Negotiate Up Front: Amid this financial crisis there is opportunity. Select suppliers that are working hard to retain and earn your business. There are plenty who are ready and willing to work with you. Maximize your purchasing power by prioritizing contract terms and requesting the most important term up front. Begin the process with an RFP that sets clear and quantifiable parameters to enable those receiving the RFP the ability to respond to your requests more quickly — leading to a more efficient process for all involved.
Scrutinize Program Content: When looking at the value of a program, work with your clients to first assess where their money is being spent. Clients may want to reconsider program enhancements such as room amenities, gifts and so on. Recommend that companies keep only those enhancements that directly add value to the participants' experience. By weighing the nice-to-haves against the have-to-haves, clients will find that the integrity of the attendee experience will remain uncompromised.
Consider an All-Inclusive Property: Utilizing an all-inclusive resort allows you to outline all client costs up front because they are included in the room rate. Guests can enjoy the freedom of being able to leave their rooms without a wallet or the inconvenience of covering additional charges. Budget managers can rest easier knowing that attendees will thoroughly enjoy their stay. They can eat, drink, use the fitness facilities or pool how and when they want, at no extra cost.
Look for Value: "Last minute deals" and "cancellation steals" are abounding in hospitality marketing right now. Seek out these opportunities and capitalize on the values that currently exist. Clients also may want to combine an incentive reward with a business component such as a general session, state-of-the-industry meeting or other dual purpose that allows the organization to kill two birds with one stone.
Rediscover the U.S.: The United States offers a diverse array of culture, landscape, terrain, weather and convenience when it comes to planning a program closer to home. Today, guests do not need to fly to their trade show, meeting or recognition program because there are so many choices within driving distance, right here within the continental U.S. Those who wish to hold a function further away can do so in a shorter time frame and manage costs by minimizing distance.
