Debbie Wardrop
Owner
Debbie Wardrop, LLC
Scottsdale, Ariz.; Port Ludlow, Wash.
Is the duration of your meetings either shrinking or expanding? Why?
Expanding. There is some pent-up demand apparent.
Are perception problems (meeting and luxurious properties, resort destinations, etc.)? a great concern for your organization? Have they become less of a concern in the past few months, and do you expect them to be a problem in 2011?
Not really. These properties need the business and are driving bargains&madash;you get what you pay for.
Are there any destinations or facility types that are now considered “off-limits” due to perception problems or the current economic climate?
Casinos.
Have you planned, or do you expect to plan, virtual/videoconference meetings? Do you expect to see more virtual meetings in the future?
Probably.
Are you incorporating more, or less, activities into your agenda? If so, what types of activities are being added or cut?
The social-awareness issues are heightened further—give back to the community kinds of activities.
Do you find that you had much more leverage on room rates during the last year? If so, please give an idea how much discounting you are seeing.
Yes. Almost everything, except A/V, and that makes me go outside of the hotel environment and bring in my own people/equipment.
Are you using social networking websites for business purposes? If so which ones and why?
Yes: Facebook, LinkedIn, Trip Advisor.
