We have come across many unique ways to improve brand recognition and customer engagement. One such idea that has proven to be quite successful is holding conferences and seminars at sea on a cruise ship. This trend has gained a lot of traction in recent years and has proven to be a refreshing and innovative way to bring people together for a common purpose.

 
Traditionally, conferences and retreats were held in hotels or conference centers, with attendees crowding into drab conference rooms for hours on end. This setting could be quite monotonous, and the attendees often suffered from feeling disengaged and unmotivated. Holding these events at sea on a cruise ship provides a uniquely stimulating environment that can help inspire motivation and creativity.

 
One of the main reasons why holding a conference at sea is a great idea is the scenic beauty and breathtaking vistas offered by the open ocean. Being in a different environment from the usual meeting areas helps refresh the mind and body, making attendees more alert and receptive. They get to enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and vast expanses of the sea, which adds to the overall experience. There is also the opportunity to get out and enjoy the open sea, which can help to reduce stress and encourage team building.

 
Another advantage of hosting conferences and seminars at sea is that everyone is together in one place, without the distraction of outside influences. This can increase productivity as there will be no distractions such as family, other work responsibilities, or even sightseeing. Participants can immerse themselves fully in the conference and engage with it without the outside world interfering.

 
Being on a cruise ship is the epitome of luxury, attendees feel special and appreciated due to the VIP treatment given by the cruise ship staff. From private dining rooms to exclusive shore excursions tailored to the conference theme, each interaction with the attendee should be unique and memorable. This helps cement a positive image of the conference and can lead to repeat attendees, who in turn can help promote future events via word-of-mouth recommendations to colleagues and friends.

 
Moreover, holding a conference or seminar at sea provides a perfect opportunity to network with other professionals. The networking possibilities are endless – attendees can meet up and talk with people sharing the same interests, and there is plenty of time to build rapport and create lasting relationships with their peers.

 
Holding a seminar or conference on a cruise ship has numerous financial benefits. Participants typically see the all-inclusive aspect of the cruise as a benefit. They do not have to worry about arranging and paying for accommodation, meals or transportation, which makes attending the conference much easier and a preferred option for many.

 
Additionally, conferences held at sea have fewer unexpected expenses, which makes budgeting easier. Nothing is more frustrating than putting funds into an event only to find unanticipated costs eating into the budget, impeding funds needed for other areas of the event. This most often happens on land as attendees want to explore the area and outside attractions. On sea days, the attendees are already onboard. With creative planning, the programs can be arranged to motivate high participation. In addition, state-of-the-art conference facilities are available on most of the newer ships and are typically included at no additional cost.

 
Who will benefit from holding a conference at sea? Many different events can use the ocean backdrop to their advantage. Instead of a land-based hotel or conference center, events hosted at sea can be used to build a brand, gain traction, and bring people together for a common purpose. Here are some ideas for events that can be held at sea: 

Select an itinerary that has at least 2-3 days at sea, allowing ample time to hold some exclusive events with your group. Successful cruise-based events take a while to plan, so start the process 12-15 months ahead of time, and market the event at least 10-12 months prior to sailing. This is not an endeavor that you want to undertake on your own. There is a lot of coordination that needs to take place with the cruise line, so it is highly recommended to use a travel professional to help you through the process.

Here at Luxury Destinations Concierge, we specialize in creating successful events at sea. Contact Shantha Mony at 805-236-4437 to start planning your next luxury conference or retreat. Holding an event at sea can be used to build a brand, gain traction, and bring people together for a common purpose, which could be the catalyst to ultimate success.