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.

Effective Meetings

Why go to Florida when you can meet in Indianapolis? No really. I have just spent two days in Indianapolis reviewing the unique venues and walkability of the city. Indianapolis is "Raising the Game," as their new slogan boundfully recites.

With a $1 billion dollar airport opening; the first new airport built since 9-11, access to Indianapolis has never been easier or more affordable. In addition, the venue offerings are incredible: 16th largest convention space in the US at the end of 2010, the NEW Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse, NCAA Hall of Champions and Headquarters, and of course the Speedway.

Meeting in Indianapolis is a smart financial decision. You have 7,000 rooms (by 2011) in the downtown core, 5,000 of which are connected via walkways. What a great city! Arts, Culture, Sports, and Affordability.

HelmsBriscoe is a close partner with the Indianapolis CVB and every hotel within the city corridor. If you weren't thinking of Indianapolis, let me show you the opportunities available to you. The concessions, deals and most importantly community support of tourism is what makes Indianapolis a successful, accessible and affordbale destination. Let me show you around!

Meetings Industry Hit Hard

The USA Today has posted an article on the status of the meeting industry. The outlook -more virtual meetings and less travel. The economy has taken a toll on budgets that is for sure, but there are ways to make your meetings work for you.

1. Conduct more regional and local meetings
2. Ask for Food and Beverage Concessions - use pitchers of water, not bottled water
3. Request 0 attrition and cancellation for your meetings booked short term -if the contract is signed and meeting consumed within a 12 month period, hotels will work with you on this.
4. Should your space be requested 2-4 years out there are a number of standard clauses you can use to protect your company - I have more than 32 pages I can share with you.

In a nutshell, I can make your meetings work for you by saving you time and money. Try out HelmsBriscoe for your site selection purposes. There is no better RESOURCE for you and your company, association or foundation.

Meetings Are Worth the Cost!

Meetings are worth the cost. The Travel Industry Association of America compiled a comprehensive and aggressive campaign to change attitudes about meetings, events and incentive travel continues to reap results.

In addition to favorable stories this week on NBC's Today show, CNBC and the New York Times, an exchange yesterday on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives between Congressmen Barney Frank (D-MA) and Shelley Berkley (D-NV) is a clear sign that the tone has changed in Washington toward the value of business travel. Click here image or to play (may take a minute to buffer).The colloquy with Congressman Frank is a major win for our industry because it clarifies on the record the importance of business travel by the chairman of the Financial Services Committee and a respected House leader.

Remember corporate meetings, association meetings and incentive trips may be decreasing in size and budget, but they are worth the cost. To share industry information, as well as upkeep the morale of employees. This is a hard time for all America's, incentives are important -but must be kept in check.

As a HelmsBriscoe Manager for Global Accounts I can help make the meetings you have more cost productive. The exclusive partnerships we share with hotel brands, and convention and visitors bureaus is a one of a kind partnership. Try my site selection and contract negotiation skills. In this economy, you can't afford not to!