Lisa Paul
Head of Marketing and Manager, National Accounts
Lisa has been in the industry for 21 years. Prior to joining Kuoni, she worked for a couple of great third parties incentive companies. Incentives and large, complex meetings are her specialty, and one of her enjoyments is tying theme-relevant amenities and unique experiences to every attendee touch point.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION?
There are limitless possibilities in New York City, and the city itself is a mosaic of what our entire nation encompasses. The diversity of people, neighbourhoods, cuisines, attractions and entertainment means that our clients can repeat their programs in New York over and over, and have a completely unique and unforgettable experience every time.
WHAT’S NEW AND HOT IN YOUR DESTINATION?
The High Line is a mile-and-a-half-long elevated park, running through the West Side neighbourhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen. It features an integrated landscape, designed by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, combining meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings. Fixed and movable seating, lighting, and special features are also included in the park. It’s really unique and wonderful.
As with other metropolitan cities, gourmets Food Trucks are a hit! We have also been incorporating morning power walks and yoga sessions in Central Park into our clients’ agendas, which has been well-received. People don’t tend to think of Manhattan as an ideal place for exercise or taking in natural surroundings, but once we show them where and how, they learn how to love New York City in an entirely new way.
DESCRIBE THE BIGGEST MISPERCEPTION OF YOUR DESTINATION?
That NYC is overpriced. People assume the city is just too expensive, but there are creative, fabulous ways to accomplish your meeting and event goals at every budget level. You just need an insider to help you do it! There are many cost effective solutions for programmes in New York such as neighbourhood walking tours and free exhibitions throughout the city. Many hoteliers and vendor partners are willing to work within client budget parameters, and it’s our job to help maximize our clients’ investment creatively and effectively.
WITH WHAT OTHER DESTINATIONS DOES YOUR DESTINATION COMMONLY COMPETE?
There is nothing like New York City, we are such a unique destination. NYC is a top tier city with a specific profile. Typically we are competing with international destinations, but occasionally Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
DESCRIBE SOMETHING FUN A TWIST ON EVENT CONCEPTS THAT YOU RECENTLY DID?
We just implemented a Neighbourhoods of New York theme for an on property event in New York that not only highlighted the destination but also music genres. We had continuous entertainment in each neighbourhood using local street musicians and talent indigenous to the area - bucket drummers in the seaport, a local Broadway belter in Times Square, street performers in central park, and local artists exhibiting their talents. The music and the décor concept were integrated, and it was really well-received!