Successful Meetings - August 2008 - (Page 40)

Negotiation > Crude Awakening Trends harder in just the past 45 days. tional, and owner of Cutting Edge chains are offering attractive packages “Everyone held out as long as they Planning Meeting & Events. that feature CMP-type amenities. For possibly could,” Baldearena says. “I’m Explore alternatives that might lower instance, 20 participating Marriott proud that they didn’t hear the news [of your total F&B costs. Sure, a complete Hotels and Resorts properties are higher fuel costs] and pop prices up.” meeting package (CMP) rate may look promising free continental breakfast, Eighteen months ago, the industry high if you haven’t used a conference discounts on audiovisual and F&B thought fuel surcharges would be shortcenter before, but dig deeper into what costs, double reward points, upgrades, lived and that oil would never break services are included to assess its full and earned rooms for qualifying $100 a barrel. Planners protested every value. Even if you decide a conference groups. little charge or rate hike, but now reality center is not right for your group, you Other creative ways to lower your has set in. “It’s here to stay,” she says. can use the CMP as a negotiation startF&B costs include checking with the Baldearena says she has seen new ing point. In fact, in an effort to lure kitchen to see what other groups at the charges such as a refill fee of a few more meetings groups, many hotel hotel are eating that day. If the menu dollars for chips and options fit for your group, salsa at local restauyou may be able to score rants and F&B minia discount with the chef. mums with every Consultant Corbin Ball meal. suggests negotiating an “We’re just beginF&B cap on price increasning to see that from es if you are booking far in vendors. It trickles advance, and consolidatdown. I didn’t think ing all of your F&B needs about the impact [of with as few providers as high fuel costs] all the possible (for example, way through, but it all eliminating off-site dining makes sense,” she venues) to leverage a says. lower overall cost. Use Planners know that non-perishable items, the cost of food has such as canned soda and When the negotiating gets tough, always keep gone up—even chickpackaged bags of chips, these two goals in mind: en. Menus are pared which can be reused or down. Concerns about returned to the supplier for PLAY NICE service levels going a refund. Track what your The supplier is not your enemy. Maybe they aren’t your best down are well-founded, attendees are eating, and friends, but they do have the same goal that you have: to do so don’t assume prophow much food is left over, business. In these economic doldrums, it’s no time to play erties will maintain to make a more accurate coy. Be upfront about what you need and what you’d like to quality if they are projection for future have—and aim for a deal in between. Be honest with the pushed for a lower bill. events. sales representative about what is important to your atten“So asking questions dees and what isn’t really necessary. GETTING FROM like how many servers HERE TO THERE for a meal will you be BUILD RELATIONSHIPS scheduling is important For transportation servicWhile it’s sometimes difficult to build personal relationfor the flow the proes, where the impact of ships with sales reps due to high turnover or changing job gram,” says Belinda high fuel costs can be descriptions, it’s important to put a premium on loyalty. It’s Halcombe-Rasmussen, seen most directly, not always about the cheapest rate; it’s also about who is president of the Oregon Baldearena is recomwilling to partner with you to make sure you have space and chapter of Meeting mending clients schedule services when you require them. Professionals Internafewer pick-up locations to Two Things to Remember 40 mimegasite.com AUGUST 2008 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS http://mimegasite.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - August 2008

Successful Meetings - August 2008 Contents Editor's Note Industry Trends Industry Events On the Record Technology Calendar Websites of the Month Personal Success Technology Talk Food & Beverage Pre-Event On Site Tools of the Trade Pre-Event Crude Awakening Oil’s Well Betting on Development The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of No Spa, No Dice New & Improved Bean Counting Places & Spaces Cleveland Palm Springs, Desert Resorts Midwest Meetings San Antonio Yucatan Peninsula Gurus

Successful Meetings - August 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.