Recently posted on ehotelier, Benchmark Hospitality’s Top Ten Meeting Trends for 2010, give a very interesting view of what 2010 holds in store for Hoteliers with large conference facilities. After working in the markets for several months now, we here at The Conference Bench are inclined to agree with most of the trends detailed. Although the article is US centric, a lot of these trends seem to be reflected in the markets that we are working with currently.
Looking at the trends, is there anything else out there that is affecting your market place? Clients demanding their own contract terms and conditions? Agents demanding higher commission, or commission on your rack rates? What is your outlook for the market in 2011?
Most insightful comment wins easter chocolates delivered to your door! Entries to be in by the end of next week for a post easter treat!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
After reading the article, I can also agree that many of these trends are noticeable here in Europe. Certainly, the lead time for events has seen a continual decline over the last five years. Whilst this is partly due to the economic uncertainties – I also think that it is a reflection of our changing business environment, where meetings and conferences are planned at the last minute – ensuring that they reflect the current business needs. I would also agree that clients are trying to monitor the productivity of their event against a return on investment. Hotels and venues should focus their enquiry handling processes on understanding the purpose of the clients event and ensuring that the most appropriate products, services and prices are quoted. I think now is a good time for hotels and venues to: stop, review and enhance their enquiry handling processes and ensure it is matched to today’s client expectations. Ensure that your revenue strategies can be easily communicated (verbally/implemented) to clients whilst still protecting your own business needs. Ultimately, ensure that your training for conference / event sales co-ordinators/executives is updated and carried out regularly. In a recent study conducted by the Institute of Directors (Training in the Recession, June 2009), employers identified the principal benefits of investing in training as: improved staff morale (76%); improved productivity and/or profitability (74%); improved customer satisfaction (69%); and improved staff retention (62%).
ReplyDeleteBrett Norton - Director
Total Revenue Solutions
www.totalrevenuesolutions.com