Successful Meetings - March 2008 - (Page 16)

News & Analysis > Research Planners Prep Counterstrike on Hotel Prices As many industry forecasts have predicted, meeting planners are experiencing rising hotel room costs this year, according to the latest MeetingNews survey of 250-plus respondents. More than half of the responding planners (55.6 percent) are witnessing higher room rates. And those who have not suffered yet from rate hikes view them as a foregone conclusion; more than one-third (34.2 percent) of respondents are expecting rate increases later this year. But many planners are combating higher hotel prices by negotiating bulk contracts for multiple meetings with a hotel chain in order to leverage discounts, as indicated by 41.3 percent of respondents in the MN study. “Absolutely, we’re negotiating bulk contracts,” says Michael Quatrini, Orlando-based GM of vertically integrated marketing firm TBA Global, LLC, which does Fortune 1000 corporate events. And Stacy Weber, Seattle-based event and meeting manager for western U.S. accounting firm Moss Adams, LLP, says her goal is to establish bulk contracts with hotel suppliers. Still, according to the MN poll, higher room costs are forcing planners to consider the tough moves of scaling back on line items to keep within budget. In Quatrini’s case, the rate pressure has resulted in cutbacks on extracurricular activities and decor elements in some of his client programs, which is what is happening with 14.7 and 11.5 percent of respondents regarding those respective items. Pre- and post-meeting staples like golf, shopping, and destination tours are increasingly out-of-pocket options for The chairman’s ﬂight just landed, and he’s the keynote at your annual sales conference. So much for the sound check. Luckily, your meeting is at Seaport Boston where our expert hospitality team lives for the unexpected. As Boston’s most accommodating host, count on our meeting professionals to make your presenters look their best — and keep your important meeting running without a hitch. And after the applause, we’ll delight your audience with award-winning service worthy of an ovation. Pampered Presentations attendees, says Quatrini. Eli Gorin, owner of Aventura, FLbased gMeetings, which specializes in meetings in Latin America, is opposed to reducing recreation and amenities. “Usually, attendees never have a chance to visit a destination if not for a meeting,” says Gorin. Rather than motivating, a meeting in an exotic location with few leisure amenities and relaxation time can 800.515.5913 SeaportBoston.com/go/pp TA I L O R E D TO YO U be deflating, he says. “It’s rather insulting to tease attendees.” But Quatrini is retracting on those areas in order to preserve food and beverage, the line item many planners are MARCH 2008 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS Seaport is dedicated to increasing sustainability and conservation throughout all aspects of our organization. Please ask Seaport’s meeting professionals how we can “green” your next meeting. http://SeaportBoston.com/go/pp http://SeaportBoston.com/go/pp

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Successful Meetings - March 2008 Contents Editor's Note Suppliers On the Record Research Associations Planner's Spotlight Management Matters Mouth for Sale Meetings Law Pre-Event Pre-Event Tools of the Trade On Site Quick Tip Critical Conditions A Family Affair Conference Centers We Love CSM of the Year Places & Spaces Luxury Las Vegas New York CIty Houston New Orleans Quebec Bahamas Oahu & Big Island Florida Keys Gurus

Successful Meetings - March 2008

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