No matter how disciplined your staff is, it's difficult for a destination convention to not feel like a vacation. The destination itself is always beautiful, and the weather is usually much better than it would be at home. Most organizers struggle to keep their team focused, and some can see profits suffer because of it. Seeking to overcome this problem, many managers have found a novel solution: make the convention part work and part vacation.

Why A Destination Convention?

There are many different reasons to hold a convention somewhere that's usually reserved for getaways and luxury vacations. For one, the beautiful setting helps attract visitors. The area itself may have some special historical tie to the industry. It might be tradition. It might also be that organizers have detected a market opportunity in the area, even if its primary income is from tourism. Whatever the reason, if the convention seems like it will benefit your company, it's wise to try it out. Traveling there might be more expensive, though bringing portable displays ensures you won't face additional shipping costs.

Staffing Your Trade Show Displays

Once you've decided to attend this type of exhibition, you'll want to immediately consider what staff you should take with you. Depending on the facilities available, it may be practical to hire experts from local companies to work at your trade show displays. However, you won't be able to interview those people ahead of time, so you can't be certain that they'll perform as you would like.

In most cases, it is advisable to take your own staff. They are guaranteed to know your company well, and to be able to explain things at your trade show displays. You also can interview them ahead of time and ensure that everyone is prepared. Although taking your own people helps ensure that your portable displays will perform well, it does introduce another problem: the problem of possible distraction by the new surroundings.

Leaving Time For Work And Leisure

One way to ensure your employees stay focused is by offering them additional time off at the destination spot in exchange for a strong showing at the trade show displays. Depending on the length of the convention, you might ask for their assistance over a two-day period and let them spend another two or three days relaxing at a resort. You don't need to pay for the additional relaxation; you'd simply offer them vacation time and leave it at that.

If you choose this path, you might need to reconsider your employee compensation for travel. Some companies that do this will pay for the flight out, which delivers its employees to the convention itself. They also pay for all costs related to the actual event itself, as is normal practice when traveling to a convention. After the exhibition, however, many companies will let their employees choose their own flight back and pay for it if they decide to stay and enjoy the destination. In essence, after the exhibition ends, the employees are using their time off and are responsible for paying for flights back. Of course, if your finances can support it, you can pay for plane fare back and even for accommodations during the vacation - your staff will become infinitely more dedicated to you as a result.

Even if you don’t choose to alter your normal routine for a special destination, at least visit the local attraction. With proper policy and a bit of planning, your portable displays will be successful and your staff will come home happy.