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LOCAL Monday 2 noveMber 2020
New conference opportunities for the Caribbean

by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert pacity. Not typical for the Caribbe-
PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN — “Only an region. Organizers of those ma-
when the tide goes out do you dis- jor conferences on their defense
cover who’s been swimming na- will argue, that social contact,
ked,” Warren Buffet an American seeing face-to-face and a hand
business tycoon who is considered shake are crucial for doing busi-
one of the most successful inves- ness. However, at this time and for
tors in the world, was quoted to the foreseeable future, the trend is
have said. The less affluent ordinary social distancing, looking mask-to-
would say that “you miss the wa- mask, and elbow-to-elbow instead
ter when the well goes dry.” Either of a handshake.
way, that’s pretty much where we
are right now. So, what to do and Is there a new-normal in sight here,
what alternatives are available for or are the changes just temporary
a region that is heavily depending until who knows when? For one,
on tourism. Hybrid Conferences! planning meetings of less than
five hundred participants should Coy”. Plus, patience and interest existing local entrepreneurs in the
A conference delegate generates be targeted at this time. Maybe are wearing out after a period of field of media production and for

an average economic impact of two hundred fifty is even less risky. Webinars, and Zoom meetings with savvy young talent with creativity
US$ 2,229 according to the Con- Companies will be looking for al- a series of boxes on a screen where ambitions, to provide the needed
vention Center Annual Report of ternative methods of product and it is hard to replicate the value and assistance.
Orlando’s Orange County in Flori- service marketing. They will explore experience for attendees, speak-
da. Assuming that such relates to new metrics for success. They are ers and marketers/sponsors. Will the big trade show business ful-
3-day conferences whereby dele- willing to invest in participating in In the Caribbean, the new confer- ly recover at some time? At some
gates spend on average five nights an event model that offers a near- ence model could be branded time, yes. However, the number
on location, it would mean at least guarantee to reach their target “Retreat” or “Summit”. Either one may not be anywhere near pre-
US$ 446 per person per day. The audiences. sounds appealing. A Retreat is like pandemic levels. In the meantime,
Caribbean may not be Orlando, a sanctuary which gives a safe a newly developed hybrid model
nevertheless, it may give a hint to A true opportunity for the Caribbe- feeling. Presently Spot-on. A Sum- will have shown its advantages
suggest what number might be an! There is a dire need to develop mit is high-level meeting. Always and will remain to stay. It may turn
proper for the region here. new event models. Hybrid confer- Spot-on. These are appropriate out that such hybrid model is more
ences, combining a humble in- brand names that suggest safety targeted and cost effective and
It is fairly realistic to say that confer- person conference experience on and excellence and just fit in nicely has an enduring value for partici-
ences that gather more than five location and a robust virtual com- with the relaxing atmosphere and pants in distant locations. Lots of
hundred people will be out of the ponent for remote audiences. The environment of the region. Hybrid marketing money is wasted to
question for the next six to twelve latter means that event organizers not good? Hybrid means a cross- show off and trying to be more
months. That is what conference may need new additional exper- breed, thus not a thoroughbred. impressing than the competitor at
organizers are confronted with tise. They are confronted with the major events. The hybrid model of-
when doing their planning. What fact that they are managing two Get in the groove and let some fers more of a focus-on exclusive-
lies beyond that, is foggy. Persons in different types of events wrapped good professional discussions roll ness opening for a more moderate
charge of conference and event into one which results in some at a Retreat or Summit in the tropi- marketing budget.
participation at companies are unique challenges. Stakeholders cal zone which will be the “live
dealing with the same dilemma. with different backgrounds should hub” of the event. The goodies Looking at it from various angles,
On top of that, budgets may be put their heads together. will also be made available via this is a chance for a Caribbean re-
shrinking because of the impact of the internet to broaden the audi- gion that is looking for new forms of
a global recession. Although, some A new rhythm of conferencing that ences. Trying to blend in-person sustainability; creating an annual
may argue that sponsors are shift- puts the tingle in the fingers and a and virtual may be challenge. Yet, hybrid conference model that will
ing funds from 2020 to next year. tingle in the feet of participants modern technology allows for vari- last. Conferences are not just or-
will be in demand. The number of ous types of interactions to better ganized by industry organizations.
Usually those major conferences virtual online event platforms as replicate in-person events online. Many are private initiatives for a
are held in metropolitan locations an alternative have fast grown re- For the Caribbean region that is in particular purpose. Such initiatives
abroad with the appropriate large cently, but virtual conferences are need for economy diversification, may be developed here locally in
conference facilities and hotel ca- just not the same as the “real Mc- there may be an opportunity for the region.q

About the author
The almost true stories and almost
believable stories of St.Tosia are
written by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert
who claims that it reflects what
he experiences while residing on
St.Tosia and monitoring what else
is going on in the Caribbean.