common assumptions revealed
While navigating through the world of negotiations, there are many myths and assumptions meeting planners find often aren't true. For example, one misconception is hotel revenue managers crunch numbers and don't take into consideration a group's needs. But there's a lot more that goes into setting prices.
Here are four tips Alison Hall with Meetings Net offers to disprove this common assumption and help bridge the gap between planner and supplier.
- Be Flexible - Ask for different patterns so you can compare the value of arriving one day over another. Sometimes overlooked is the flexibility of meeting space; re-use general session rooms for breakouts and eating rooms.
- Be Open - Give more, get more. Giving more information to the hotel sales person often results in reduced rates and complimentary concessions. ?For example, if a hotel knows that you will be reaching significant food and beverage minimums, your less-desirable Tuesday/Wednesday pattern might not be a problem,? says Hall.
- Prioritize Your Must-Haves - Before asking for free this and that, make a list of what's most important to the success of your meeting, needs vs. wants. It's possible those high-impact items are something the hotel can easily offer.
- Do Your Homework - Take the time to understand the hotel's position and where they're coming from. Ask questions such as: when is your high season? Many times the hotel's rates change week-to-week and month-to-month. Determining their low demand season will save you money and help the hotel reach occupancy in a need time.
