Programs can be structured as: the primary service, as:

	primary service
	value-added amenity
	revenue-generating amenity

	concierge
	nonstructured format
	structured format

	people are introduced to new activities
	activity skills instruction may increase future participation
	social interaction increases contacts for future participation
	length of stay may increase
	additional equipment and supplies may be purchased
	children can be meaningfully occupied, freeing parents to recreate
	programs improve relations between employees and customers
	the overall experience is diversified and enriched

Revenue-Generating Amenity: recreation is used to draw new customers and repeat customers, the recreation program is expected to generate a profit. The recreation program must be totally responsive to the interests of the customers. Ex. Bike rentals, tennis rentals, kids camps.

The purpose is to help guests find the benefit they seek, even if it is not something the business directly offers. These businesses act as a information resource, an encourager, a catalyst, or an enabler.

Ways to Facilitate Recreation

	keep a calendar of community events
	serve as a referral service
	provide "how to" information
	provide loan or rental equipment
	publicize other programs
	provide day care
	interested and informed employees

Concierge Services

A concierge provides services limited only by human ability and resourcefulness. A concierge service can be a competitive advantage for a hotel and is a "necessary extra" for service-oriented hotels. Most concierge services are information or services.

The programming cycle begins with an understanding and assessment of the participants' needs and interests and the benefits they expect to receive. Next, program objectives designed to fulfill those needs, interests, and benefit expectations are established. Different types of program alternatives are then considered, and it is determined what type of program can best fulfill the objectives. Next, the logistics of the program are planned in the program design phase. The program is then implemented according to design. Finally, the program is evaluated.

Recreation programmers often spend 80% of their time on the nuts-and-bolts practical work of program design and implementation.

Participant's Interests/Market Assessment: identify the interests, needs and desires of the target market.

Program Objectives: how to meet the interests, needs and desires of the target market.

Program Alternatives: review a variety of programs and select the one best suited to meet the program objectives.

Program Design: locate the resources (personnel, facilities/equipment and finances) necessary to implement the program.

Program Implementation: initiate program design.

Evaluation: measures the extend to which the program met its stated objectives.

1. initial planning: assess interests, needs and benefit expectations of the target market; determine objectives, both from the participant and the organization's standpoint; analyze the program alternatives that could accomplish the objectives and select the best alternative; establish a budget for the program, considering both the direct costs and the overhead costs; coordinate the initial plan with other divisions within the organization, particularly maintenance, security, finance, and legal departments.

2. Arrange for a facility

3. Obtain equipment and supplies

4. Staff recruitment and training

5. Make special arrangements

6. Develop specific procedures/operating manuals

7. Program promotion

8. Program registration

9. Program set-up

10. Final safety check

11. Conduct the program

12. Program wrap-up

13. Evaluate results

	have a fun concept
	have a central theme
	target large crowds
	tie in to the market
	get the community involved
	recognize cosponsors and contributors
	involve the media in planning
	maintain events
	avoid staleness
	have different activities each day
	utilize celebrities
	control spending
	have a broad base of funding

Special Types of Commercial Programs: used to announce the start of a new season, kick off a new product/service, spice up the old program, provide a change of pace, and attract new customers.