I’ve got to admit it—our June/July 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: The more business you steer in the direction of one supplier, the lower the prices you get. But at least one caveat to consider is that signing 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.
In this issue see how some very astute planners set up and manage their preferred supplier relationships with dexterity and purpose.
On the subjects of dexterity, purpose and relationships, your relationship with the top brass of your organization is indeed a top-of-mind concern.
Our “Executive Decisions” story, examines how some of the top hotels and resorts in the nation are designing and renovating with executive retreats and meetings in mind.
Whether the group is comprised of a small number of elite executives or a somewhat larger gathering made up of the cream of the sales team, properties know that this segment pulls in the big spenders, who value top-flight accommodations and meeting space with great tech features and luxurious appointments. Having a championship golf course and a terrific spa doesn’t hurt, either.
On an ending note, we’re pleased as punch to get the first couple of Meetings Market Academy + Exhibition events under our belts, and judging from the first two shows—held in the Phoenix area and Tampa, Fla., in late May—it’s safe to say we’re off to a good start on our 17-city educational odyssey across the U.S.
After having been to my fair share of meetings industry education/trade shows, I’m glad to be a part of something that presents some of the top educators in the business, while also maintaining a manageable size that ensures a more personalized experience for attendees. Lunch wasn’t bad, either.
We’ve really made a point of providing a very high quality of educational programming for meeting planners, and compressed it into a one-day time frame in consideration of everyone’s busy schedules.
The next shows in the East are scheduled for Boston, July 11, and Philadelphia, Sept. 25.
So if you haven’t already, check out www.MeetingsMarket.com to get comprehensive information about these one-day educational and networking events, including who will be speaking and the specific topics featured at each location.
Have a great summer, and happy planning throughout the year.
