is one of the few hotels that has remained open throughout 2020, all the while adapting its procedures to keep guests safe while still providing an exceptional experience. Join me as we take a look!
Meeting Expectations is a full-service event and association management company and we would love the opportunity to speak with you about your challenges and successes regarding events or associations. Contact us at info@meetingexpectations.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
