Summary

• 3,000 Financial Advisors and Sales Managers from Washington Mutual Bank gathered in Houston for a one-day Sales Meeting.
• Sullivan Group's Destination Management professionals were called upon to coordinate travel services.

Objective
In an effort to explore new marketing tactics, 3,000 Financial Advisors and Sales Managers from Washington Mutual Bank gathered in Houston for a one-day Sales Meeting of mammoth proportions. Sullivan Group's Destination Management professionals were called upon to coordinate travel services for all 3,000 guests, who arrived in Houston from throughout the nation.

Challenge
Given the size, scope and speed of this one-day gathering, the Sullivan Group team faced a largely logistical challenge, which demanded precise planning. The team orchestrated the transportation of 3,000 guests from Houston's Intercontinental and Hobby Airports, to multiple hotels in Downtown Houston and the Galleria area. Shuttles then moved guests from their hotels to the George R. Brown Convention Center. At departure time, guests were again transported from hotels to both of Houston's airports.

Production Management
To address Washington Mutual's needs with utmost efficiency, Sullivan Group created a master travel manifest, covering arrivals and departures, as well as specific airport terminals and hotels. When event guests touched the ground at Houston's Intercontinental and Hobby Airports, they were welcomed by greeters stationed at every terminal exit and baggage claim, to ensure no guest was left behind. Logistical supervisors checked-in arriving guests, confirmed hotel destinations and guided each guest to an appropriate shuttle. At the Sales Meeting's conclusion, 3,000 guests simultaneously boarded 60 buses. Twenty directional staff members guided guests to buses, stationed based upon specific airport terminals, while six Houston Police Department officers assisted with on-site traffic control. Boarding of the buses took only 23 minutes.

Results
As a result of Sullivan Group's Destination Management expertise, Washington Mutual noted that they had never before experienced such quality of service in association with so large a gathering. Sullivan Group plans a repeat of the program for 4,000 people, who will be located at 11 different hotels.