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Medical Meetings in the Caribbean

When George Meeker looked for a site for his group of 75 attendees to take Harvard continuing medical education courses, he turned to Bermuda for several reasons. "The main reason is the proximity to the East Coast and the fact that it is simple for Canadians to get in and out," explained the New Hampshire-based meeting executive of Meeker Marketing Services. "I also had attendees from the English radiological society, and there are flights five days a week to Bermuda from the UK. It worked out rather well."

Bermuda, explained Meeker, "fits a lot of people. You can take a bus right down into Hamilton and shop. Golf is great."

For the May 2000 meeting at the Sonesta Bermuda, the group met for four days in morning class sessions, with afternoons free to enjoy the island.

"Bermuda really has a lot to offer," says Meeker. "Within 1-1/2 to 2 hours, you are in a different world. There's no crime, and it's a beautiful place. What's not to like about Bermuda?"

Convenience also played an important part in selection of the Bahamas as a meeting destination for David Maloney, executive director of the American Association of Oriental Medicine. Maloney's group of 70 attendees were based at the Sheraton Grand Paradise Island for their medical education classes which allowed for some free time. "Most people enjoyed the Bahamas very much. We went out snorkeling and that was fun."

Maloney's group met in March 2000, and they soon learned that Nassau was a popular spring break destination. Although the event didn't cause any problems with the hotel or activities, dining was difficult around the island. "Because of spring break, it was tough to get into some restaurants," recalled the Pennsylvania-based meeting executive.