| Small fairs facilitate
positive interaction among tourism stakeholders. Even better
-- such events are quite effective without being expensive!
For the past nine years, Planeta.com
has co-hosted an annual fair in Oaxaca, Mexico. The average
annual cost - about $200 U.S. dollars.
Can this event be replicated? Yes! We are happy
to consult
with communities, local governments and business associations
that need assistance.
Planeta events brings together local travel providers,
community leaders, media, government officials and inspired
travelers for a few magical hours. Here are some lessons learned
and suggestions for others interested in developing a similar
event.
BENEFITS
Make sure there is ample opportunity for dialogue
and information sharing among travelers and locals.
GUIDELINES
Keep it simple.
Make it free.
Make it fun.
Make sure there is plenty to eat and drink!
BEFORE THE EVENT
Convene friendly and short meetings with partners
to organize the event.
Select the meeting points.
Collect feedback from those interested in the fair but unlikely
to attend.
Distribute applications to potential local exhibitors and post
the document online.
Prepare promotion -- online and natural world -- including creating
a web page, requesting links on other websites, posting news
on relevant forums and print ads (volantes) to distribute in
town.
Prepare materials for exhibitors including the program, identification
tags and diplomas.
Conduct an online chat
Prepare a survey to be handed out at the fair
DURING THE EVENT
Take pictures of the event and encourage participants to share
photos. The best photos can be featured in an online gallery
and either printed or distributed via CD.
Survey participants -- ask what interests them. Give visitors
a chance for dialogue. This information can be used in developing
follow-up projects, including specialized tours, workshops and
publications. Planeta.com has updated many of our resource guides
with comments made at events we have hosted.
Optional - provide exhibitors with identification tags.
AFTER THE EVENT
Present exhibitors and supporters with a certificate or diploma
(constancia). Constancias seem to be more
important Latin America than the United States or Europe, where
the paper document is not valued as highly. One colleague has
decorated his bathroom with the documents.
Prepare a summary of the event and distribute to those you've
sent an announcement. This is a simple courtesy and provides
needed continuity as many events are announced and not implemented.
If you've conducted an event, let people know.
Prepare a slide show documenting the event. You have the pictures.
Now you can make the show!
Conduct an online chat.
|
