Destination Community

• Patterns – Being a corporate oriented hotel, our prime selling nights are Monday through Friday. For multi-day groups, it will be essential for us to keep these groups in pattern in order to optimize our space. A Tuesday in/Thursday out or a one-nighter on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening could only end up hurting our week by leaving Mondays and Thursdays essentially empty.  Therefore, there will be a big push in 2012 to keep groups to a Monday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Friday pattern. There could also be incentives offered for a group with a Sunday arrival with reductions on room rate or package rates. In turn, this could also pose a cost savings in airfare since flights also seem to peak mid-week.

• Advanced Notice – We are beginning to see more lead time on incoming inquiries which in turn means more definite business on the books and less inventory for those with last minute needs. As the demand increases and the supply decreases, rates also rise. Therefore, the earlier you contract, the better chance of the space being available and better rates that you could receive.

• Space Intensity – We are noticing that groups, in an effort to be more price-conscious, are being more realistic with their meeting space requirements, asking for the space that is actually needed and not over-contracting in terms of breakouts. Why pay for something that you are not going to use? Another source of savings is to utilize your general session as one of your breakouts. For multi-day events, the savings can add up.

This is just a little insight from the eyes of the suppliers. Should anyone, buyers and suppliers alike, wish to add further comments on hot topics or trends for the new year, please feel free to do so. We would love to hear from both sides. 

We look forward to working with you in 2012!  Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday!!