Off-Site Insights

Serious Business: "Four or five years ago, it was common to see a sales meeting end at 2 o'clock so everyone could fit in a round of golf," says Malark. "There is a seriousness across all businesses now to be more accountable and make sure that every dollar is spent well.'

Viva Las Vegas: Sin City remains the No. 1 destination for off-site meetings, and New York remains popular despite the high costs. Budget-minded managers are finding value in second-tier cities like Atlanta, Portland, Ore., and Oklahoma City.

Build Buzz: Companies have discovered the importance of generating enthusiasm before the meeting with lots of communication and useful information. An online registration center and "HQ" is a great pre-meeting meeting spot.

Be A Big Fish: "Regardless of whether I have 20 people or 2,000 people, I need to feel like I am a hotel's only client," says Laura DeCastro, trade show and special events manager for Comdata in Nashville, Tenn. She won't book into a resort where she feels her group is not significant enough to warrant VIP treatment.

Agendas In Triplicate: Tell participants about times, events, locations and transportation -- and then do it again. "No matter how hard I try to keep people informed about the agenda, that's what I always get graded lowest on," DeCastro says. She sends agendas electronically and redistributes them when participants check in at the hotel.

Straight Talk: Speakers continue to mix in motivational messages, but they focus on the sales process, the sales cycle or specific sales activities rather than "What if...blue sky" concepts, says Malark.