Ultimate Escapes Members Meet In Bethesda, Maryland

By: Destination Club News
Date: May 30, 2008

Despite the fact the destination club model is largely predicated on the country club model, the one downside of a global club is no centralized area for members to convene to discuss their favorite vacations, restaurant suggestions, and the other components of destination club membership like their country club brethren.

On May 7, ten members got the opportunity to connect at an Ultimate Escapes' Member Event in Bethesda, Maryland. Members and approximately 30 prospects met at the Congressional Country Club for cocktails and dinner and got the chance to meet with one another and a cast of the club's team.

Headlining the event was Co-CEO and future Chairman Richard Keith. Joining Keith were Membership Directors Karla Jones and Frances Mickelson, Escape Planner Alisa Starbuck, and Elodie Vigneron, who coordinated the event, all stemming from the Private Escapes team. Earlier this week, Private Escapes and Ultimate Resort announced they will move forward under the new Ultimate Escapes master brand.

The Congressional Country Club was incorporated in 1921, founded by Congressmen Oscar E. Bland and O.R. Lubring. Bland and Lubring took their vision to then Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover who served as Founders' Club President and then Honorary Founding President from 1922 to 1923. Construction took over two years and the club would eventually become known for its world class golf despite its historical name.

While letting members have the chance to meet with one another is one of the primary focuses, these events can often be strong sales tools as well for clubs. Members often bring friends, family, and colleagues who are interested in the destination club product and the direct line of communication to the club's executive staff, as well as those who sell the product and help on the service side, makes for a strong sales pitch.

Long a staple in their marketing efforts, look for Ultimate Escapes to continue with other events in the future. If you are interested in attending similar events with Ultimate Escapes or any other destination club, special pricing and terms are often offered during these programs in addition to meeting with the club's brass, making it a lucrative time to join if you are on the fence.

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