What Are FAM trips And Why Do They Matter

FAM trips—short for familiarization trips—give event planners a chance to see venues and destinations in person. Experiencing something in-person helps planners make better recommendations and design memorable events.

At BCD M&E, we’ve seen how these trips strengthen knowledge, build relationships and improve outcomes for clients.

Why planners should attend FAM trips

Even experienced planners can’t know every venue or destination. A FAM trip gives you:

• Real insight: Walk the rooms, see the flow, feel the space.
• Creative ideas: Discover setups or features you wouldn’t find online.
• Trusted connections: Meet venue teams and build relationships.
• Confidence: Make recommendations with certainty, not guesswork.

How to get the most from a FAM Trip

Maximize your visit with a few simple steps:

1. Plan ahead: Know what you want to see or learn.
2. Ask questions: Take notes and dig into logistics.
3. Engage actively: Talk to staff and fellow planners.
4. Follow up: Send thanks, share what you learned and build lasting connections.

Benefits to a FAM trip

Planners who attend FAM trips can often see tangible results:

1. Enhanced knowledge: Planners return better equipped to promote venues effectively.
2. Stronger relationships: FAM trips create deeper connections between planners and venue staff.
3. Improved event outcomes: Increased confidence in venue selection translates to superior client experiences.
4. Networking opportunities: Attendees foster valuable professional connections that can lead to collaborations.

Addressing the Cost

Typically, venues host FAM trips at no extra cost, covering transportation, accommodation and meals. This generosity demonstrates trust and allows attendees to acquire invaluable knowledge that can be brought back to their organizations.

Key takeaways:

1. Experience beats description: Photos and brochures can’t show flow, feel or vibe. Walking a venue gives planners first-hand insight to make smarter choices.
2. Make confident recommendations: Seeing a venue in person builds credibility with clients. You’ll know what works, what doesn’t, and can advise with authority.
3. Spark creative ideas: Exposure to new setups, services, and spaces can inspire unique event concepts your competitors might miss.
4. Build lasting relationships: FAM trips connect you with venue staff and other planners, opening doors for collaborations, insider tips, and future partnerships.
5. Save time and reduce risk: Knowledge of a venue or destination means fewer surprises on event day, reducing stress and last-minute changes.
6. Generate new opportunities: Understanding a venue deeply can help identify cross-selling, sponsorship, or lead-generation chances for your business.
7. Invest in your growth: Attending trips, whether covered by the venue or with a small contribution, is professional development that pays off in smoother planning and better client outcomes.

FAM trips play a vital role in the meetings and events industry. They connect planners with venues through first-hand experiences, building knowledge, trust and stronger partnerships. When managed ethically, these trips become powerful tools for driving business success.

Contact us to discover the value of FAM trips and take your event planning to the next level.