Meetings in the News

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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!

Meetings in a Recession

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A few months ago, the trend across the industry seemed to be a freeze of all meetings in the works.

More recently, the “AIG Effect” has led to the cancellation of meetings across the country.

With April right around the corner, the stock market on the rise, and a hopeful attitude beginning to spread….

…we want to know how the economy is affecting you now? Are you planning more meetings?

What changes have you noticed over the past several weeks, or expect to see?

Convention Cities Slash Prices

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Leisure travelers could benefit from canceled meetings and conventions in large cities…

…and will not be under the government’s radar for taking a trip.

Travel news in brief: Convention cities slash prices | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press.

Will you take advantage of lower prices and travel?

Presidential Inauguration

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The big event is finally here!

How are you participating in the inauguration events? Are you watching from home? Do you plan/have you attended any events in person?

Here are some fun inauguration facts by the numbers…

…for example – did you know that the Marriott Wardman Park expects to serve 49,000 meals from Saturday through Tuesday??

Issue of the Week

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Everyone makes mistakes – sometimes we forget things ourselves, and other times we have to pick up the slack for another’s…and sometimes these mistakes can be costly.

So this week, we want to know…

What is the biggest potential disaster you averted as a meeting planner and how did you prevent it?

Connecting Convention Attendees with Social Media

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Fall is quickly approaching, which means lots of tradeshows!

(Be sure to visit ConventionPlanit.com at Booth #3064 at Affordable Meetings National, including your favorite blog moderator…)

So, how do you make your event memorable? How will your organization connect members with social media at your next convention or annual meeting?

Outdated Hotel Rating Systems?

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Question of the Week…

Are current hotel ratings systems outdated? Some of the new avant-garde properties and chains offer décor and style that may not match traditional ratings (like 4 or 5 AAA Diamond/Mobil Star), yet they are clearly high-end properties.

What do today’s travelers want from hotels? Send us the top 3 things you want from your hotel. Also tell us what’s not important.

Do you really care about the bed ruffle and someone knocking on your door at 9 p.m. for “turndown service?”

Let’s Start Talking

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What’s eating away at you? Have you seen something on the news that you want to blog about?

Here’s your chance – tell us what issues you want to discuss!

Our blog is an open forum for discussion, so let’s get some provocative ideas and conversations flowing!

Meeting Attendance Costs on the Rise

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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)?