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8/12/2010 12:05:24 PM TD Posts: 3	I totally agree Brad. I think there's a culture to get on these trips without having any intention of actually booking. It certainly doesn't help anyone. Perhaps if there isn't already - there should be a system where people are blacklisted from these types of events as I have heard countless stories of venues and tourism bodies going to great expense getting 'PCOs' there only to find out that many either aren't qualified or leaving their job within the month.
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8/10/2010 12:42:22 PM bfoster Administrator Posts: 62	Hey AB99 and nice response. Famils can and should be a great opportunity for participants to get a real feel for a destination, particularly when the itinerary offers a whole lot more than one hotel site inspection after another. From a writer's point of view I also find them extremely worthwhile when writing an article about the destination. The thing that continues to amaze me after so many years of participating in famils is that there are some people who just shouldn't be there. I have known countless individuals who take part in famils when I know full well that the business opportunities they offer for the destination are highly unlikely. Unfortunately I'm not one of those people who has the time to participate in a famil and treat it more like a holiday. Personally, I'd rather take a holiday with the family. Participating in famils if you don't think you may be able to book an event within the destination some time in the future is doing nobody any good, particularly those hard-working small business operators who help to make the famil a memorable one.
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8/6/2010 3:05:03 PM AB99 Posts: 9	Famils have been an absolutely invaluable resource for me, for experiencing a location, venues, and the 'extras' (e.g., bus transport, post-Conference activities for delegates, etc). Townsville, Gold Coast & Adelaide all come to mind as those who have provided some top famils. Trying out the fun activities available, having a special dinner, a 'different" lunch, and yes a few choice rewards (massages always a plus!) or giveaways - plus a bit of free time, have in several cases sold me on a location (and/or venue, plus activities) I might not have known about and therefore chosen.
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8/6/2010 12:32:50 PM bfoster Administrator Posts: 62	Anybody working in the business events sector and who book or run meetings or incentive travel are regularly invited on familiarisations, or as we often call them educationals. Have you been on an educational recently that really knocked your socks off? What part of famils do you like and not like? What changes would you recommend for those who organise educationals? Have your say, and take a look at Elizabeth Rich's recent article in micenet ASIA on how to organise a successful famil program - http://www.btp.net.au/243/section.aspx/category/9/catalog/54/page/1460
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