BUZZ ON MEETING BIZ - SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

I think we can all agree that face-to-face meetings aren’t going away any time soon. So just what are some of the things the meeting industry are doing differently? ROI - Return on investment...

I think we can all agree that face-to-face meetings aren’t going away any time soon. So just what are some of the things the meeting industry are doing differently? ROI - Return on investment. Planners using as bargaining tools and in some cases in order to protect jobs. Shorter Lead Times - Due to the nervous nature of businesses, companies are waiting until the last minute. High Speed & Wireless Access - Properties are rushing to install technology. Charges are all over the map, but will settle down in time.  Spas - Spas have replaced tennis courts. More “wellness” products offered. Pay Phones Gone - People have cell phones, payphones aren’t used anymore. Meeting Space for Free - To attract more business during rough times, hotels have waived charges for meeting space. Smaller Blocks/Shorter Events - Planners being careful about sizes of room blocks because of attrition dilemma. Events scheduled over fewer days to keep costs down and attract more people. Famous Chefs & Starbucks - Properties are in a frenzy to attract famous chefs. Or at least to open a name brand food chain outlet such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut.
 
 Bringing The Family - Attendees are bringing spouse and kids when they travel and spending an extra night or two. Real Showers - Replacing shower/tub combo units with seperate showers and tubs. Improved Amenities - Replacing postage stamp sized soap with name brand or designer soaps. Beds for Sale - Hotels offering to sell their towels and bathrobes up front instead of rampant thievery. Purchase beds, linens, slippers, etc. Bye Bye Mini-Bar - No longer profitable. Indian Casinos - They’re everywhere! Regional Airports - Many times it’s faster and easier to get in and out of a smaller airport.

Doing more with less. Everyone is tightening their belts, cutting back on staffs. Probably won’t change back to the good old days overnight. Everyone must be leaner and meaner - and better able to weather the next storm if and when it comes.