As many gaming destinations have had a run of bad luck during the economic downturn, meeting planners can take advantage of a lot of deals put on the table.
With Vegas meetings business down almost 30 percent during the first half of 2009, when compared to the same time period in 2008, the destination is reshuffling the deck. Planners who are ready to move on short-term meetings are receiving rate quotes that haven’t been seen for 15 or 20 years, according to some on the ground. Combine that with a high level of flexibility and the willingness to offer packages—think upgrades, free amenities and discounts off the master account—and it’s payout time.
Native American casinos are also raising the stakes to attract meetings, and despite the economic downturn this market segment is growing in many key Western destinations.
Check out our gaming stories, Gaming Destinations and Native American Gaming, to find out where your group might reap the rewards.
And to better gauge where the industry as a whole is heading, make sure to provide your feedback as part of our annual Meetings Market Trends Survey, which should be in your inbox by the time you’re reading this. We’re guessing the responses will be especially informative this year.
