Want to save money and time while accomplishing more during business travel? Who can say no to that? Strategically planning your travel plans can make you even more efficient. In this instance, we are using the Merriam-Webster definition of double down as “approaching some problem with more focus and energy.”

For example, one of our event leads planned a venue site inspection in Seattle. While there, she met with the AV company, held a planning meeting with the client, and attended another event MeetGreen was managing.

Another example is when our sustainability team was in Las Vegas on a consulting project. They also toured a recycling facility and met with the operations team from another venue for an event scheduled for later in the month.

When our sales team goes to IMEX America, they network with possible new clients and schedule time with our clients who may be attending to discuss our current work. They seek opportunities to learn more about the city, venues, and services.

All of these scenarios saved money, time, and, quite frankly, the stress of travel, which isn’t glamorous anymore.

How to Double Down

  • Find out who will be attending the event that you specifically want to meet with
  • Reach out before the event to set up a meeting with one or more
  • Research other business leads or associates who are based in the city you are traveling to
  • Invite them to a special dinner with others you know

Look for opportunities to Double Down

  • Events you are attending
  • Site inspections
  • Hold a committee meeting you would have otherwise all had to travel to later
  • Business trips for one purpose
  • Travel for personal reasons where you can add a day or two to take care of business

Savings from Double Down Travel

  • Time in an airport, airplane, ground transport
  • Number of trips you need to take
  • Hotel room nights
  • Money
  • Carbon emissions
  • Frazzled nerves

A little more time and focus spent on pre-planning trips offers an opportunity to “Work smarter, not harder.”