As part of our ongoing Ask the Expert program, a meeting planner submitted the question:
"How do you bring 'local color' into an event when there is no free time?"
To get an answer, we reached out to Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. She shared this insight:
"The key to adding local color to any event is to partner with a destination’s DMO, like Visit Orlando. The staff of destination experts can help provide the research and planning needed to find the perfect way to incorporate local flavor and culture into the tightest of meeting and event agendas.
"For example, your local DMO can help direct you to some of the local, hidden gem restaurants such as The Monroe in downtown Orlando, that will help to give your attendees the real flavor of your destination city. If the schedule is too busy to dine-out at one of these establishments, many of them can cater your meeting or event.
"DMO’s can help source local entertainment options which you can infuse into your event, whether you need dancers and DJs at a welcoming event or a performer to join the CEO on stage for the general session. In Orlando, there are plenty of local entertainment venues within a two-mile radius of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Recently, we brought the arts and culture to ASAE during an event at the OCCC which featured Orlando soul artist CeCe Teneal and local ballet performers.
"And since Orlando is a true melting pot of global cultures, I do recommend working with Visit Orlando’s Destination Experience team to find the perfect way to infuse the many multicultural festivals, museums, galleries, restaurants and other locally owned businesses that are found throughout Orlando’s diverse neighborhoods and districts into your event."
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