In last month’s issue we detailed how first-tier destinations are weathering the economic storm, mainly by offering up incentives and lowering room rates. This month brings us to second-tier markets, which in these days of bargain-mad planners are getting hit from every angle.
No longer able to rely solely on being a more affordable alternative to first-tier competitors—who have seen prices slashed recently—many of these less-flashy cities also suffer from insufficient airlift, which is becoming more and more of a factor in destination selection these days.
Check out Robert P. Farmer’s story, starting on page 24, to see how second-tier cities across the nation are retooling to capture your meetings dollar.
Also, make sure to take a spin on MeetingsFocus.com to see what we’ve been up to, and maybe try out a few Meetings in a Minute video clips—which feature advice from your industry colleagues and interviews with some of the leading figures in the meetings world—while you’re there.