How to Avoid the "No Vacancy" Problem
Many of us are experiencing some serious “NO VACANCY” and COVID related compression while trying to find event space in resorts, downtown properties, and conference centers. There are similar problems with securing flights, trains and non-hotel venues. There hasn’t been any available space in warmer climates for months. Last minute weekend corporate retreats? Fingers crossed on finding the perfect venue . . . there are weekend weddings planned EVERYWHERE!! If there is a function space out there, it’s booked for a wedding on a weekend.
How to Avoid the "No Vacancy" Problem
Many of us are experiencing some serious “NO VACANCY” and COVID related compression while trying to find event space in resorts, downtown properties, conference centers. There are similar problems with securing flights, trains and non-hotel venues. There hasn’t been any available space in warmer climates for months. Last minute weekend corporate retreats? Fingers crossed on finding the perfect venue . . . there are weekend weddings planned EVERYWHERE!! If there is a function space out there, it’s booked for a wedding on a weekend.
Tips For Staying Ahead of the Mad Rush
Site Search & Select is known for creativity not only in the hotels, event spaces and local hospitality service providers we present to our clients, but now, we are expanding our approaches in the sourcing and contracting processes.
Sure, we all have our amazing global brand national sales representatives, right? They work so hard for us and our clients love their multi selection of brands within the brands. But with so many venues being fully booked in a compressed marketplace, S3 is expanding and emphasizing more regional brands and independent hotels, venues and destinations. There are many providers that are creative and out of the box providers that can deliver a unique service and experience and still exceed the client's expectation but they may not have the marketing dollars for full exposure.
Act Quickly
Some other suggestions we are discussing with our clients are, if you find a hotel that meets your needs, act quickly to confirm. You may not have the luxury of planning an in-person site visit 30 days from now. Conduct a quick virtual tour and determine if it’s viable to take an in-person site visit. The longer you wait to confirm, the possibility arises that someone else will want your space.
Meeting Host Buy-In
Please work with your meeting host to set expectations in this unique market. They need to understand and be flexible with pricing, dates, patterns and contracting timelines. They may not have the luxury of waiting. Decisions need to be placed on a high priority status.
Deposits - “Show me the money!”
Many hotels have other clients that are willing to lay down a deposit very quickly to confirm their space. As a New Yorker, I remember the days of finding my first apartment. If I didn’t have a check with me to write for the deposit, the person behind me got the apartment. While confirming space is not 100% like renting an apartment in New York City, these current times are the closest I’ve seen in my 35-year career.
Tips For Staying Ahead of the Mad Rush
Site Search & Select is known for creativity not only in the hotels, event spaces and local hospitality service providers we present to our clients, but now, we are expanding our approaches in the sourcing and contracting processes.
Sure, we all have our amazing global brand national sales representatives, right? They work so hard for us and our clients love their multi selection of brands within the brands. But with so many venues being fully booked in a compressed marketplace, S3 is expanding and emphasizing more regional brands and independent hotels, venues and destinations. There are many providers that are creative and out of the box providers that can deliver a unique service and experience and still exceed the client's expectation but they may not have the marketing dollars for full exposure.
Act Quickly
Some other suggestions we are discussing with our clients are, if you find a hotel that meets your needs, act quickly to confirm. You may not have the luxury of planning an in-person site visit 30 days from now. Conduct a quick virtual tour and determine if it’s viable to take an in-person site visit. The longer you wait to confirm, the possibility arises that someone else will want your space.
Meeting Host Buy-In
Please work with your meeting host to set expectations in this unique market. They need to understand and be flexible with pricing, dates, patterns and contracting timelines. They may not have the luxury of waiting. Decisions need to be placed on a high priority status.
Deposits - “Show me the money!”
Many hotels have other clients that are willing to lay down a deposit very quickly to confirm their space. As a New Yorker, I remember the days of finding my first apartment. If I didn’t have a check with me to write for the deposit, the person behind me got the apartment. While confirming space is not 100% like renting an apartment in New York City, these current times are the closest I’ve seen in my 35-year career.
S3 is always ready to help you with event bookings
The final piece of advice that I can offer is work smart. Know what your requirements are. Be flexible with your programming, patterns and destination preferences. If you can manage the current marketplace with these tips in mind, as Site Search & Select does, your sourcing and contracting process will take the “NO” off from the “NO VACANCY” sign.
S3 can help you with event bookings
The final piece of advice that I can offer is work smart. Know what your requirements are. Be flexible with your programming, patterns and destination preferences. If you can manage the current marketplace with these tips in mind, as Site Search & Select does, your sourcing and contracting process will take the “NO” off from the “NO VACANCY” sign.
