When Site Selectors Come to Visit8 Tips for a Memorable FAM Tour
December 10, 2013
@aboutdci, #econdev, #DCIFAMTips
Presenters
Rachel DeloffreSenior Account
Executive
Susie WebbSenior Coordinator Occupier Services
Elisabeth KulinskiSenior Associate
Indirect Tax Credits & Incentives
About DCI
• Development Counsellors International (DCI) is the only firm in the world to specialize exclusively in marketing places.
• Since 1960, we have worked with 400+ cities, regions, states and countries, helping them attract both investors and visitors.
• DCI has planned and executed dozens of FAM tours and site selection consultant events across North America.
• DCI’s database, LocationAdvisors.net, houses information on some of the most influential site selection professionals.
Why FAM Tours?
• Form relationships with the local economic development organization.
• Meet face-to-face with political and business leaders.
• Gain invaluable knowledge of a city/region by seeing it in person.
8 Tips from
2 Site Selectors
1. Send an Enticing Invitation
Invitation Tips
Include sample schedule
Catch attention with a fun activityMention high-level
government or company officials
Send 2-3 monthsin advance
Send a “Save the Date” teaser
2. First Impressions Count
Select Stellar Food and Accommodations
• Location, location, location
• Communicate with hotel to make check in seamless
• Eat somewhere unique to your region
• Ask about dietary restrictions/give options
3. A Warm Welcome
Welcome Packet FAM tour schedule Articles about your region Maps Brochures Welcome letter from mayor or governor
FAM(tastic) Welcome orThank You Gift
• Gifts help site selectors remember you
• Consider giving something iconic that’s made in your area
• Be sure the gift relates to your location
• Consider shipping something after the trip, depending on size
4. Arrange High-Caliber Meetings
1. Politicians 2. Business Leaders 3. Members of your EDO
Meetings with Civic Leaders
Do This: Not That:
Meetings to Consider:• Mayor• Governor• Other high level politicians
Corporate Executives
• Leaders from your business community
• Spokespeople who know their industry
• CEOs from your biggest industry clusters
• One of your biggest employers
Members of Your Organization
• Help host the group
• Chance to form relationships with site selectors
• Be a resource/tour guide
5. Show off Your Key Assets
1. Research facilities 3. Manufacturing operations
2. Biggest employers
More specifically…
• Choose companies with something special or new (i.e. recent expansion, unique technology, etc.)
• Show a diverse range of companies/industries
• Don’t necessarily need tours of educational assets
• Consider looking at real estate
6. Incorporate Quality of Life
The quality of life aspects of your city/region are often key differentiators
Tourism Attractions & Quality of Life
• Quality of life assets allow site selectors to explain more than just numbers to their clients
• For some site selectors, the fun activities are a big draw, for others, they’re not as important
• Make the trip more flexible and appealing by scheduling fun activities towards the end
7. Find a Good Pace
Itinerary and Scheduling Tips
• Make weekends an add-on option, but not key part of the FAM
• Pack in as much as possible, but allow a little downtime
• Be accommodating and flexible
• Stick to your schedule
• Add an element of fun
Sample Schedule
Element of fun
Short break
Biggest employer
City officials
8. Stay in Touch
• Consider a short survey to get candid feedback
• Send out a contact list or load V-Cards onto branded USB stick
• Add SSCs to your newsletter list
• Send updates/a phone call once in awhile
8 Tips from 2 Site Selectors
1. Send an Enticing Invitation2. Make Your First Impression Count3. Extend a Warm Welcome4. Arrange High-Caliber Meetings5. Show off Your Key Assets6. Incorporate Quality of Life7. Find a Good Pace8. Stay in Touch
Thank You!
• Presentation will be posted on a blog tomorrow at www.aboutdci.com/blog
• Contact information: