Exclusive guest column: How to transform your event with localization

Meeting and event planners have a unique opportunity to create immersive experiences that transcend logistics and scheduling. By incorporating a destination’s local culture into their events, planners can enhance the atmosphere of their gatherings and give attendees a deeper appreciation and understanding of the place they’re visiting.

In San Antonio, we celebrate the city’s heritage every year with our annual Fiesta celebration. Although Carnival takes place in April, the city encourages visitors to embrace the “Carnival” spirit and its vibrant history and culture year-round.

I’ve listed below some tips planners can consider to help fully showcase and celebrate the local culture of their meeting destination.

Read more: Intelligent meeting experience high-quality event culture

Learn from the locals

The most important thing to consider when incorporating the local culture of your destination into a meeting or event is to learn from the locals. Each destination has its own personality and nuances, so seeking guidance from local experts ensures authenticity and respect. I recommend planners start by discussing with their venue and other vendors what they think is the best way to highlight their destination. Their experience and expertise of the location are critical in planning a seamless, attentive and memorable cultural immersion experience for attendees.

Cuisine that blends culture

From décor to entertainment and food, cultural elements of the destination are seamlessly integrated into functions, giving attendees a true sense of the region’s unique charm and energy. For example, at my country home base of Hyatt Regent Hills in San Antonio, we offer a variety of themed menus that showcase the city’s heritage, ranging from authentic Mexican fare like chilaquiles verdes and esquites to traditional influences that showcase strong influences. Beer garden setting. German settlers were in the area in the mid-1800s.

In fact, the McGriff Young Performers Conference hosts an event at various venues throughout the resort, each with a different reception celebrating different elements of San Antonio culture. Attendees rotated through Texas barbecue, carnival-themed entertainment and German-style celebrations that showcased what makes this destination unique.

Read more: Efficiently manage food rules for meeting menus

Find ways to support your destination

When hosting an event where many attendees are from out of town, I highly recommend finding ways to include local businesses and vendors. Planners may consider hiring local artisans to sell their unique products at the event or incorporate their products into welcome gifts.

For example, in San Antonio, Fiesta medals are an important part of our culture. Local businesses specialize in creating these unique medallions, which local organizations and residents can purchase and share with one another. At My Hyatt Regency Mountain Country Basecamp, we work with many meeting planners to help them create their own carnival-themed medals that attendees can take home as fun keepsakes to commemorate their time in the Alamo City .

Read more: Hyatt loves local…and the why, where, how and who of ecotourism today

Learn about history

It’s also important to consider the history of a location and what makes it so unique. San Antonio, for example, has hundreds of years of unique history, from the city’s vibrant Mexican influence to Native American history and the Texas Revolution.

Finding a way to incorporate historical details into your conference can provide attendees with a fun, interactive, and educational activity. I’ve seen groups host everything from keynote welcomes by local historical society representatives to actual reenactments by local actors.

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With a true passion for the hospitality industry, Tony Moraga oversees activities at the Hyatt Regency Mountain Village Resort & Spa, which features over 100,000 square feet of space and a unique collection of indoor and outdoor venues Available.