Post-Trip Social

A post-trip social gathering, done correctly, can result in both repeat business and new business.

It’s best to schedule this gathering either during the trip itself — or even beforehand. You want to do so when as many group members as possible are present to agree on a date and time. You also want to allow sufficient time for group members to develop their film, edit videotape, etc., so that they can share these with fellow trip members.

You will want to create a slide show or video you can show to group members and their guests at the social. (Note that the term “slide show” may be archaic, in so far as more and more of us are using video projectors to create presentations using images captured by digital still cameras). A video is arguably best, as it can be duplicated, either on VHS or DVD, and given to group members as a souvenir. In putting together this presentation, you may want to rely solely on your own material, or use images and/or footage contributed by group members.
Be sure to remind group members that they are welcome to bring guests with them. These guests will be potential customers for everything from scuba courses to dive trips.
In addition to your video or slide show depicting the group’s recent trip, have another video or slide show to present which represents the next trip you think will appeal to the greatest number of people present.