Blog

Learning from IMEX 2019
By: Effetto Italy On: September 24, 2019 In: Industry info
I just returned home to Rome after an exhilarating week in Las Vegas at IMEX America. Once again, it failed to disappoint. I always love seeing my old friends and colleagues and meeting new ones as well. But one of my favorite parts is really just being part of the energy there… that rush of excitement when the doors to the Expo open, and the booths become flooded with curious and like-minded people from the industry. It’s so invigorating to be a part of it all.As an American who has lived in Rome now for 20+ years, I am grateful for any chance to connect one on one with my clients in the States and to get feedback on the trends. I thought I would share some of my takeaways from the week:
- “Been there, done that”
I heard from a number of planners that while Italy remains one of the most popular destinations, many feel that they have “been there and done that.” And that’s where we can help. There is so much of Italy that is still unknown to travelers. We can show you the unexpected Italy, offering fresh, new experiences in the same tried and true destination. A safe haven with an element of surprise. - The Appeal of Smaller, Lesser-known Cities There was a lot of discussion about finding second and third tiered cities and non-urban destinations to spice things up. I personally had several chats about the attraction of Italy’s Puglia. It’s beautiful, off the beaten track and appearing on the bucket lists of many discerning travelers. Read more about all that Puglia has to offer here (link to Puglia Blog).
- Customized Service Begets Better Customer Service Many of the planners with whom I spoke expressed a real desire for more than just an “intermediary” but instead a true consultancy partner. Others were tired of feeling that their DMCs were just part of huge conglomerate, rather than a service-centric firm. And still others felt as though so many of the proposals they received seemed cookie cutter and not bespoke. Working in a small, boutique firm, I can attest to the fact that no two of our proposals are the same. Each one is developed with the singular needs of the client in mind. Frankly, everyone should expect this type of service with their DMC – don’t settle for less just because they may be part of a larger network.
That’s it for this year! Overall, it was a fabulous week of networking, education and fun. I am already looking forward to 2020.
Did you make it to IMEX this year and would like to chat more? Comment below or get in touch via email. I would love to hear from you!
A presto,
Jessica
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