Jan 12
maureen-pickellTrade Shows air travel, airlines, non-profit, pcma
Your ConventionPlanit.com blogger has had a busy day at the PCMA “Convening Leaders” Annual Meeting!
The day began with the opening general session which could be titled – “A Tale of Two Sisters” presented by Ambassador Nancy Brinker. As a result of her sister’s battle with and loss of her life to breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen Foundation was launched by Nancy to provide grants for research and development to combat this global disease. As the largest grass roots movement of its kind, this collective effort began 30 years ago and depends on “the power of one” to help change the global culture as it relates to breast cancer and the apathy that has grown up around it. As a recent winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Nancy Brinker has fulfilled her promise to her sister, Susan, by diligently empowering activists of all ages and backgrounds to participate in this international health movement.
Next up was The PCMA Masters Series – Airlines and Meetings: A CEO Conversation where the audience was privy to a discussion between Gerard J. Arpey, Chairman, President and CEO, AMR Corp. and American Airlines, and Gary Kelly, Chairman, President and CEO, Southwest Airlines, moderated by Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.
If you think that you have issues with the business model represented by most of the major airlines today, take a look at the unprecedented level of volatility that these CEO’s have dealt with during the past decade and most particularly in the last two years:
- Surge in the price of oil resulting in an ongoing fuel crisis
- 2009 economic downturn
- Growth opportunities restricted by operating costs and security concerns
- Future issues include:
- The need to modernize the Air Traffic Control System
- The necessity to develop commercially viable sustainable fuels
- The development and deployment of new aircraft technology
The good news is that group business is important to both American and Southwest who both have programs targeting the meeting and convention market. During the economic recovery, people will need to do business in places that they’ve never been before – and that will result in increased demand for air travel.
Airlines will continue to be our partners in combating the misguided perceptions regarding meeting and incentive travel.
Jul 13
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits, News, Places to Stay air travel, airlines, travel tips, unique activities
Frequent travelers forced to leave their furry friends behind when flying have a new option…
…Pet Airways debuts tomorrow as the U.S.’s first pet-only airline. Pets will travel in the main cabin, not the cargo hold of the planes.
The airline strives to protect the comfort and safety of pets, who are often injured in unsafe cargo conditions. Flights will serves New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles to start, with plans to expand nationwide.
Owners can book online and even track the progress of their pet’s flight at http://www.petairways.com.
Is this a service you will use?
Jun 23
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips air travel, airlines, carry on luggage, Transportation Security Administration, travel tips
Senator Dan Lipinski has introduced a bill to standardize carry on luggage sizes.
The bill would require the Transportation Security Administration to set up templates on luggage conveyor belts that would block pieces larger than 22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches.
Larger bags would have to be checked in.
With airlines expected to increase checked baggage fees this summer, would this bill create tension at luggage check points? Or is the bill a way to ensure there is room on board for customer’s overhead bags?
Jun 09
Ashley SpitzerNews airlines, economy, issue of the week, Keep America Meeting, meeting industry
Did anyone catch Ben Stein’s commentary on CBS Sunday Morning last Sunday, June 7th, on Meetings Mean Business?
Stein discussed the effect that organizations canceling meetings (namely, those who have not received bail out money from the government) has had on the economy.
This current trend is eroding the business at hotels, tradeshows, restaurants and will eventually effect the airline industry.
With unemployment numbers rising, Stein pointed out that meetings and conventions are exactly what we need to share ideas to stimulate new business.
We are grateful for Stein’s support of the travel and hospitality industry. Let’s keep America meeting!
Dec 23
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, airlines, Continental Airlines, economy, travel tips
The NY Times reports that airlines are pleased with consumer response to baggage fees…
…which means they are most likely here to stay!
Most business travelers have not been affected by the fees, since many airlines waive checked baggage fees for elite or frequent travelers and those flying first or business class.
How have airline fees affected you? Have you become a lighter packer to avoid fees, or are you exempt from paying?
Sep 09
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, airlines, travel, travel tips
With a new x-ray technology, flight restrictions may be eased in the near future…
…the new machines can detect the density of liquids, and will even create three-dimensional views of them through luggage.
This would eliminate the need for liquid restrictions on flights!
As soon as a year from now, jamming your shampoos and lotions into small plastic baggies will be ancient history. If you are a traveler who cannot part with normal sized toiletries, look forward to bringing them in your carry on and saving the extra cash from your checked bag fee.
The machines are being tested in many United Kingdom airports before widespread use will be implemented and liquid restrictions lifted.
Jul 14
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, airlines, passports, travel, travel emergencies, travel tips
Travel oftentimes doesn’t go as smoothly we all would hope – if you’ve ever had a flight cancelled, lost your passport, or gotten really sick out of the country, your trip can quickly become a nightmare.
This article from BudgetTravel.com has some really helpful travel tips for emergencies like these and more…
1. Losing Your Passport: make a photocopy of your passport and driver’s license and pack it separately. Emergency passports can even be issued same day.
2. You Get Really Sick: review your healthcare policy; many provide coverage out of the country (but bring the local phone number, because 800 numbers often will not work).
3. Stolen Wallet: cancel debit and credit cards as soon as possible, file a police report, and notify the airline if your identification is also missing. Hiding a few $100 bills in a separate bag or article of clothing before traveling is a good way to protect yourself in a pinch.
4. Cancelled Flight: airlines are responsible for getting you on another flight. Calling the airline’s 800 number can be faster than waiting in line at the counter. If you’re involuntarily bumped from your flight, the airline is responsible for compensating you if you are not on another flight in the hour.
Check out the full emergency travel tips article for more useful and practical ways to prevent and deal with mishaps.
If you have a great tip of your own, feel free to share! Or, submit it to our Stellar Tip Contest for your chance to win the monthly prize.
Jun 03
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips air travel, airlines, economy, issue of the week, meeting attendance, meeting industry
Airfares are soaring, checking baggage is costing money, and it even costs more to drive to the airport!
How will this affect meeting attendance this coming year? Will people stay home? Or, do you think more corporate meetings will be held in-house? Are companies holding more Webinars (for large groups) and/or conference calls (for small groups)?
May 27
Ashley SpitzerTips air travel, airlines, Tips
Avoid extra travel fees and packing excess clothing with these carry-on luggage tips – packing smartly is sure to help ease some of your airline stress.
Here’s some advice from experts that I read about in an msnbc.com article:
-Bag size: standard rectangular bags keep clothes flat and less wrinkled.
-Organize with platic bags: extra compartments add weight – using plastic bags also makes it easier to remove objects if your bag is searched.
-Pack neutral colors: everything will match, and you can eliminate articles of clothing meant for one particular outfit. Colorful scarves, which take up very little space, are a good alternative to bulky sweaters.
-Limit your shoes: no more than 3 pairs for women; no more than 2 for men. Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of space.
If you’re traveling soon, check out the msnbc.com article for the rest of the tips. Don’t get stuck paying more money for a heavy suitcase, or overpacking and having to check your bag.
What packing tips do you use? Let us know!
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