If you’re new to event planning, you should keep reading. Not to scare you, but planning a conference is difficult. You need the right people, and the right location, not to mention the right amenities, food, lighting, yes, the list is long. If you take nothing away from this, just know that your conference location is so much more important than you think. People that attend conferences are primarily looking for an opportunity to network, to learn something new, to promote their research and to share ideas with their peers and there are some that are also looking forward to exploring a new place. Your task is to create the environment within a space that allows for all of that to happen. When you’re considering your options for conference centers in Belize, here are a couple of tips on what to look for and why.
Naia Resort and Spa (Placencia, Belize)
The fact that it’s located a few miles away from Placencia village could be a good thing. A slightly more isolated location, where meals can be provided at three on-site restaurants, and guests can eat together means there’s a better chance for attendees to really get to know each other – helping conference attendees to expand their professional network. Naia Resort has many additional things going for it. For one, beautiful outdoor gardens and access to the beach, indoor space and facilities, and a great location. Where planning is concerned, a plus would be an itinerary that included fun activities and adventure tours for attendees. Naia also has the benefit of having some unique spa treatments and facilities. Some might say it’s the perfect way to wind down after a conference.
Grand Caribe Belize (Ambergris Caye, Belize)
You want to be careful though, don’t choose a location so far out, or so obscure that nobody’s heard about it. You’re not likely to have that problem with Grand Caribe. It’s located on the major island of Ambergris Caye, just north of the main town of San Pedro. There are daily international flights to Belize from 5 major commercial airlines. Similarly, daily small-craft local flights from the airport to the island are available as well. Conference attendees will have access to spa and fitness facilities, two restaurants, the beach, freshwater pools and a host of other modern amenities. Dedicated conference space is available and can accommodate groups as small as 8 or as many as 80 comfortably. Talk to resort staff about other fun activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and if time permits, a helicopter tour of the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel (San Ignacio, Cayo)
Finally, you don’t want your conference attendees to burn out. Networking can be tiring, and a packed conference itinerary can really zap the energy out of your guests. This is where you’ll benefit from having a central, pedestrian-friendly location and town. San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a small luxury resort that has hosted the Belize Archaeology Symposium for the past 16 years. This means they have experience in hosting large events, a major plus. In addition to having over 5,500 sq. ft. of available conference space, they also have the fortune of being in the most central portion of San Ignacio. Guests can walk easily to the nearby local market for example, to the casino next door or the town at night. From spa treatments to sushi nights at the resort restaurant, the pool and nature trails, to say your guests have options would be the absolute truth.