The Greater Palm Springs area is rich in attendee experiences. From fantastic hotel and resort options to outdoor adventures, golf, shopping, and everything in between, it’s no wonder that it’s a great meeting option for planners. Mark Crabb, the Vice President of Convention Sales and Destination Services with the Greater Palm Springs CVB (GPSCVB) highlights why partnering with them will help unlock hidden event ideas, save planners time and ensure their next meeting is a success.

What makes the Greater Palm Springs area a great meeting destination? 

Mark: Meeting planners enjoy an incredible variety of hotel and resort choices when planning events in Greater Palm Springs. There truly is something for any conceivable meeting, event or convention here in our Meetings Oasis.

What is the one thing planners are always surprised to learn about the Palm Springs area?

Mark: Usually planners are surprised by how easy it is to get to Greater Palm Springs! The CVB has worked with the local community to build year-round flight access for both group and leisure visitors. In fact, the number of seats coming to Greater Palm Springs has grown 40% since 2011. Getting to our destination is incredibly stress-free.

What might we find you enjoying in the destination on your day off? 

Mark: Where do we start? With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Greater Palm Springs is perfect for outdoor adventure. There are more than 100 local hiking trails, and Joshua Tree National Park is just a short drive away. For art aficionados and culture junkies, Greater Palm Springs always has something exciting on the calendar, including film festivals, concerts, art shows and more.

What advice would you give to a planner who hasn’t worked with a CVB before?

Mark: GPSCVB gives you the best opportunity to work with a local expert, they know the key partners, hidden secrets and can help you find the best fit and experience for your next meeting. We are a one-stop-shop and our services are complimentary. We can help you through the whole meeting process to make your job seamless.

What do you see trending in the meetings market? How is your CVB proactively addressing this trend or staying current?

Mark: Personalizing the experience for the attendees – any unique suggestions you can share with the meeting planner – strengthens your relationship and earns credibility. Once I find out what is important to the planner or group,  I always try to share the things that you can’t find in most destinations. 

How does a planner benefit from consulting with you prior to sending out their RFP?

Mark: When a planner works directly with the CVB prior to the RFP going out, we can offer suggestions of properties that they may not have thought of that could fit their program. Also, we can offer them suggestions on off-sites, special events and possibly some incentives for their group depending on the dates of their program. We can steer them away from large event dates and keep them from going back and forth with the hotels.

What’s the latest news, developments, or events in your destination you’d like to share with planners?

Mark: New property additions like the Kimpton Rowan Hotel in Palm Springs and the Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert are just the latest examples of the growing resort choices in Greater Palm Springs. Thanks to the CVB’s branding and marketing teams, we have also made inroads to change the longstanding perception that the area is primarily a retirement community. We have transitioned to a vibrant, exciting and easily accessible destination for all ages and tastes.

What differentiates your destination from your competitive set?

Mark: The diversity of experiences that are available for attendees here is what sets the destination apart. Additionally, we are not an urban sprawl therefore our guests can move around the area very easily, and did I mention the breathtaking mountains that surround our village setting?

How does a planner benefit from consulting with you prior to sending out their RFP?

Mark: When a planner works directly with the CVB prior to the RFP going out, we can offer suggestions of properties that they may not have thought of that could fit their program. Also, we can offer them suggestions on off-sites, special events and possibly some incentives for their group depending on the dates of their program. We can steer them away from large event dates and keep them from going back and forth with the hotels.

What’s the latest news, developments, or events in your destination you’d like to share with planners?

Mark: New property additions like the Kimpton Rowan Hotel in Palm Springs and the Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert are just the latest examples of the growing resort choices in Greater Palm Springs. Thanks to the CVB’s branding and marketing teams, we have also made inroads to change the longstanding perception that the area is primarily a retirement community. We have transitioned to a vibrant, exciting and easily accessible destination for all ages and tastes.

What differentiates your destination from your competitive set?

Mark: The diversity of experiences that are available for attendees here is what sets the destination apart. Additionally, we are not an urban sprawl therefore our guests can move around the area very easily, and did I mention the breathtaking mountains that surround our village setting?

Plan your next meeting in Greater Palm Springs. Learn more here.