Choosing the right destination is important for any corporate event, but it’s particularly vital with sales kick-offs. The right place and setting will help put your team in the perfect mindset so they can get motivated and inspired for the upcoming year.

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Considerations for Choosing the Right Destination for Your Next SKO

When it comes to choosing the destination for your next sales kick off, keep the following in mind:

Accessibility

You want your destination to be easily accessible for all of your team members. Be sure to look for hot spots that have direct flights from major airports. When searching for accommodations, make sure they aren’t too far from the airport and that plenty of public transport is available.

Amenities

Look for locations that have the right kind of event spaces to comfortably accommodate all team members. This means choosing a city that offers plenty of hotel rooms with meeting spaces, as well as opportunities for team-building activities and/or recreational activities. SKOs are not just about motivating your team to beat last year’s numbers; they’re also about building your organization’s culture.

Dining and Entertainment

Choose a destination that has a variety of food and beverage options that will suit everyone’s tastes and special dietary needs. You want your team to be happily fueled for the work at hand!

The Best Bang for Your Buck

From your organization’s perspective, you want a destination that offers the greatest return on your investment. Look for those locations that have competitive pricing and package deals that will include lodging, meeting spaces and meals all in one.

With these considerations in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top US cities for SKOs in 2024:

Asheville, NC

Located in beautiful Western North Carolina, in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant small city with a lot of music, art and an incredible food scene. I mean, this is really a foodie’s paradise with some of the local hotspots being James Beard Award winners. Plus there are dozens of local breweries serving up fantastic ales, IPOs and Lagers.

Asheville is also surrounded by mountains, lakes and several National Parks, so your team can bond over some biking, hiking, horseback riding or tubing down the French Broad River. With plenty of hotels and meeting space options, Asheville has begun to attract more and more event planners over the years. Worth checking out in 2024!

Scottsdale, AZ

Known as a haven for well-to-do golf fanatics, Scottsdale is an up-and-coming destination for meetings and sales kick-offs. The picturesque and historic desert town is home to a fine selection of luxury resorts and other accommodations, and plenty of amenities sure to please any crowd.

It’s a great year-round destination, with summer being its low season. So that’s a great time to get deals on hotels and resorts. There is also a great food and wine scene, and plenty of museums, shopping, and day tours to keep your team smiling!

Palm Springs, CA

Want a posh desert getaway that offers relaxation with a laid-back vibe? Palm Springs will give you that and more! Known as the playground for celebrities for decades, Palm Springs is a wonderful blend of calming nature and heightened sophistication.

You may think Palm Springs is not in your budget, but there are some surprisingly affordable accommodations to be found. From traditional hotels to upscale resorts and charming boutique hotels, there is something here for everyone.

And when it comes to food and drinks, there is no shortage of options. Palm Springs offers a world-class culinary scene as well as many cultural attractions.

Denver, CO

Would your team enjoy a cool mix of outdoor adventure and urban exploration? The “Mile High City” may be known for its expansive mountain views and local breweries, but there are plenty of outdoor and in-city activities to keep your group entertained.

Swimming and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter are just some of the outdoor activities to be had in Denver. The bustling brewery scene and Red Rocks Amphitheater are also activities to be enjoyed. And with plenty of hotel and meeting space options, Denver definitely has you covered!

Portland, OR

While Portland has become increasingly popular with travelers over the last decade or so, it still somehow feels like a hidden gem. If you think Portland is nothing more than an artsy-fartsy-hippie destination, think again!

This Pacific Northwest metropolis is on one hand quirky and on the other, quite sophisticated. There are some impressive examples of architecture from Victorian to modern to be ogled. The city also boasts some very lovely public gardens, like the Japanese Gardens, which are one of Portland’s most visited sites each year.

And Portland has one of the best food scenes on the West Coast. All of this, in addition to a plethora of affordable accommodations and meeting spaces, makes Portland a destination to consider for your next SKO.

The Wrap

Select the perfect US city for your next SKO by considering accessibility, amenities, and overall affordability. If you select any of the destinations on our list, you really can’t go wrong.

And if you need help planning your next sales kick-off event, give us a shout. We help organizations of all sizes create an event that inspires, energizes, and motivates their team to hit future goals!