Why hosting destination familiarisation trips is part of our strategy

Meet Bristol & Bath Convention Bureau’s key objectives are to promote the region to event planners and agents and work with partners within the destinations to secure business.

Familiarisation trips are an integral part of the strategy to win new business. Here our Head of Business Events Amy Phillips explains why.

Authentic experiences and connections

Organising an event whether it be a small meeting, large convention or an incentive trip takes a lot of planning and investment. It’s a real leap of faith to book an event in a city that is unknown to you.

The purpose of destination fam trips is to create immersive and memorable experiences that showcase the highlights of the region. We want participants to really envisage what hosting an event would be like in our destinations. How it feels, how it works logistically, what elements of the trip their delegates or clients will love.

By creating a standout experience, planners feel a connection to the destination and the people they have met, creating a strong chance they will return with their business in the future.

Word of mouth and expanding networks

Fam trips are effective for a wider audience than just the participants that attend. Their recommendation to their colleagues and peers is priceless.

We encourage attendees to post about their time with us on social media as well as promoting it through our own for maximum reach. We expand our networks by connecting with others who have shown interest in the experiences we have shown our guests.

Build relationships

Event planners want to work with suppliers they know and trust. Fam trips will on average last two to three days. This gives planners the opportunity to connect with a wide range of venue staff and experience providers as well as the Convention Bureau team.

In addition to showcasing what they have to offer, suppliers can get to know planners and lay the foundations of a successful and productive working relationship. Products can be replicated but people and relationships can’t.

Demonstrate a collaborative effort

These trips are a big team effort between the Bureau, venue partners and experience and transport providers. This collaboration shows planners we’re a destination with friendly and professional teams, willing to give up their time and offer complementary use of their facilities, be that accommodation, dining or rail travel. It proves we’re truly invested in doing the groundwork to highlight what a fantastic time their delegates would have in our destinations.

Advice for taking part in a fam trip

Be patient

Enquiries will rarely come flooding in immediately after a fam trip. Decisions on destination and venues rarely come down to one person. If the trip is for agents, they need to pitch the destination and what they have found interesting to their clients. Or if it is an association or corporate company, they will likely need to present the information to a board.

Make sure you support them with this by providing a direct contact for your venue and all the information that they need to persuade their clients to choose you. Think about experiences that can enhance their event and incentives you can offer to augment your proposal.

Keep in touch

The fam trip is the start of a relationship. Follow up with the guests throughout the year to let them know you’re there to help and update them about anything new. If you attend trade events make sure you let them know, as this is another chance to connect in person.

Want to know more about what happens on our fam trips? Read about the highlights from one we organised for the Alliance of Independent Event Agencies.