Even for non-golfers, there’s so much to enjoy about spending time at a golf resort. From meticulously maintained landscaping to access to some of the best spas, restaurants, and amenities, there’s a reason why golf resorts remain a top choice for everything from corporate meetings to weddings and anniversary parties.
Golf resorts are beautiful, versatile spaces that can host many different events. Here, we share some tips for attracting more meetings and events to your golf resort and give you some ideas of the types of events you should consider having at your property.
Why Golf Resorts Should Focus on Meetings and Events as Key Revenue Drivers
Before we dive into how to attract more corporate meetings to your golf course event spaces, let’s look at why golf resorts should focus on booking more meetings and events.
Golf resorts should prioritize meetings and events as key revenue drivers to diversify their revenue sources. Rather than solely relying on golf-related activities, catering to meetings and events expands your resort’s market reach, attracting a broader clientele beyond avid golfers.
By offering comprehensive event packages, resorts can leverage their facilities and amenities, such as conference spaces, accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities, to create value-added experiences for corporate clients.
In addition, hosting meetings and events fosters repeat business opportunities, as organizations often seek reliable venues for their gatherings. This strategic focus maximizes revenue potential and enhances the resort’s brand reputation as a versatile destination capable of planning and executing exceptional experiences.
How to Attract More Meetings to Your Golf Course Event Space
Use these three tips as your guiding star when planning your commercial strategy.
1. Make Your Property Stand Out to Meeting Planners
To relate to meeting planners, you must think like a meeting planner! You know your property is impressive, but the trick is to get the meeting planners to think so, too.
The best way to do this is to research them beforehand so you can address their needs (and concerns) and show how your property exceeds their expectations. Knowland makes it easy to research all leads before you hop on the phone with them to make the most out of your call.
You could also create customizable packages that seamlessly integrate meetings with team-building activities, spa retreats, and gourmet dining options. Most meeting planners are looking for comprehensive offerings. By emphasizing your resort’s ability to blend business functionality with relaxation and recreation seamlessly, you can position your property as an ideal destination for memorable and productive corporate events.
2. Use Data to Your Advantage
There is so much data at our fingertips, and by leveraging this data effectively, you can market your resort to the right audiences.
Here are a few ways you can use data in your resort marketing:
- Find accounts that have booked experiential events in the past. Have your sales team search for leads who have previously booked events at resorts with amenities similar to yours. This might include golf courses, ski resorts, or casinos.
- Target accounts by industry, attendance size, and square footage needed (or used in the past).
- Look at booking patterns to fill need periods.
- Identify strategic accounts using account data, details, behaviors, and booking history.
Using a data-driven sales strategy will help you secure more meetings for your golf course event space.
3. Develop Relationships With Target Accounts
RFPs are great, but you can’t always rely on those to grow your new accounts. Instead, you should be prioritizing your sales prospecting efforts and dedicate time to developing relationships with good-fit accounts. Not every account will book corporate golf events, but those that will are high-quality relationships that you should continue to nurture.
5 Types of Events That Are Perfect for Golf Resorts
Now that you understand the importance of diversifying your corporate golf events and have some tips on how to secure more events and meetings, let’s look at some of the types of events to consider:
1. Corporate Retreats
Golf resorts are perfect for hosting corporate retreats because of their unique blend of amenities and recreational opportunities. They offer spacious and well-equipped conference facilities and lush, scenic surroundings that create a tranquil atmosphere for creativity, collaboration, and relaxation.
2. Charity Fundraisers
Golf resorts are great for hosting charity fundraisers. They provide a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere that encourages generosity and participation. Your professional event staff can seamlessly coordinate all aspects of the fundraiser, from organizing auctions and raffles to managing logistics and catering services, ensuring a stress-free, successful event.
Additionally, golf resorts often feature upscale amenities such as banquet halls, outdoor pavilions, and spacious grounds, providing versatile options for hosting different types of fundraising activities and entertainment.
3. Corporate Meetings
Many people choose to host corporate meetings at golf resorts because they have well-appointed conference facilities equipped with modern technology and flexible meeting spaces, catering to various meeting sizes and configurations.
They also have upscale accommodations, gourmet dining options, and recreational activities such as golf, spa treatments, and team-building exercises for participants to unwind and recharge between meetings.
4. Executive Dinners
Many companies host exclusive dinners for their executives to thank them for all their hard work. Golf resorts offer an exceptional setting for hosting executive dinners because they combine elegant ambiance with exceptional dining experiences and picturesque surroundings.
With spacious banquet halls, outdoor terraces, and scenic views overlooking manicured greens, golf resorts provide a sophisticated backdrop for dinners of all types. Plus, what executive doesn’t enjoy a corporate golf event to challenge their coworkers to a friendly round?
5. Holiday Events
Holiday event planning is coming up faster and faster every year! Golf resorts are an excellent choice for hosting holiday parties and corporate kick-off events due to their ability to provide a festive atmosphere combined with upscale amenities and versatile event spaces. The scenic beauty of golf resorts creates a magical backdrop for holiday celebrations.
Use Knowland Data to Find Leads for Your Golf Resort Event Space
For the right market, golf resorts are the ideal venue for corporate meetings and events. They feature upscale accommodations, fine dining options, and luxurious spa facilities, ensuring attendees have a memorable and rewarding experience. The combination of business functionality, natural beauty, and leisure amenities makes golf resorts ideal for meetings and events.
If you’re ready to fill your corporate calendar this year, contact Knowland for an in-depth demo about how we can provide the data you need to secure more bookings and enhance your resort marketing. With information on past bookings, preferences, meeting sizes, industries, and more, you can effectively target meeting planners looking to book their next event at a golf course.