How To Take a “Work Vacation”

By Amy Colbourn, Managing Director, Business Strategist at MONOGRAM

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve checked into a hotel on the beach or in a lively city only to spend days in a hotel conference center migrating from hotel room to conference room to ballroom to trade show reception, never to set foot on sand or see the city. While preparing the team for an upcoming business trip to Park City, Utah, a colleague of mine shared that her four-year-old son refers to her business trips as a “work vacation.”

Little does he know, there is no vacationing when it comes to work trips and business travel. Or is there?…

Location, Location, Location: Picking the Perfect Place for Corporate Meetings and Conferences

Corporations that choose meeting spaces based on location can vary significantly depending on the industry, size of the corporation, and specific meeting needs. However, some surveys provide insights into the importance of location when it comes to corporate meetings and business events.

A survey by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) found that over 50% of meeting planners consider location as one of the top factors when choosing a meeting venue.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) reported that location is a crucial factor for 70% of companies when selecting a meeting space, especially considering factors like accessibility, convenience for attendees, and proximity to amenities.

These statistics underscore the fact that location is a critical factor for a significant percentage of corporations when choosing meeting spaces. If all of this consideration goes into picking the perfect location, then why aren’t we taking advantage of it?

Work Trip? Pack your Sneakers.

To get more out of your trip, consider these simple things next time you’re planning a business trip.

Tack on an extra day or daypart to your trip
Use this time to find something fun to do in the place where your business is taking you. Stop by a museum, visit a nearby park, indulge in regional cuisine, or shop at a local boutique.

Get coffee
Skip the in-room coffee maker and instead make a point to visit a local coffee shop. Spend an hour catching up on email and taking in the local scene.

Pack your sneakers, every time
Before the day starts or after your meetings are over, get out of where your meeting or conference is taking place and take a walk around the area. There is no better way to experience a new place than on foot.

Maybe the four-year-old was on to something after all. It’s time to add a little vacation to your next work trip and adopt the new trend in business travel we’re starting called “work vacation.”

For more trends and insights on business travel and strategies for marketing corporate meetings and event space, contact MONOGRAM today to schedule a complimentary brand consultation with our team.