Karen D’Andrea, Administrative Assistant, Dealertrack, Lake Success, N.Y.
Do you find that your booking window (the time between starting the process of researching and booking a meeting and the actual event) is increasing or shrinking? Are you finding it harder to book rooms/meeting space in a short timeframe at hotels and other meeting facilities?
Sometimes, but not often. I usually have 12 months or more for larger programs. Smaller programs can happen very quickly, sometimes less than a month’s notice.
Is the duration of your meetings either shrinking or expanding? Why?
Neither.
Is the attendance at your meetings shrinking or expanding? Why?
Neither.
Did you have a smaller or larger budget to work with last year? If so, how much do you estimate it was decreased or increased?
I have a larger budget.
Do you expect your budget to increase or decrease in 2017?
Increase. Larger company = more meetings.
Do you expect your attendance to increase or decrease in 2017?
I believe it will increase slightly.
Are perception problems (meeting at luxurious properties, resort destinations, etc.) a great concern for your organization? Do you expect any perception problems in 2017?
Yes, I do. I have to be aware of location and property for most meetings.
Are you exploring the possibility, or have you already held, a “hybrid” meeting (meetings that combine live events with an Internet/digital component? If so, what are your observations?
I have not.
Are you finding that you are scheduling more meeting sessions per day, and if so, is it at the expense of entertainment or events that are more social in nature?
Definitely more work stuff and less fun stuff.
Are you incorporating more, or less, activities into your agenda? If so, what types of activities are being added or cut?
Less activities; golf, group meals, etc.
Have you offered, or do you think you will offer, a CSR (corporate social responsibility) component to your meetings?
We haven’t yet but I hope to.
What are your thoughts on the use of drones at meetings? Have you considered this?
I can’t imagine how they would be useful.
Are sustainable (green) meetings something your organization has moved toward? If not, do you expect to implement more-sustainable meetings in the future?
Yes and yes.
Are you finding that attrition clauses are being enforced more or less strictly recently? Can you share any comments/observations about this?
For me, it’s been about the same.
How important is Internet bandwidth to your programs (i.e., Wi-Fi), and do you think hotels are being more or less flexible with their Internet bandwidth pricing? Any tips to share with your fellow planners to get free or discounted Wi-Fi for your meetings?
It’s very important to my meetings. I find pricing varies greatly from one venue to the next. It’s usually more expensive at convention centers or venues, specifically for meetings, and less costly at hotel meeting rooms.
Do you feel this is a buyer’s or seller’s market? Any observations on this to share?
I think it’s a buyer’s market. If a venue wants my business, they’ll be willing to negotiate.
Do you find that you had less leverage on room rates during the last year? What are hotels and facilities telling you when you negotiate?
More leverage. I’ve found that the properties I work with are more willing to negotiate.
Are you using social networking websites for business purposes? If so, which ones and why?
No, I don’t use social networking.
Are you more optimistic, or less, about the meetings industry and the economy than a year ago? Why?
I am more optimistic. I see businesses really understanding the value to their employees, customers and community. In meetings and events.
How do you think 2017 will shape up for the meetings industry? Where do you see costs (hotel, restaurant, venue prices, etc.) going? Do you think your budget and/or attendance will increase or decrease? Why?
I think 2017 will be a great year for the industry. I think costs will increase; they always do; but the value is undeniable.
