A new site for previewing ailine fares -Fly.com

Fly.com is an exceptional website and resource for reviewing and tracking airfares. Whether for Corporate travel, meeting travel, group events or individual travel -try them out!

The Wilds - A Great Family Adventure

As a HelmsBriscoe Associate, I am always looking for unique group and family activities. I found one -The Wilds. The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world. Encompassing more than 10,000 acres, the Wilds is located in SouthEast Ohio (an hour and a half from Columbus, Ohio). Where else can you see Black Rhinos and White Rhinos - do you even know the difference?

The Wilds is a unique venue for group outings, family camp weekends and safari camps. Enjoy a sunset cruise, safari style, in a open aired vehicle. A group can now stay at the new Nomad Ridge - luxury camping. Another thought, the Wild's would make a great teambuilding destination.

Affordable destination, green alternative, and educational. A great value for your next group activity!

More information on The Wilds can be obtained be logging on to their website.

If you have any questions on the Wilds or other unique group destinations in Ohio don't hesitate to contact me, lcleary@helmsbriscoe.com.

Swine Flu Outbreak Affects Meetings

In reaction to the fast-moving information around the spread of the swine flue, the Business Travel Coalition has launched a "Swine Influenza Dashboard" where visitors can access alerts from the World Health Organization, CDC Tweets, customized news feeds on the story, and more. For more updates, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services .

Remember in your contracts to include a clause on illness as it relates to an outbreak of epidemic or pandemic proportions...this is not often covered under force majeure clauses. Contract clause assistance that can help cover you, in almost any circumstance, is yet another benefit of using a HelmsBriscoe Associate.

Affordable Meetings in San Francisco

Think San Francisco is out of your reach budget wise? How do group rates starting at $139 per person sound? The Parc 55 San Francisco is offering group rates for HelmsBriscoe clients in 2009 and 2010. In addition, to the outstanding group rates the Parc 55 is offering even more value with a rebate back to your master account, complimentary meeting space, complimentary one hour welcome reception and complimentary high speed internet access.

Learn more about this location and the many other exclusive promotions for HelmsBriscoe clients. Now is the time to save money!

Meeting Contracts Made Easy in Today's Economy

HelmsBriscoe can save you time and money. By using HelmsBriscoe we have over 1,000 associates worldwide at our fingertips to get almost instantaneous information about a destination, hotel, safety of an area and most importantly advice on contract practices.

I have more than 32 pages of standard contract clauses used in the hospitality industry at my disposal. I have clients that I have helped, who were not my clients when they signed the contract, by reviewing and negotiating standard clauses. Such standard clauses relate to attrition, cancellation, strikes, change of management, anniversary attrition review, food and beverage sliding scales, etc...

Let me make sure you get the most out of your contract. Yes, we can save you time by doing your site research, by using our buying power worldwide (every major brands largest client), by using our exclusive hotel partner agreements for promotions and concessions, but most importantly by advising on contract language.

Review the current issue of Meetings and Conventions Magazine for more detail on dealing with hotel and meeting contracts in today's economy.

Affordable Meetings in Second Tier Cities

Perception, affordability and customer service....three of the major reasons behind a spike in second tier city selections for meetings and conventions. USA Today posted an article on just that, the affordability of second tier cities.

Times are tough, we all know that. In addition, we know that it is a buyer's market in the hotel industry. How can your company or association go from a first tier to a second tier city and maintain attendance? It's all in perception. One of my previous blogs, below, was on the incredible venues and cost of Indianapolis. Many larger corporate clients are looking at the Midwest and other areas of the country for deals...

Your clients expect the best! The economic conditions allow that. Branch out. Consider destinations based on what they have to offer, you may be pleasantly surprised. Now is a time for relationship buidling, as this market will not last forever. The concessions and rates will not always be as great as they are now for planners! What matters most is the relationship with that destination, hotel brand or sales person.

Can you afford to have meetings? Yes! Not only are second tier cities rolling out the red carpet, but as a HelmsBriscoe client you can further your budget. Let me show you how. As a HelmsBriscoe associate I have saved my clients anywhere from $6,000 to over $20,000. Let me save you some money too.

Need a vacation - Use your Hotel Award Points

In this time of economic uncertainty hotels are working with meeting planners to step up their concession and award systems. Take a look at this article on hotel award programs put out by Travel Weekly. Make sure, when planning your meeting to ask about planner points and double planner point options, many hotel brands are now offering upgrades. If you are not a member, join all of the programs - they are free! A few are mentioned below -

www.spg.com - Join Now! (Starwood Properties)
www.hilton.com -HHonors Join Now!
www.marriott.com -Marriott Rewards
www.hyatt.com - Hyatt Gold Passport - Join
www.omnihotels.com - Omni Loyalty Program

As a HelmsBriscoe partner we can make sure you are getting all the incentives offered. We know the brands, know the programs and know how to help our clients get the most bang for their buck. Let me show you how we can help save you time and money on your next meeting or site selection. As a HelmsBriscoe associate I work with Corporate, Association, and Foundation markets. As well as, military reunions and sporting events to help make their bottom line work for them.

Let's search together!

Hotels and venues want and need your business, especially now. HelmsBriscoe has wonderful exclusive partner programs that can make your job much more efficient. Let me go to work for you - free of charge.