b'all-inlusivesPANDEMIC MEASURESCOVID-19 safety will remain a factor in meeting and event planning for some time to come, and thats as true for hotels and conference centres as it is for beachside resorts. Like any meeting venue, all-inclusive resorts have spent the last 18 months fine-tuning their health and safety practices.Like all hotels, resorts have had to take a step back and evaluate what we have to do to keep clients and employees safe, whether thats introducing new deep-cleaning programs, mandating personal protective equipment (PPE), enhancing our protocols or enforcing social distancing indoors, says Lowry.Its a lot, and sometimes we have people asking, Are we still going to enjoy ourselves with all this going on? she continues. Judging by the reviews and return business we see, people are totally fine with things. In fact, the feedback we get is that they have a great time and feel EAT, MEET, PLAY more secure.Dedicated spaces are common priorities for meeting organizers, and many resorts now host private andBUDGET-FRIENDLYcustomizable spaces for meetings, presentations or socialPrice is often the first consideration when booking a venue. activities. Moreover, planners can offset the costs ofAnd while the all-inclusive concept might seem pricier keeping their guests well-fed and refreshed by linking theirupfront, planners inevitably recognize the savings on the plans to the resorts food and beverage programs. back end.One of the first things we recommend is for groupsClients are used to looking at a room-only rate, so to take advantage of their resorts all-inclusive food andwhen they see a comparable all-inclusive rate that includes beverage packages, rather than pay for a separate meal,their food, meeting places and everything else, they are advises Chung. We also have various ways to keep grouppleasantly surprised, says Chung.meals, cocktails or gala dinners private by setting them Granted, the all-inclusive experience can be higher up in one of our larger spaces or reserving part of a depending on the venue, location and activities one dining room. decides to include. Even still, says Lowry, it pays to think Naturally, all-inclusive resorts are well-equipped when itahead: The earlier you book, the better rates you will get.comes to leisure and entertainment. Apart from scheduling free time at the pool, beach or recreational facilities, ready-made excursions can often be arranged for guests at favourable rates.If groups are staying at one of our resorts for multiple nights, we find that many like to go on an off-site excursion like a catamaran cruise or snorkeling, notes Lowry. The benefit is that resorts like ours have established relationships and rates with local businesses, so we can find them group rates on a lot of fun activities.Planners who are looking to keep plans close to home base also have options. Activities such as yoga, tennis, golf or beachside team-building activities are common fare at all-inclusive resorts. Moreover, says Lowry, resorts are happy to work with planners in designing events that are specifically tailored to their groups interests: For example, right now Im working with a resort that is going to host educational seminars for doctors. This particular resort is on over 50 acres of land, so were helping them organize a mini-marathon called the Doc Race that will end up onthe beach. AN ALL-IN ALTERNATIVECustomization is our strong suit, adds Chung. OnceThe all-inclusive option has its appeal. As with any venue we understand what the client is looking for and thedecision, however, it pays to connect with potential experience theyre trying to achieve, then we can bring alldestination teams to ensure your pick is a good fit for your our people and resources together to make it work. group and budget.Spring/Summer 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 21'