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
