Blog Entries tagged 'Travel Arrangements'

Travel: If the economy doesn't get you...

JoanEisenstodt — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:00:00 +0100

TSA will.

Not only are travel costs high and the hassles increasing, now comes word that a discussion of politics might be a concern. It's not so much what you believe (although that is a consideration), it is that others are interested in what is going on in the upcoming US election.

Politics are of great interest to me and something I talk about frequently. I will travel outside the US right after the election and will be curious, based on the outcome of the Pres [...]

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 [...]

Will everyplace look alike?

JoanEisenstodt — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0100

This story and the accompanying photos in USAToday on line today made me so sad.

As I look around North America and then to other countries, I am saddened to see how alike they are becoming with any vestige of what once was.

I remember when Seattle, WA, tore down all the small businesses across from the Sheraton and put up a building and mall that could be in any city. It made me sad. Why both traveling when it all looks like a [...]

Travel glamorous? HA!

JoanEisenstodt — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0100

I flew from SEA to IAD on Friday afternoon. Fortunately, my flight was on time - and even arrived a few minutes early.

The day before, clients on flights from SEA to IAD were delayed on different flights from one to 2.5 hours.

Delayed flights and cancelled flights contribute to the nightmare of travel. More, airports and TSA do not seem ready to handle the huge numbers of people flying this summer. Airports are certainly not equipped, from what I'v [...]

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 [...]

Will anyone be able to afford to attend meetings?

JoanEisenstodt — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0100

No really - I just made two airline reservations - one for August and one for January. The cost for each, with a Saturday night stay (it's baaaaaack) was far more than I've paid before.

Ok.. sure: I fly a few particular carriers bec. I upgrade and maybe there were cheaper fares somewhere but I'm not alone in wanting some comfort for long flights. And then one of these carriers is being talked about for a possible merger which will decrease the availability of&nbs [...]

"Looks like a great meeting; sorry I can't get there."

JoanEisenstodt — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0100

THIS is what I fear we are going to hear more and more. With the number of airlines that folded in the last few days, with the planes that were out of service for safety checks (something I see now as ongoing) and with capacity cut on all airlines (see this about USAirways http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2008/04/07/daily1.html?b=1207540800^1616337&ana=e_abd) and gas prices through the roof .. how ARE people going to get to meetings?

What are the contingencie [...]

Who is allowed into the US?

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

An article in the 24 March 2008 Washington Post grabbed my attention and as I read it, I wondered: who else will be kept out? What might someone have done at any time in his or her life to keep them from entering the country?

If he had been a speaker at your meeting.. or if you had scheduled an author's visit at your meeting while he was in the US .. or if .. well, the "ifs" go on. I wondered if the event space would allow one to cancel, without paying, the e [...]