Blog Entries tagged 'Site Selection'

Industry's economic issues contd.: SF deals for 8/09!

JoanEisenstodt — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:00:00 +0100

Everyone wants to paint a rosier than it is picture on the industry and the economy. I've been looking for things to write and have only heard some of the not-so-good stories.

Today's summary from bizjournals.com had a few stories that portray some of the problems, one of which has an upside for anyone who needs to book in San Francisco in August 2o09.

The other story told of the halt in Marriott and Starwood projects in Hawaii. That can't bode well for any [...]

The election is about more than a new President.

JoanEisenstodt — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:00:00 +0100

Ballot initiatives in a number of US States will impact our industry: CA, FL and AZ voted to ban gay marriage. And in Arkansas, the ban on adoptions by those who are LGBT.

Now for some of you reading this, it's a non-issue - or it's an issue with which you agree .. on one side or the other.

When Doug Manchester, owner of (among other hotels) the Hyatt Manchester San Diego put in over $100K to back Prop 8, there were boycotts of that hotel.

Do y [...]

Destination selection and financial hit-be very afraid

JoanEisenstodt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0100

In the meetingscollaborative.com discussion boards, we're having a good discussion about destination selection and the current state of the economy.

We know that there are air fares and added travel fees to consider. Hotel room rates and other charges seem to be stable (v. rising or decreasing.)

The bigger considerations to me are the health and safety of those who attend our meetings. Safety first.

This article in the NYTimes spells out what we [...]

When bad things happen in good cities

JoanEisenstodt — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0100

Washington, DC - the place I've called home since 1978 - has an often maligned reputation.

It is referred to by politicians and newscasters (and, now, it seems ordinary citizens) as WASHINGTON, the place where all evil happens to harm this country. I shake my head in sadness every time I hear this since I know that we are a place of people just like any other and the 'evil' people perceive is only in the Federal enclaves of Congress, the White House, and othe [...]

Will energy costs lead to less negotiating power?

JoanEisenstodt — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0100

Why do we think that hotels, convention centers, conference centers and other venues are going to be able to negotiate 'deals' as if it were November 2001?

The market was soft then, after the terrorist attacks on the United States. Airlines were back with flights but many companies were still canceling or postponing meetings and business travel. We were all more cautious about what business we booked.

Today, we know the airline situation - and know that after t [...]

WHY is the industry not talking more?

JoanEisenstodt — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0100

I am astounded that the industry, at least as far as I can see, is not talking about even more airline cuts today. CO announced cuts in flights and personnel. This on top of DL, AA and UA. The capacity cuts are going to impact meetings beyond anyone's comprehension I fear. And yet, I'm not seeing this as a subject that is being addressed on the web sites of the industry organizations. On another list I moderate (http://www.mimegasite.com/) we are talking about [...]

How responsible are you?

JoanEisenstodt — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0100

ASAE (The American Society of Assn. Executives) & The Center for Assn. Leadership will convene a Global Summit on corporate social responsibility (CSR), and in particular, about how associations are or are becoming or plan to become socially responsible.

Much of the conversation about corporate social responsibility has been about environmental issues. It is much more than that.

The diverse audience who will gather face to face at the Gaylord National and those who will [...]