What’s it worth to avoid negative publicity? Plenty according to Corporate America. A recent study from Association of Corporate Travel Executives reports that sixty percent of decision makers surveyed said they would avoid a perceived resort location for a corporate event in favor of a less opulent setting — even if rates were better in the resort city — to avoid negative perceptions (from media, Congress, employees who couldn’t go, etc.).
My take: avoiding witch hunts are expensive and worth every penny. Buyers believe that it’s better to pay more and be safe than to explain yourself to a hostile crowd. This is good news for experts in second-tier cities who want speaking engagements without the plane ride. Check your local convention and visitor bureau calendars. You’ll be surprised who’s meeting in your city.
Tags: events, experts, meetings, strategy, Vickie Sullivan