Luxury is in the eye of the beholder. One person’s decadent spa soak may be another person’s rigorous trail ride.
The challenge for meeting professionals is to determine the appropriate amount of “me-time” and surprise and delight, balanced with confidence that their needs will be taken care of so they can focus on the content being presented. Smart Meetings Luxury Experience at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Rhode Island embraced the challenge with help from some friends.
The historic Classic Coast town of Newport, Rhode Island, is a New England gem built by eccentric rebels looking for religious freedom more than 300 years ago. It became a favorite in the Gilded Age as socialites built mansions to throw lavish parties in the summers, including Rosecliff, where Smart Meetings closing reception was held in the same ballroom that Robert Redford starred in The Great Gatsby.
The circa 1902 waterfront mansion—one of four that can be rented from Newport Mansions, the Newport County Preservation Society—just completed a $7.5 million restoration and cleaning.
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A Champion Mindset
What gift is more appreciated than the present of a fresh perspective? Two-time Olympic gold medalist Heather Moyse shared tips for making champion mind shifts, small changes in how you look at the world that can have powerful outcomes. “If you want to be a champion, you have to make champion choices,” she said. “Excuses are everywhere and we are more capable than we think we are.”
Smart Tip #1: Doubt Your Doubt. Whether it is a critical family member or the voice in your head, when you hear negativity, ask, “Are you sure?” Make choices based on data and evidence.
Smart Tip #2: Challenge Your Comfort Zone. Self-limiting beliefs, fear of isolation and judgement of failures can stop us before we get started. “Sometimes exposed is exactly how you have to feel to get to the next level,” said the woman who had to overcome her fear of wearing full-body spandex in front of millions on national television to compete as a bobsledder in four Olympic competitions. “My fear of looking back on my life and wondering, ‘what if’ had to be stronger than my desire for comfort.”
Smart Tip #3: No Regrets. Moyse echoed the wisdom we often hear, but seldom internalize. “We usually regret the things we don’t do more than the mistakes we make,” then added, “To have no regrets you need to have no excuses.” When it is all over, you need to know there is nothing more you could have done. You gave it everything you could have given.
Smart Tip #4: Perspective is Power. Instead of asking, “Can I?” Ask, “How Can I?” That turns the conversation to a solution focus instead of a binary choice.
Smart Tip #5: Believe in the Possibilities. Everything isn’t possible and there are no guarantees, but before anything can be achieved, you have to believe it is possible. “Remember highly unlikely doesn’t mean impossible—focus on the things in your control.”
At the end of the meeting, what counts isn’t that you accomplished a flawless program but the fact that you set yourself up for the best possible outcome.
Inspired Touches
Terramar DMC Vice President of Global Engagement Kate Patay and designer Jordan Carbotti shared tips for adding those little touches that make a powerful impression on guests.
Smart Tip #1: Visualize the Experience. Include photos with dress code inspiration in the know-before-you-go along with reminders about passports if the group is international and anything else that will help people visualize what they can expect and have a smooth transition to the event.
Read More: Lessons from an Over-the-Top Brand Experience Summit in Vegas
Smart Tip #2: Give People What They Want. The top-requested luxury request is one that is also budget-friendly: “me time.” Especially in a walkable, scenic place like Newport, Rhode Island, scheduling in some time to discover the area, answer emails or catch a nap is always appreciated.
Smart Tip #3: Offer a Personalized Service Ambassador. Prepare the hotel concierge with information about the group and sponsors so they can make better recommendations and anticipate the needs of attendees.
Smart Tip #4: Make Everyone Feel Special. Design VIP areas that are semi-private so people can see in through drapes and create tiers of access so the privilege is not divisive but aspirational and flows into other areas. Include a “red carpet runway” in your brand colors and hire “paparazzi” to take pictures and call out names for excitement.
Smart Tip #5: Leverage Pop Culture Influences. Look to inspirations such as Taylor Swift for colors, gifts and themes. You can tell if something is a flash-in-the-pan fad or a trend that will stick around by watching to see if they show up on multiple platforms—concert stages, runway shows, fast fashion.
