The Tough Task of Booking a Meeting

The process of finding the right meeting spot has become increasingly difficult due to market compression, high costs, and shorter lead times. Meeting planners are facing challenges in site selection, with slow response times from sales teams and contract negotiators. Hoteliers are offering fewer flexible terms and conditions. The compression has created a seller's market, reducing options and negotiating power for planners. Factors influencing site-selection choices include policies and contracting, costs and budgeting, availability, airlift/travel, and staffing/service levels. Venue operators believe that staffing levels have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with some not expecting adequate staffing until 2023 or beyond. Planners are prioritizing in-person site inspections to assess service levels. Regularly checking for updates on staffing numbers and housekeeping services is advised. Seeking out well-established properties with tenured staffs is another option.