Meet and Repeat: Why Do Planners Keep Coming Back?

West Baden 's 34,000 sq. ft. Atrium can
host a reception for up to 3,000 people

 

French Lick Resort is known for so many things –its history, two charming hotels, amazing restaurants, a Vegas-style casino, three championship golf courses – the list could go on and on.

But what is the magic that keeps bringing meeting and event planners back to southern Indiana?

The Magic Ingredient

According to Laura Vidal, Marketing and PR for the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, one of the main selling points is the array of different planned options at the Midwest meeting destination. “I like that French Lick Resort has expanded some of its venues and there’s enough room for all kinds of events. The Alliance has held four conferences at the resort so far and we’ve booked now through 2025! We love it,” Vidal said.

Heather Smith
Indiana Dental Association

Heather Smith, Director of Professional Development and Planning at Indiana Dental Association, said her group has held two conferences at the resort and have another four scheduled from 2017 through 2020. “Our members love it there,” Heather said. “We had our first (conference) in 2011; the first time we didn’t hold it in the Indy market. It was amazing! Attendees kept asking when we would be going back to the resort. Everyone appreciates the helpful staff and that there’s a completely different meeting perspective. It’s fun!”

Laura Vidal
Alliance of Indiana Rural Water

“Our attendees really like it there and that drives our attendance up,” Vidal said. “I think that’s because it is a destination for people; it’s not a standard hotel and there are more things to see and do.”

It All Adds Up

Smith said that the cost factor won her over. “We did a cost analysis for our dentists, affiliate groups and IDA (Indiana Dental Association) staff to be in Indianapolis for the 2018 meeting or French Lick for the 2018-2020. By hosting our meetings in French Lick, our members, our affiliate groups and our association will save thousands. 

Top Three Must Haves

Service with a Smile

Service

Both meeting planners said that service is extremely important to them, and their members. “You have a great team in French Lick and they keep up us coming back for more,” Smith commented.

Atmosphere

The Hoosier Ballroom - 22,600 total sq feet

Meeting facilities and room appearances are extremely important to a planner and Laura Vidal was pleased that the resort offered top of the line in audiovisual components. Meeting members also like the fact that the seats are comfortable, and there is a “can do” attitude from all of the staff.

Options

Relax on the Wrap-Around Veranda

There’s always something for groups to do at the resort. And with complimentary shuttle service, members can head out after a day of meetings to explore all the resort has to offer. According to Smith, “Our members feel really comfortable there. It’s a slower pace and they can relax – it’s not the big city bustle they’re used to and that’s nice.”

What’s in it for You?

Clifton Ballroom - total 6,700 sq feet

For Heather Smith, “Our venues flow well, we can count on the meeting rooms to be set up the way we requested and the staff go above and beyond – they remember us! French Lick Resort is high in my estimation because they’ve always done whatever we ask,” Smith laughed. “And we’ve had some odd requests. Here, it’s never a problem. The staff puts on a smile and figures out a way to honor our requests. That is something we don’t get elsewhere.”

Meetings and Events - Your Way

For Laura Vidal, it’s also the little things that matter. “The banquet staff always comes through – they never let coffee run out at events and this is a big thing for our attendees,” Vidal said. “Plus, I don’t have to go and search for help. Also,” Vidal said, “People equate French Lick Resort with glamour and fun - it just feels very posh and fancy, and we love that.”

To start planning your next meeting or event, please contact our meeting professionals at (866) 706-4354 or message groupsalesdept@frenchlick.com.

  

By Joy Neighbors