Q: Mary Ellen, I have a group of 30 people that I need to arrange airport arrival and departure transportation for. I want to have a “meet and greet” service but I don’t have a large budget. Any suggestions about what I should do?
A: There is a way that you can still offer a “meet and greet” service that won’t break your budget.Your “meet and greet” service provider can recommend an area at the airport where they can station staff. Often the airport will have small kiosks that you can rent for a nominal fee and have the groups name displayed.
What you need to do is to station two meet and greet staff in this area. One will stay and greet your passengers and one will escort your guests to their pre-arranged vehicles. You’ll need to outline this procedure in your written brief to your guests. For further savings, you can eliminate meet and greet at the hotel by having the driver communicate directly with the hotel door staff.
Mary Ellen Tristram is a DMC expert and partner at WTTC.com.
Do you have a DMC-related question that you’d like answered? Ask Mary Ellen by sending your questions to met@wttc.com.
Q: Mary Ellen, it’s Christmas but I feel I’ve been given a lump of coal. I’ve been asked to organize a cocktail reception for senior management at the last minute. The budget is small and I’m feeling stuck. How do I look good for the bosses but still keep things interesting and on budget?
A: It’s always a challenge when there are last minute requests. Grin and bare it is often the best policy but a couple of creative solutions can really save the day.
If you can, try and piggy back on another event for the !Wow! factor – say a tree lighting ceremony or choral singing presentation. Hotels or restaurant private rooms are another good starting point. In the current economic climate, they can be very receptive to last minute business. Remember this and don’t forget to ask for favors.
Another good idea is to make sure your reception is not held over the dinner hour otherwise your guests will expect to be fed - and there goes the budget!
If it’s the right crowd make them roll up their sleeves and help pack Santa Boxes. Then reward them with light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments – doesn’t have to be alcoholic. A hot chocolate or tea tasting with a Tea Sommelier could be fun and still meet corporate polices!
Mary Ellen Tristram is a DMC expert and partner at WTTC.com.
Do you have a DMC-related question that you’d like answered? Ask Mary Ellen by sending your questions to met@wttc.com.
Q: Mary Ellen, I have to move 342 people from the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown to the Water Conservation Garden. How can I stretch my transportation budget and still make sure everyone gets to the venue?
A: If you are flexible on your transportation timing, consider providing a shuttle from the hotel to the venue. That way, you are able to move your guests using fewer coaches, which can reduce your costs by over twenty-five per cent.
Mary Ellen Tristram is a DMC expert and partner at WTTC.com.
Do you have a DMC-related question that you’d like answered? Ask Mary Ellen by sending your questions to met@wttc.com.
