Sherry Romello

PCMA Studies Colombia

PCMA Studies Colombia❖ PCMA professionals had the opportunity to travel to

Colombia this past quarter and discuss the reasons why meeting professionals is quickly becoming an up and coming sector

❖ The educational tools put together by the different teams within PCMA, are necessary for developing these meeting destination countries, like Colombia

❖ However, this exchange has to be profitable for all parties involved, which is why PCMA studied Colombian technology trends, emerging markets and marketable professional circles

❖ After completing their research PCMA decided that Colombia is the perfect contender for the typical criteria needed for meeting destinations. They are as follows:❖ Reliable Internet❖ Plenty of Women Leaders❖ Security and Safety

Reliable Internet❖ Many people believe that the United States has

the fastest Wi-Fi, however, PCMA staff paid praise to the many venues they visited while in Colombia

❖ They were able to connect without any trouble and received fast and extremely reliable services

❖ Technology and internet is a huge concern for planners, which is why this information is so imperative

Plenty of Women Leaders

❖ Women are present, and in many cases, leading the conversations about Planning and Meeting Destinations

❖ Its a great opportunity for the economy of the country, and the maturation of this niche market in Colombia

Security and Safety❖ One of the most important things to keep in mind for planners is

the safety of travelers and attendees present in these meetings❖ Although this subject is more prevalent in different areas of the

world, its still necessary to take the appropriate measures❖ In one instance, an organizer was apprehensive about bring her

team to Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia❖ After meeting with the city’s security officers and understanding

the specific procedures and technologies they used, the planner felt at ease to bring on the next team

❖ PCMA staff suggests that planners should ask thoughtful and honest questions, instead of relying only on headlines

For more from PCMA, check them out on the web at www.pcma.org