I read a lot of contracts on behalf of my clients and have learned that there are items you absolutely need to be on top of when it comes to creating the as-close-to-perfect-as-possible contract for your meeting. So here we go: 10.  Service Fees: This includes miscellaneous, administrative, equipment fees and more. Though many of[...]

Recently, Cathy Sexton, The Productivity Expert, asked me to be on her radio show “Ignite Your Performance.”  It was so much fun to be interviewed and have the opportunity to talk about what I do. Thank you so very much to Cathy for making it easy, she is a great interviewer and I so very[...]

According to a recent article: Average daily hotel rates will likely increase 3.2 percent throughout next year. Increases will vary by market, with the top business destinations able to command much higher prices. Meetings and events spending continues to grow, with an average 4.8 percent increase expected in cost per attendee, per day, along with[...]

When it comes to meeting planning, there are way too many places where mistakes can be made. With the myriad of details involved, mistakes are bound to happen at times. Even though, and this is fact, meeting planners are closer to super heroes than human. Let’s look at some common mistakes, place them in that[...]

This article is  a continuation of the article that appeared in a recent HelmsBriscoe newsletter. I shared the first part in my blog last week, so if you missed it, please be sure to read it now. Here is the remaining part of the article: When asked if there are any distinctive qualities to the[...]

A surprising article from USA Today Travel revealed that more hotel rooms than ever were sold between January through June 2012. Over 500 million room nights – a new record has been set! If you have been traveling as of late, you are also aware that room rates have gone up.  During 2008 – 2009,[...]

A block of rooms is a necessity in the meeting planning world and the whole thought of attrition can cause hives. But what about the opposite “problem?” Not having enough rooms. While this is a good problem to have, it is an issue none-the-less. So what’s the popular meeting planner to do? Here are some[...]

As much as I would love for each of you to call me TODAY and engage me to assist you in finding the perfect place for you meeting, you may simply not need my help. And, here is why: You have tons of time on your hands: Perhaps you are one of the few meeting[...]

Welcome to the RFP Organization 101 Class. Oh wait, what are you doing here? You do not need this class! Why? Because . . . . you have me. Okay, I know that organizing RFP responses from hotels ranks in your top five of fun when it comes to meeting planning. Oh, it doesn’t? It’s[...]