Room with a View

Oftentimes when hosting an event, organizations invite keynote speakers, guest artists, special performers, or emcees to participate, sometimes referred to as VIPs. Most organizations would agree that we want to treat our VIPs well. Occasionally we are contractually obligated to provide specific things like brand-name snacks in the greenroom or no less than 4-star hotel accommodations, but may I suggest some ways to provide a little more pizzazz than the usual.

An upgraded hotel room. Depending on your venue, this may look like a tower room, a suite, or a newly remodeled room over one that hasn’t been done yet. Perhaps this is a water view or park view over a parking lot or alleyway. You may opt for a higher floor with a better view of your city versus a lower floor that doesn’t clear the treetops. If the VIP is traveling with an assistant or family, consider upgrading to a 2-bedroom suite. If the venue where your VIP is staying offers a private villa, this may also be an option.

Schedule turn-down service. It sounds like a frivolous addition but it makes a person feel special to return to their room at the end of a long day and find the bed has been turned down, a chocolate treat has been placed on the pillow, and a washcloth or towel has been twisted into a swan, a flower, or some other interesting and origami-like design and is welcoming them into bed.

Deliver an amenity. It is a nice treat to have an amenity dropped off at the hotel room of your VIP just after they arrive or while they are speaking or performing. They receive a delightful surprise when they open the door as they return to their room. Chocolate covered strawberries, cheese & crackers, deconstructed smores, or other assorted snacks make a wonderful gift and oftentimes are a VIPs only source of sustenance for not only that evening but for the next leg of their trip. It can also be something that your team puts together including items from locally-owned, or regionally-popular small businesses. You can have the hotel staff drop it in the room on your behalf.

The next time you are hosting a VIP consider wowing them with something they may not be expecting. So many of them travel for a living, miss the comforts of home, and often receive the bare minimum requirements from their contracts. Your organization will stand out in their journey as one that really cared for them.

Have you done something above-and-beyond for your VIPs? I’m always looking to learn as well as share. Feel free to email me or leave a comment here.

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