Mandi Engram, Sales ManagerColumbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors BureauSpecializing in Education, Fraternal, Government & Military Meetings
No matter where you are planning your next meeting, make sure you start by contacting the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. While each CVB is different, they all provide services that will save you both time and money. There are an endless number of ways to a better bottom line when it comes to budgeting, several of which are listed below:
1. Start by contacting the CVB.Our CVB provides the following complimentary services:
· Request for Proposal (RFP) – Just provide us with your meeting specifications, and we will determine which hotels and meeting facilities best suit the needs of your group and request proposals from just those properties. We can provide you with the rates in one easy to read document, and save you the hassle of having repeat your information over and over when contacting several facilities.
· Site Inspections· Brochures/Materials · Publicity· Information Center· Tours· Special Assistance
2. Plan ahead.- The further out you begin planning, the more likely you are to get the rate you want at the property you want for the dates you want. Many groups are booking their meetings now for 2009, but some as far out as 2015. The more time you give properties to respond to your request, the more responses you are likely to get.
3. Book multiple meetings at once.- Regardless of how small or large your meeting is, some hotels can offer groups discounts if you are willing to contract multiple meetings with them.
4. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Keep reading...
No matter where you are planning your next meeting, make sure you start by contacting the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. While each CVB is different, they all provide services that will save you both time and money. There are an endless number of ways to a better bottom line when it comes to budgeting, several of which are listed below:
1. Start by contacting the CVB.Our CVB provides the following complimentary services:
· Request for Proposal (RFP) – Just provide us with your meeting specifications, and we will determine which hotels and meeting facilities best suit the needs of your group and request proposals from just those properties. We can provide you with the rates in one easy to read document, and save you the hassle of having repeat your information over and over when contacting several facilities.
· Site Inspections· Brochures/Materials · Publicity· Information Center· Tours· Special Assistance
2. Plan ahead.- The further out you begin planning, the more likely you are to get the rate you want at the property you want for the dates you want. Many groups are booking their meetings now for 2009, but some as far out as 2015. The more time you give properties to respond to your request, the more responses you are likely to get.
3. Book multiple meetings at once.- Regardless of how small or large your meeting is, some hotels can offer groups discounts if you are willing to contract multiple meetings with them.
4. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Keep reading...
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2 comments:
I love the new blog. I have an upcoming event, that I will use CVB for. Thanks for the tips.
Very nice post in your blog.
I write also some articles on the same topic: meeting tips
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