In a post-conference survey of the 2011 Small Market Meetings Conference, attendees had overwhelmingly positive responses. Sixty-five percent of the September conference’s 200 attendees responded to the survey.
Every meeting planner respondent rated the overall conference experience and the hospitality of Little Rock, Ark., as good to excellent. Ninety-four percent said they would consider using Little Rock as a location for a future event.
The meeting planners also all reported that they would do business with a supplier they met at the conference’s Marketplace. The Marketplace arranges six-minute appointments between planners and industry representatives. About 90 percent of meeting planners said the Marketplace appointments were good to excellent.
“Attendees seem to appreciate the level of networking that our conference allows,” said Joe Cappuzzello, SMM Conference president. “The conference is smaller than many, which allows people to get to meet nearly everyone in attendance. The fact that the travel industry representatives are invited to every event, from receptions and meals to city tours, is a bonus that builds relationships.”
Percentages were similarly high for the conference facilities. The Peabody Little Rock Hotel was ranked good or above by 98 percent of meeting planners, while the Statehouse Convention Center received a 92 percent good or above ranking.
“Little Rock and Arkansas Tourism were amazing conference partners,” said Cappuzzello. “They made sure our attendees knew they were special, from the big airport welcome to the special events at the Clinton Center, the Capital Hotel and the River Market.”
Another sign that attendees found value in the SMM Conference was the 86 percent of planners and 68 percent of suppliers who said they plan to return to the SMM Conference next year. The 2012 conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 28-30.
For more information about the Small Market Meetings Conference, visit www.smallmarketmeetingsconference.com.
