Meeting Reimagined for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Despite these unprecedented times, Gaylord Rockies was thrilled for the opportunity to host the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s annual meeting in July. Prior to any planning of the event, it truly started with the desire of the group to have their event and their willingness to be flexible and follow all state and local guidelines relating to social distancing, wearing masks and occupancy limitations within meeting spaces. 

Both the group leaders as well as the Gaylord Rockies staff understood how important it was for attendees to be together in person; although there was an option to join the event virtually. As the conversation with NCBA began, it required the Gaylord Rockies Event Planning team to huddle with NCBA’s meeting planning team to talk through local guidelines and then reimagine what the event would look like. Not only that, but it was important to have a Plan B, C, and D in anticipation of possible changes in local/state regulations and to be as nimble as possible. 

STAR engagement was another critical component leading up to the event. The team engaged all departments in the resort to explain the importance of the meeting and get them excited. Every aspect of the experience had to be reimagined in the current world. This included pre-con/tie down through virtual conversations, social distancing signage with a sense of humor, the use of non-traditional space for food and beverage with made to order options, split group meal and general session space to fit our guidelines, and the use of technology to connect everyone. With the additional precautions along with the willingness of NCBA meeting planners and attendees to follow current guidelines, the event was a great success for everyone involved. 

Click here for more  information about this event (it is also featured on PCMA's website).