Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

Periodic musings of one of the Meetings Industry\'s recognized educators.

Stay up to date and in the know on the industry's top issues and events. Joan has over 30 years experience in every facet of event planning and is regularly recognized as one of the most influential people in the industry. Take advantage of her passion for our industry and life-long learning. Bookmark this page today.

Tag >> Travel costs

I've long advocated that industry associations (MPI, PCMA, ASAE, etc.) that sponsor auctions to raise money for their foundations should offer, in addition to the wonderful stays at hotels and resorts, a package of staying home.

These packages would include housecleaning services, other personal services like manicure and pedicure and massage - all in the comfort of your home if you so desired,


American Airlines announced the new first checked bag charges - for all but a few classes of passengers.  It raised a ruckus - esp. on the MiForum listserv where many discussed a boycott of AA.

What concerns me more - much more - is the number of flights being cut and the cities that will have no air service - by AA or DL or UA or other airlines that are cutting the less prosperous routes.

Of


The articles abound about the foot shortages and riots over food.  The 24 April USAToday has a story about Sam's Club and Costco curtailing the sales of rice.

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/shopping/_a/sams-club-costco-limit-rice-sales/20080423163209990001

I've written lately about the airline crisis (consolidation and fuel prices leading to higher fares and less availabilty of flights to fewer


And United is cutting flights and jobs.

Ooooh my heart flutters at all the anxiety this is causing me and others.

 We've got to talk about this