Three Cultures in One Destination

If you are looking to offer your meeting and convention attendees a multicultural experience, Susan Radojevic, president of the Peregrine Agency, has just the place for you. "Mexican, Mayan, and Caribbean - these are three distinct types of experiences awaiting meeting groups in Cancun," she said. "It's possible to experience these three different cultures within a short radius of your hotel. Plus, Cancun has a strong and sophisticated infrastructure that will put attendees at ease."

Radojevic has incorporated the unique culture of Cancun in several meetings that she has planned there. She served as chair and helped plan the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) University's 2002 program in Cancun, which was called "The Many Faces of Business and Culture," and drew 350-plus meeting and incentive planners.

The Gran Meliá Cancun Conference Center Beach and Spa Resort served as the host hotel for the SITE University and gave attendees an opportunity to experience Mexican hospitality first hand. "This property was large enough to accommodate our plenary and breakout sessions, yet small enough to offer the warm hospitality you would normally find in a boutique-style hotel."

Mayan Culture Radojevic recently brought a group from the office supply industry to Cancun for its annual general meeting. To build excitement around the destination, a meeting logo was created with a parrot and sombrero and the name, "La Conferencia de Primavera." Teasers were sent leading up the meeting that included a mini sombrero, a bottle of tequila, and a t-shirt with the logo.

A highlight for many was an event she planned at Xcaret, with the help of a local destination management company (DMC). This eco-archaeological park was one of the most important Mayan ceremonial centers and seaport for more than 10 centuries.

"We had dinner in one of the private pavilions and were then entertained by folk dancers, rope and lassos, and a mariachi band," she said.

Radojevic's group marveled at the natural beauty of this part of the Caribbean, taking in the pelicans, turtles, and flora and fauna of Xcaret. "Cancun is a wonderful place to hold a meeting, especially in the cold months," Radojevic said. n