Seeing the Forest through the Trees

Vancouver is very unique in comparison to international convention destinations like New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Frankfurt. Vancouver is an event planners paradise. Client activities are almost endless and with the continued demand for eco-based adventure, more dollars are bound to come our way.

Vancouver’s spectacular coast line, majestic mountains, pristine forests, and more nature than we know what to do with are key selling points, but what are we really doing about exposing these natural wonders to our clients. Many admire the façade, but how many experience the wonder behind it. The business rewards of exploring British Columbia’s mountains and rainforests are endless and not easily forgotten. How many of us are offering clients a hiking excursion that exposes them to what British Columbia is know for?

We’ve all attended events full of speeches, vendor show cases, team building activities, and more information than we could possibly retain. Once the event is done, we are thrown back into work and life where the post event highlights discussed are generally focused around the entertainment. Yes, relationships became stronger, but what about addressing and sustaining the key objectives of the event. Will the event really improve things like morale, sales, productivity, stress, and mental and physical wellness? How different will the lives of those attendees be on Monday morning?

Adding a hike to the event will impact event success. Hiking to the top of a mountain creates self-awareness, allows one to reflect on things, opens up authentic communication, develops trust and integrity, and provides a strong sense of accomplishment. These are the employee fundamentals of top performing organizations. Once you are more aware of those around you and yourself, things will change and positively impact the organization. Hiking gives time to really connect with the event objectives and creates a lasting impact.

The question is: How do you sell an activity to clients where physical exertion is required and wine is not available on route? Hiking is not easy. It is not a thrilling ride. Hiking is not golf, in fact, is the farthest thing from it. Standing on the tee with anxious onlookers is not like being on the top of a summit and being the anxious onlooker. It is far easier drinking beer, having idle chit chat, sitting in a cart, and hitting balls for 18 holes. Does golf provide a lasting experience? Is golf void of stress? Do you feel rejuvenated after a game? Golf is fun, but my challenge to you is to think outside of the social norms.

Hiking is hard, you will sweat, beer is not advisable, and you will be tired at the end of the day. The journey is something you will remember and is a great way to build stronger relationships, create a joint sense of accomplishment, and experience something uniquely British Columbia. Vancouver is a beautiful city but looking down at it from a mountain summit creates unforgettable perspective.

Why not look at offering clients a half or full day experiencing the natural wonders of British Columbia and reaching a summit? Couple this with some team exercises that open communication barriers, address employee challenges, and reinforce event objectives. After the hike, participants could rest with fine wine and a full course meal and then be entertained by local activity providers. Would this be a day with high impact, luxury, and personal reward? People may not be excited about the experience ahead of time, but it is one they will never forget. In fact, it may kick start a hiking or walking regime with them which will create sustainable mental and physical wellness.

Client relationships will come and go. The ones that experience something out of the ordinary will come back for more. What will your clients remember about the events you planned?

Glen Sollors,

Founder and Chief Trail Officer

Beyond the Tour