Meeting by Brittany FarB GruBer , associate editor
expectations
Over the past 30 years , Wyndham Hotel Group ’ s Dolce Hotels and Resorts brand has grown its meetings ' space to more than 600,000 square feet ( 182,880 square meters ), more than 13 American football fields , and averages about 4 million meeting clients each year . HOTELS spoke with Mark Kukulski , president of Wyndham ’ s management company , about Dolce ’ s MICE strategy , revenue and other keys to its success .
HOTELS : How many events does Dolce host each year ? Mark kukulski : Nearly 100,000 events each year . In 2016 , nearly 600,000 room nights were booked for meeting attendees .
H : What about demographics ? Mk : Nearly half of Dolce guests are business and corporate travelers . Amenities like golf , spas and wineries , along with activities like sailing , horseback riding and hiking , are embraced by vacationing couples , families and business guests alike . In fact , on average , approximately 5,500 lost golf balls are recovered from each resort golf course per year . We also find that many guests who come for business might extend their stay or return back to Dolce for a leisure trip .
H : Any numbers to share on quantifiable revenue ( this year vs . last year )? Mk : Year over year , Dolce has seen a 12 % growth in revenues .
H : Are meetings / incentives packages priced differently ? What components lead to an up-sell ? Mk : For incentive meetings , we focus on the overall experience for attendees by customizing events at all of our hotels and resorts worldwide , which can result in price differences . We also have unique experiences available as an alternative to any incentive , including specialty local food and beverage or even specialty venues such as exclusive club or rooftop , speakeasy / hideaway lounge , or private den . This gives our planners a way to provide a uniquely different experiences .
H : What have you found that doesn ’ t work for meetings guest ? Do certain industries expect different types of amenities ? Mk : Meetings must accommodate attendee demands for convenience , speed and accessibility – in meeting rooms and in guest rooms . The type of meeting often dictates expectations for amenities . We often host training meetings , which require
Meetings Must accoMModate attendee deMands for convenience , speed and accessibility – in Meeting rooMs and in guestrooMs .
- Mark kukulski , WyndhaM hotel Group
a specific learning environment that relies heavily on technology and classroom-style equipment . For example , at Dolce ’ s Silverado Resort and Spa at Napa Valley , California , we offer a team-building exercise with a feel-good component called Build-a-Bike . Team members compete to be the first team to build a bicycle , starting with just the frame , and after a variety of challenges and races supervised by a bike mechanic , the finished product is donated to children in need .
On the food and beverage front , a Danish pastry during coffee break doesn ’ t cut it anymore . Meeting attendees have more sophisticated expectations and seek nourishing , creative and local food options . At the Alexander in Indianapolis , groups can try “ Concoctioneering ,” an exclusive mixology competition lead by a skilled mixologist where attendees can create a specialty cocktail .
a meeting room at dolce la hulpe in Belgium
H : Where are your top performing markets ? Mk : Dolce ’ s top performing markets include Aspen , Colorado ; Barcelona , Spain ; Lisbon , Portugal ; Provence , France ; and Indianapolis , Indiana .
December 2016 hotelsmag . com 49