Successful Meetings - February 2009 - (Page 38)

The San Francisco CVB is working to make meeting there a treat—regardless of the economy Frew adds that CVBs should show they understand planners don’t want to cut corners just because their budget has been cut. “Planners are afraid of being embarrassed during this time, and a CVB, even if they have to think smaller, should still be finding ways to make sure certain standards are met.” Frew says the Northern Kentucky CVB offers a free day of rental at the convention center if a group isn’t pleased with the event, and suggests planners try for that kind of insurance from other cities. Burns says it’s time for sister cities to partner to allow for better deals. “I’d like to see more cities get together and give a bulk rate if you agree to all of them in consecutive years,” she says. “Sometimes cities are in such competition that they end up hurting each other and the planners over it.” Sacramento CVB’s Miller agrees—his city partners with Baltimore and Fort Worth. “The challenge is making sure your staff has a thorough knowledge of the other two cities,” he says. Reality Sets In Despite the tradition of annual meetings, costcutting may mean a switch to regional meetings. Of already have special deals course, this means smaller with speakers, then I need to events and possibly less know I shouldn’t be concenincentive for CVBs to get trating on that.” involved. But Miller Jerri Lane, vice president acknowledges that this attiof convention sales for the tude needs to change. “We Seattle Convention and all have to win the smaller Visitors Bureau, says that battles sometimes when meeting planners can expect times are tough,” he says. CVBs to step it up but not “We realize that by helping work miracles. “Though our with those kind of events, city hasn’t been affected so we may be keeping these far, we may organizations have to pregoing for times pare for some when things are uneasy times,” better and the she says. “But national event that doesn’t can return. A mean hotels CVB definitely are always can’t afford to going to turn up their budge on nose and leave prices. Have planners in the realistic lurch.” expectations, Kathryn and deals have Horton, senior a better director of conchance to be vention events worked out.” and services for No matter the San Francisco what deals are Convention and possible, Visitors Bureau, Burns is confisays regardless of dent that if the future econothere’s one my, there needs to area that can be a more open be saved on it’s dialogue between Kathryn Horton, senior director, time. meeting planners San Francisco CVB “I’d love to and CVBs. see the CVBs “There’s no bring as many offers togethquestion that CVBs need to er as possible for one-stop continue to try and offer shopping,” she says. “When I more, but meeting planners pick out convention sites, it’s can help us by being more easier to get all meeting forthcoming than ever,” she rooms, sleeping rooms, says. “By giving us your top food, and A/V packaged priorities, instead of just together. The last thing I saying, ‘I want to save the want to feel is that I’m on most money possible,’ we my own in this.” SM can focus our efforts. If you “Planners can help us by being more forthcoming than ever If you already have special deals with speakers then I need to know I shouldn’t be concentrating on that.” 38 I SM I February 2009 I SuccessfulMeetings.com http://www.SuccessfulMeetings.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - February 2009

Successful Meetings - February 2009 Contents Editor's Letter News Update: Meetings Associations Band Together Education Planner Spotlight Technology Talk Food & Beverage Making Cents of It All Meanwhile, Back at Headquarters Seal of Approval Come Sail Away Making Tracks Places & Spaces Florida’s East Coast Aruba Maui 3 Days in Philadelphia

Successful Meetings - February 2009

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