Jay Gatsby, corporate meeting planner
The I.A.C.C.-certified Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center, arguably the nation’s first dedicated conference center hotel, opened its doors in the historic Pratt Mansion in 1968. The Pratt family mansion is one of the jewels still left in the crown that is Long Island’s North Shore, the setting for the extravagant country estates in The Great Gatsby.
The conference center specializes in small meetings and recently compiled a list of the top trends in this area.
Working Luncheons – Glen Cove staffers say every second of today’s meeting is of critical importance … including lunchtime. More of Glen Cove Mansion’s meeting customers are requesting the group stay together to avoid losing focus and maximize productively while nourishing their bodies in a protein-packed working lunch served in the conference room.
Leisure On Premises -The Mansion’s historic grounds and nearby area have been the site of films like North by Northwest and both versions of Sabrina. Sales staff at the center have noted that meeting planners want to keep groups together in one place whether in the meeting room, at lunch or at leisure (they often congregate around the property’s Gatsby-like pool and lawn).
Meetings in the Lounge – Gone are the days when a hollow square or chevron set up would meet the needs of most meeting groups. The conference center sees an increasing demand for more upscale, amenity-focused meeting spaces.
Treats in the Midst of a Health Phenomenon – Glen Cove Mansion’s chef created a variety of mini desserts in shot glasses that tickle the sweet tooth yet don’t expand the waistline. Hugely popular, the tasty temptations can change on a dime based on the customers’ preferences. The center sees sweet carrot offerings at the end of the meeting stick as a major MICE trend.
Bonding at the End of the Meeting – It’s not called teambuilding anymore, it’s bonding, and it’s what’s increasingly being requested by meeting planners – an activity to conclude a meeting that affords a group bonding experience. Whereas in the past attendees ended the meeting and ran to catch a flight home, today, meetings end earlier to provide an hour or so of important bonding time before heading home.
Gretchen Kelly
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