In 2023, MPI went all-in. The goal was to demonstrate all-inclusive resorts as top-notch meeting hosts when MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) was held at the Barceló Maya campus in the Mexican Caribbean. The event proved that professional development and connections can successfully take place in a non-traditional setting.
Tanya Philyaw, CMP, MPI’s senior meeting planner, says communication was critical for planning an all-inclusive meeting in Mexico.
"If you do not have someone on your staff that is bilingual, consider requesting that a destination management company (of your approval) be part of the concessions of your contract that the venue provides for you," she says. "WEC23 was successful in large part because the onsite team at the property was amazing to work with. They followed through with all requests immediately and went above and beyond to make the event a success."
MPI also equips meeting planners with a comprehensive understanding of maximizing the benefits of all-inclusive resorts through its educational partnership with Hilton—covering aspects such as budget management, event logistics and enhancing the attendee experience, according to Nicole Tilzer, vice president, all-inclusive and resort strategy for Hilton.
"This initiative is strategically important for Hilton because it reinforces our commitment to the meetings and events sector—by educating planners, we ensure they can effectively utilize all-inclusive resorts, driving more business to these destinations," Tilzer says. "Meeting planners gain valuable insights into creating memorable and efficient events, improving their overall effectiveness and success in their roles."
We spoke with all-inclusive experts from Hilton and Sandals to learn about common misperceptions, the latest event trends they’re experiencing and the business case for bringing an event to an all-inclusive property.
A wide range of options
Tonya Hawryluk, senior vice president of group development at Unique Vacations Inc.—which promotes the popular all-inclusive brand Sandals Resorts International—says the biggest misperception about all-inclusive resorts is that there is no variety. Guests visiting Sandals properties, she says, "are greeted with a variety of innovative dining concepts, well-appointed accommodations and unique experiences that bring the local culture forward."
Tilzer agrees that the F&B experiences and activity options at all-inclusive resorts are often misunderstood.
"Some believe all-inclusive resorts only offer buffet-style meals with limited options. In reality, modern all-inclusive resorts feature multiple gourmet restaurants offering diverse, high-quality cuisine crafted by experienced chefs," she says. "And while some think all-inclusive resorts have limited activities, our resorts provide a wide array of options, from water sports and excursions to cultural experiences and wellness programs."
Go out and give back
Tilzer is seeing the incorporation of wellness activities into event schedules, noting that morning yoga sessions, mindfulness breaks and healthy meal options continue to be immensely popular because they offer unique, immersive experiences that reflect local culture and environment, enhancing the overall event impact.
"There’s also an emphasis on reducing environmental impact, such as using digital materials instead of printed ones and sourcing local, sustainable products. This includes our environmental, social and governance efforts towards carbon neutrality," she says. "At select Hilton all-inclusive resorts, groups can triple their impact with Hilton’s More Means Mas promotion. The hotel hosting the event will offset the event’s carbon emissions; make a donation in the group’s honor to a local community nonprofit; and offer a signature F&B, entertainment or wellness experience for attendees."
For Sandals, there has been an uptick in meeting groups interested in authentic, immersive experiences to explore the islands on which they convene, Hawryluk says.
"Sandals has deep relationships with the islands the resorts call home, and the brand’s sister company, Island Routes, offers experiences including snorkel and boat tours, hiking and ziplining, waterfalls and river tubing and much more," she says. "Visiting groups also have the opportunity to go out and give back to their destination in partnership with the Sandals Foundation, the company’s nonprofit arm. Groups can book experiences like the Reading Road Trip, donating their time to local communities firsthand by visiting local schools and engaging with students."
Predictability is crucial
The convenience factor of an all-inclusive resort allows meeting planners to focus on their agenda without having to worry about the logistics, according to Hawryluk.
"While onsite, meeting planners’ minds are at ease as their guests can take advantage of unlimited dining at gourmet restaurants, premium liquors, daily activities and entertainment, state-of-the-art fitness centers and a plethora of land and water sports, including PADI-certified scuba diving," she says.
Tilzer says the benefits of meeting at an all-inclusive resort include convenience, with everything—meeting rooms, dining options, recreational activities—located onsite to minimize logistical challenges; time efficiency, enabling the planner to concentrate on objectives since the resort provides services; enhanced networking, fostering stronger connections among attendees with everyone in one location; and budget flexibility and simplicity in the billing process.
"Predictability is crucial for corporate events, where sticking to the budget is essential," she says.
