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The Group Travel Leader Going on Faith Select Traveler

Great After-Hours Events Leave Lasting Impressions

What is the main purpose for the activity?

After-hours events can have a variety of goals, but knowing the purpose will help planners narrow their options. Groups traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona, often take off-road Tomcar tours through the Sonoran Desert, which is team building as well as educational.

“Many times, they’ll stop halfway through the tour and educate folks on the flora and fauna of the desert,” said Erika Pumphrey, senior national sales manager at Experience Scottsdale.

Other locations simply provide an outlet for relaxation and fun, such as the Port City Brewery in Alexandria, which won the title for best small American brewery in 2015.

“They do something called Peddles and Pints, where you bike first and then come back and do the beer tour and tasting,” said Loyd.

In California, whale- and dolphin-watching tours are always a great way to unwind and enjoy coastal scenery, according to Lawrence Stafford, business development manager at Visit Marina Del Rey. Another popular pastime in the area is yoga paddleboarding, which takes place on a calm section of water adjacent to the beach.

“People often fall off the boards,” said Stafford with a laugh, “but that can make it humorous.”

What is unique to the location?

Every city has its own flavor, so tapping into local culture is sure to create unforgettable memories for meeting groups. In Scottsdale, known as the “West’s most Western town,” visitors can make their own cowboy hats at Saba’s Western Store or venture into the Sonoran Desert for an elegant Dinner in the Desert.

“We take people out to the desert in jeeps, have a beautiful white-cloth dinner and then bring out storytellers and musicians to perform under the stars,” said Pumphrey.

In contrast, Juneau, Alaska, is famous for its dramatic frozen landscape. Groups can climb into helicopters for an aerial tour over glaciers in the Juneau Ice Field, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island, or ride the Mount Roberts Tramway 1,800 feet above the valley. A scenic cruise is also a great way to experience local beauty.

“Within minutes from the docks, you’ll be able to see eagles, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas — all sorts of wildlife teeming in the waters,” said Kirk Stagg, convention sales manager at Travel Juneau.

Meanwhile, Providence prides itself on offering a wide selection of art galleries.

“Monthly, we have a program called Gallery Night,” said Degulis. “We have a very large art scene with the Rhode Island School of Design being here, so we have a lot of galleries.”

During this free evening activity, a trolley takes visitors across town to all the galleries, where attendees can enjoy appetizers, cheese and crackers.

What seasonal activities are available for your group?

The season is another factor to consider when it comes to planning after-hours events. In Juneau, summer is the best time to enjoy more outdoors activities, such as hiking, kayaking and zip-line tours, though it is also the peak tourist season. Arts, theater and skiing take over the entertainment scene during colder months.

“It depends on what your group is looking for,” said Stagg. “If you’ve got a really active bunch, then I would tell them to come between mid-April to the end of September. If they would prefer to have the town to themselves, then they could come pretty much any time of the year.”