I’ve got to admit it—our May edition definitely has relationship issues.
And we’re not talking about commitment phobia here—actually, it’s all about the relationships you, as a meeting planner, foster with preferred vendors.
Our “Membership Has Its Privileges” story, written by Contributing Editor Ruth A. Hill, explores the benefits of setting up a healthy relationship between your organization and its supplier suitors—and also how taking a strategic attitude in this area can benefit your career.
On the face of it, the benefits are obvious: You steer a lot of business in the direction of one supplier, the lower the prices you get. But at least one caveat to consider is that singing on with a single provider can encourage complacency in the absence of competition. Limiting your options can also result in less-creative planning, as you can get hemmed in by the myriad rules and regulations preferred vendor agreements can present.
To see how some very astute planners set up and manage their preferred supplier relationships with dexterity and purpose.
This issue also features a little changeup in our destination section.
In our continuing effort to break the mold, we’ve charged up our San Francisco/SFO story by concentrating on one thing the region offers in abundance: fantastic special event venues.
But rather than just take our word for it, we’ve asked some of the most-creative event planners in the San Francisco area to select their favorites. From ATT&T Park to a few historic venues and cutting-edge clubs, the planners who stake their trade in selecting the best local venues have opened up their bag of tricks to give you some take-away tips.
May also marks the kick-off of our 17-city series of meeting planning educational events. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out www.MeetingsMarket.com to find out the exciting presenters and content that will be delivered staring on the 17th in the Phoenix area.
Maybe I’ll see you at the show. As usual, make sure to pretend like you know me, as it really impresses my publisher. I’ll buy you lunch.
Speaking of making good impressions, the clock is officially ticking on your chance to rake in a $100 American Express gift certificate for submitting your votes for our annual Best of the West Awards contest.
Besides the chance of snagging a hundred bucks, think about the joy you’ll bring to the meetings properties who win the designation. You’ll also help out your fellow planners by helping them narrow down their site selection options.
Voting is easy, too. Just go to www.meetingstoday.com/awards, or check out page 9 and 10 in this issue, to get your voice heard. You only have until the middle of the month, however, to get in on the action.
We’ll tabulate the votes and publish the names of the winners in our August issue and on www.meetingstoday.com.
Thanks for thumbing through our May issue. We hope you continue to enjoy all of the new products—and the new look of our magazine so expertly crafted by Art Director Scott Kambic and the whole production crew here.
Until next time, make sure to send us all of your industry observations, tips for fellow planners and opinions on our coverage.
Happy planning.
