Hosted PEI FAM tours help develop relationships with planners who have business for the Island.
A couple of great weeks ushered in an annual business tradition; the Meetings & Conventions PEI familiarization tour. Meeting planners from organizations across Canada were invited by Meetings & Conventions PEI in two separate PEI “FAM” tours in June and July.
In total 17 planners, with the potential of bringing more than 2600 delegates, and more than $3 million in future meeting potential, have attended our two FAM tours. Meetings + Incentive Travel, the Canadian voice of the business events community, posted survey results on FAM Tours which showed that the number one program elements for a FAM trip are off-site activities, dining and attractions for their delegates. Planners enjoyed three days and two nights of hotel and accommodation visits, meeting venue sites, island experiences, sun, sand and lots of amazing Island food.
“Hosting familiarization tours help to showcase PEI to an audience of high-potential meeting and event planners and build strong relationships between planners and our organization. Convention delegates leave a significant impact of direct spending and induced spin off that drives economic activity in our communities’’
says Ann Worth, Executive Director with Meetings and Conventions Prince Edward Island.
“This important event could not be possible without support from our many industry partners and suppliers we work with every day to sell Prince Edward Island as a fantastic place to live, meet, work and play.”
Mighty Georgetown inspires delegates
In June a small but mighty FAM day was staged in Georgetown. In a tow n of less than 1000, local business owners came together to deliver an experience with big impact. Delegates started at Shoreline Designs where owner Peter Llewellyn facilitated a unique jewelry making workshop. FAM delegates helped to fashion their own hand-made silver rings! Lunch was hosted by Perry Goetell aboard Tranquility Cove Adventures. Robert Pendergast provided entertainment and an excellent lunch, followed by dessert from Richard & Stacy Toms at Georgetown’s own, Maroon Pig.
As a result of experiences like these, where small businesses got together and wowed delegates, all participants in the June FAM were inspired to book future business on the Island. From 2013-2017 Meetings & Conventions PEI investments in FAM tours have resulted in 29 confirmed meetings, 8600 delegates and $9.8 million in delegate spend on the island.
“History has shown us that getting a planner to the island is the best way to get them excited about our destination and get a significant return on investment.” says Worth. “Delegates leave our Island with the details they need on our location, and warm memories of our destination”
“Truly, truly, I have never, EVER in all my years experienced a welcome like it.
You went over the top in every way. PEI is absolutely the most amazing destination
– it has it all –
natural beauty, quality product, tip top service and amazing first-class cuisine!
I will be bringing clients!”
Ruth Abrahamson, Planner
Base Consulting and Management Inc.
Meetings & Conventions PEI is responsible for bringing meetings and conventions to the province. One of the marketing goals of M&CPEI is to increase shoulder season awareness. This year the organization is hosting a FAM mid-September which will focus on all the Fall experiences the Island has to offer delegates.
The complimentary services provided by the MCPEI help to generate direct spending of $24 million dollars annually to the local economy.
Delegates from across Canada (and beyond)
have been ecstatic with the Island hospitality and experience,
often proclaiming that “this was their best conference ever!”.
Do you have a business event you would like to host on PEI? Come and attend a group or on-your-own-time FAM on PEI. Contact Meetings & Conventions PEI at 888.368.3688 , e-mail info@peimc.com or sign up online.