Meeting News - September 22, 2008 - (Page 4)

What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com Web Top 5: Aug. 22 – Sept. 6, 2008 Biggest Meetings Trend, Survey Shows #2 Technology Isare using more technology more often, for both large and small events, accordMeeting planners ing to a recent survey by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). The survey suggests that planners are also being affected by rising travel, hotel, and gas prices, as well as environmental trends. (Sept. 2, 2008) #1GROUPS AND MEETINGS MARKET WILL REACH $175B, REPORT SAYS The groups and meetings market is ripe with opportunity for the travel industry, suggests a new report from Research and Markets, a Dublin, Ireland-based market research firm. Titled “Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined,” the report projects that by the end of 2008, revenue from the groups and meetings market will grow to $175 billion from an estimated $164.1 billion in 2006. (Aug. 27, 2008) The Web Top 5 and other breaking stories, feature articles, and blogs are available 24/7 at MeetingNews.com. #3 The Cheese Stands Alone a wine tasting. But far fewer have gone to an event dedicated to By now, most people have been to wine’s favorite and often less-celebrated partner: cheese. (Aug. 22, 2008) Debuts Virtual Convention Center #4 Digitell Jamestown, NY-based creator of digital technology for the conference industry, has Digitell, a announced the introduction of its latest tool, an electronic meetings venue known as the Virtual Convention Center. (Sept. 2, 2008) Trends: Crude Awakening #5 Negotiationprices passed the “insanity” mark right around the start of the summer. Now, the It’s official: Oil price of everything that depends on fuel at some point in the supply chain (airline tickets, food and beverage, and, well, pretty much everything) is skyrocketing faster than planners can catch their breath. Hoteliers, destination management companies, transportation providers, and other suppliers are feeling the effects of high oil prices, as well. Everyone in the meetings industry is looking for a break—even a small one—to help reduce the final bill. (Aug. 28, 2008) MiGurus Command Performance Posted by Nancy A. Norman Regardless of the market—buyer or seller—you should expect to have the very finest meeting possible when you have taken special care to select your meeting site. However, for whatever reason, we read, in industry magazines, e-magazines, newspapers, and the like every day, about disappointing conferences. An important fact to remember for hoteliers and planners alike is that venues must live up to the services they profess to offer, or they actually can be held liable for false promotion. It is safe and prudent to hold hotels accountable for their services and their property. This sense of accountability benefits the planner and should be viewed as a helpful tool by the hotel to operate at top efficiency and potential. Many years ago, I collaborated with a hotelier friend to create a special clause that addresses hotel performance. This clause has been accepted by all hotels in my experience, which is not surprising, as it is quite fair to all concerned. Why not put it into your addendum for your next meeting? Hotel Performance “(Name of Company) has full confidence that (Name of Hotel) will adhere to its promise of quality service pertaining to the (Name of Company) conference and its attendees’ stay at the Hotel. It is due to the very high standards of (Name of Hotel) that (Name of Company) elected to hold its event at this location. By this contract, the (Name of Company) is being held to very specific standards of performance. . .” (For the full clause, go to MiGurus at MeetingNews.com.) The key words in the clause are in the next-to-last sentence of the clause: “Any such reduction or credit would require mutual agreement by both parties.” These are key words as they represent fairness and equitability for all concerned. Hot Deals meetingnews.com/hotdeals * MEETING PACKAGE: Renaissance Hotels in New Orleans Let Planners ‘Pick Five’ The Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans have announced the “Pick Five” menu of customized options for groups meeting in the fall. * MEETING PACKAGE: Montauk Yacht Club Has ‘Complete’ Fall Package for Hamptons Groups Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina, located on the historic East End of Long Island’s South Fork, near Montauk, has announced a special fall meetings package. * MEETING PACKAGE: Hawks Cay Announces Flat Rate for Fall Meetings Accommodations Hawks Cay Resort & Marina, located on Island Duck Key in the Florida Keys, has announced a fall package for meeting planners that includes a flat rate for attendee accommodations. * MEETING PACKAGE: Winter Savings at Savannah’s Mansion on Forsyth Park The Mansion on Forsyth Park has announced a winter meetings special available to planners that book on select dates. The package includes room rates starting at $179 per night and several upgrade options. *Please call to confirm all prices and terms. 4 MeetingNews September 22, 2008 www.meetingnews.com http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/index.jsp http://www.MeetingNews.com http://vnutravel.typepad.com/migurus/ http://www.meetingnews.com/hotdeals http://www.MeetingNews.com http://www.meetingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Meeting News - September 22, 2008

Meeting News - September 22, 2008
Contents
What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com
Inside the Meetings Industry
People Making News
Hotels & Resorts
Convention Centers
CVBs
International
Green Beat
Destination Insider
MN Webcast Report
Ad Index
Live from the Forum

Meeting News - September 22, 2008