The meetings and events industry continues to focus more on authentic experiences that introduce attendees to local culture and food. These types of activities, however, don’t always come cheap. Here are four ways you can create a cultural meeting itinerary without the added costs.
Plan Around a Free Event
Free concerts and festivals always give groups an authentic experience without the added costs. New Orleans, especially, offers free festivals almost every month. French Quarter Festival, for instance, is the largest, free music festival in the South and introduces attendees to the city’s famous New Orleans funk and contemporary jazz music.
Volunteer
Volunteering opportunities in several communities allow attendees to get a look at the local scene without having to pay a thing. For instance, in Monterey, Calif., groups can volunteer at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to learn more about the area’s marine life and help scientists in the process.
Take a Walking Tour
If you’re conference is situated in the middle of town, take a walking tour instead of taking on the added expense of transportation. Walking tours give attendees an up-close-and-personal feel for the area. Plus, several cities such as San Francisco offer free walking tours. San Francisco City Guides offers free scheduled walking tours of the city’s famous North Beach and Nob Hill areas.
Go to a Free Museum
Several big cities have free museums that are either non-profits or funded by a city organization. In Kansas City, Mo., The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is always free and introduces attendees to everything from local art to national exhibits. Los Angeles’ new contemporary art museum, The Broad is also free to visitors, but a reservation is recommended. Pieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jeff Koons are just a few of the artworks on display.
