8 Tips for a Successful Site Selector FAM Tour

Hosting a site selector familiarization (FAM) tour is one of the most effective ways an economic development organization can showcase its community. These tours create valuable opportunities to build relationships, highlight local assets and demonstrate why your region is a competitive choice for investment. To make the most of the experience, keep in mind the following tips:  

1. Showcase your community’s assets. 

Design an itinerary that captures the vibrancy and character of your community. Include opportunities to meet with public, private, academic and utility partners who play a role in economic development. Keep the focus on what matters to consultants’ clients, and, when possible, align with major cultural or sporting events for added timely draw. For example, if your community has a signature annual festival, or is hosting a race or tournament, consider adding access to the itinerary. If you’re in close proximity to an MLB, NFL or NBA team, consider renting a suite at a home game. If consultants can check off a bucket-list item during your event, they are more likely to attend!  

2. Invite high-profile guests. 

Elected officials, community leaders and subject matter experts bring credibility and energy to your program. Consultants will come prepared with detailed questions, so make sure knowledgeable voices are available to answer them. Having the Governor share insights about state incentives or the Mayor discuss project pipelines can be more impactful than a slide deck and shows cooperation and partnerships within your community.

3. Get out of the boardroom. 

Consultants are traveling to see your community, not sit in a conference room. Avoid lengthy presentations that make the trip feel more like a meeting. Take advantage of site visits, walking tours, meals and even drive time to share your story. Keep the pace brisk and engaging. A behind-the-scenes tour of an advanced manufacturing facility or development-ready site tells a more powerful story than any PowerPoint presentation.  

4. Create a VIP experience. 

Small touches make a big difference. Arrange airport pickups, book well-rated hotels in walkable areas and select quality restaurants with space for private conversation. Comfortable, thoughtful details elevate the experience. Remember that consultants get invited to dozens of events and FAM tours all over the world, so it is important to create a standout experience.  

5. Prepare to cover expenses. 

When it comes to expenses, it is best practice for your organization to cover travel, lodging and group meals at a minimum. Clarify in advance what’s included and note that consultants may submit incidental expenses (like airport transfers or meals while in transit). Consider offering a stipend in recognition of the time consultants spend away from client work.
 

6. Be mindful of timing. 

FAM tours should be no longer than two to three days, preferably during the work week. If your FAM tour is centered around a unique event that takes place on a weekend, consider having that be a “free day” with no official programming. Avoid busy travel seasons, major holidays and conflicts with industry events (such as Site Selectors Guild, Consultant Connect or Area Development conferences). Reach out 8-12 weeks in advance to ensure you get on consultants’ radar early.   

7. Follow up promptly. 

A thoughtful follow-up can be just as important as the tour itself. Send personalized thank-you notes within a few days to maintain momentum, answer lingering questions and reinforce your community’s value proposition. Reference specific moments from the tour, like the consultant who asked about workforce training during the university visit, or the group’s reaction to seeing a new industrial park site, to show you were paying attention. This not only keeps your community top of mind but also helps deepen the relationships sparked during the visit.

8. Gather feedback. 

A short post-event survey helps you refine future tours and measure impact. Ask about both logistics and perceptions. Did the consultants leave with a stronger sense of your community’s strengths? Were there moments that stood out, or parts of the itinerary that fell flat? Simple questions like “What surprised you most?” or “What would you like to see on your next visit?” can spark honest insights that make your next FAM tour even stronger.  

With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, a FAM tour can leave a lasting impression and build stronger relationships with the consultants who influence business decisions. The goal isn’t just to showcase your community, it’s to make it unforgettable so that consultants think of your community for that next big project.  

Subscribe to LocationAdvisorDatabase.com for a database of consultants to invite, searchable by location and industry sector. Want to learn more? Reach out to Rachel Deloffre at rachel.deloffre@old.aboutdci.com.