Argyll and the Islands Tourism Cooperative has had a resounding success with the innovative ‘speed dating’ event dreamed up by its CEO, Mike Story and delivered at the Loch Melfort Hotel at Arduaine.
This saw a collection of ‘buyers’ from the Scottish Small Destination Marketing Association, having 6 minutes between gongs with a series business members of Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative [AITC], each of which had their own promotional desk.
They had six minutes to make their pitch to the buyer before the bell rang, with two minutes allowed for the each buyer to move to the next desk, before the bell gave the Get Go for the next pitch.
The intensity and excitement of the occasion saw serious conversations engaged before the dating sessions even began; and after they were over, both sides of the equation had drinks and dinner together at the hotel, allowing the mutual pursuit of business opportunities.
The Scottish Small Destination Marketing Association [SDMA] Members are a perfect fit for Argyll. They are small specialist suppliers of activity and experience holidays – and they are a 50-weeks -a-year market.
When we first heard that this event was in planning, it was dynamic even as a concept. When we asked Mr Story how it had gone on the night, we expected good news and got even better. Anchors were needed to prevent levitation in delight.
One of the reasons Argyll and the Isles was chosen by the SDMA was the group’s hard earned high profile in tourism business – and Mike Story’s offer to hold a business speed dating event.
This variation on a theme allowed 12 buyers from all over Scotland to meet companies from all over Argyll and the Isles, exchange ideas and form relationships in fast, efficient and light hearted manner.
The SDMA had their AGM prior to the speed dating event, which gave Mr Story time to deliver a lively briefing to the AITC troops, on their 6 minute 1-on-1s with each buyer from the SDMA.
In his own words, ‘I then went next door to the SDMA group, briefed them and led them through in a line, with the immortal words: “Ladies and gentlemen, meet your dates”. A great ice breaker right away.’
After an appropriately speedy and lighthearted introduction to the dos and donts of speed dating, the two groups of potential ‘partners’ were matched up – and the bells began. After 12 dates, everyone was buzzing.
Robert Kidd, Chair of the SDMA, said: This event has been a fantastic experience for all of us and the speed dating was brilliant.
‘Everyone is going home with a better knowledge of the area and some great new business relationships.
‘Mike Story and the team from AITC have set a very high bar for other DMO’s [DestinationMarketing Organisations] and the reception we have had will leave us with a warm impression of Argyll and the Isles.
The other advantage for Argyll of this inspired event was that af6er 12 six minute ‘dates’, each SDMA buyer will have had one whale of an overwhelming sense of just what this place has to offer.
SDMA buyers attending
- Abbey Tours Scotland [Rebecca Brooks]
- Best of Scotland Holidays [Marie Dewar]
- Brightwater Scotland [Graeme Mitchell]
- Highland Experience Tours [Sonia Valcarel]
- Rabbie’s Trail Burners ‘Yvonne Wagoun]
- McKinlay Kidd [Robert Kidd]
- Scottish Clans and Castles [Alastair Cunningham]
- Wilderness Events [Craig Little]
- Douglas Logan
At the meeting only
- Scottish Tours and Guiding Services [Mike Furlong]
- Hart Tours [Douglas Hart]
AITC business pitchers
- Islay and Jura Marketing Group & RSPB Islay [Paul Graham and Emily Platt]
- Mull and Iona Futures [Mike Story]
- Explore Kintyre [Peter Stogdale]
- Machrihanish Dunes [Stuart Ellis]
- Ugadale Hotel Machrihanish and Royal Hotel Campbeltown [Rhona Millar]
- Visit Cowal [Catriona Craig]
- Heart of Argyll Tourism Alliance [Carron Toibin]
- Kilmartin Museum [Kay Owen]
- Argyll Artmap Open Studios Sian Macqueen]
- Mount Stuart and Visit Bute [Kathryn McLaughlin]
- Inveraray Marketing Group and Inveraray Jail [Gavin Dick]
- Caledonian Macbrayne [Ian Fox][
- Portavadie Marina and Argyll's Secret Coast [Bridgeen Mullen]
- The Majestic Line [Marie Thoms]
- Oban & Lorn Winter Festival and Oban & Lorn Tourism Association [Pamela Lockhart]
Last time we saw the Oban Winter Festival team, they were busy promoting their event at BOWfest – in the music tent [a good move].
This team have been exemplary in working hard and resourcefully to promote, at every opportunity, the event they began to try to extend Oban’s tourism season; and on this occasion willingly took on the additional job of promoting Oban when no one turned up from the Oban and Lorn Tourism Association.
Calum Ross of the Loch Melfort Hotel, would have represented Oban and Lorn Tourism but was busy overseeing a memorable lunch and dinner for the delegates.
The feedback from this event has been first class – enlivened. The concept was sensational. The setting magical.
