Site Search & Select - Articles & News #Global EventsSite Search & Select - Articles & News #Global Eventshttps://www.sitesearchselect.com/blogs/tag/global-eventsTue, 24 Feb 2026 16:59:42 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Bill Finklea Recently Visited Norway On A Mission To Discover New Meeting Destinations ]]>https://www.sitesearchselect.com/blogs/post/bill-finklea-vp-of-s3-attendedSite Search & Select knows how important it is for customers to have unique meeting destinations and impressive venues for their events. Traveling ]]>

Site Search & Select knows how important it is for customers to have unique meeting destinations and impressive venues for their events. Traveling can bring outsiders together like no other event in a much-needed harmony; making sure that our treasured customers get both the safety and satisfaction they deserve especially now with all its added precautions.

When it comes to meetings, selecting the right venue is an invaluable step!

This is why S3 goes the extra mile when it comes to sourcing the perfect destination and venue for our customers’ meetings and events, especially now that restrictions are lifting allowing us to further explore the world!

Recently, Bill Finklea our Vice President of Operations and Sourcing visited Norway with a mission to review award-winning yet undiscovered meeting gems in both Trondheim and Oslo. Bill experienced what these cities had to offer firsthand; he saw every detail in adventurous spirits to explore business opportunities and whether it’s planning a large meeting in the Banyan Tree Doha in Qatar just before the World Cup or admiring the timeless classical architectural design at both the Brittania Hotel Trondheim  and Hotel Continental Oslo  in Norway during late autumn. Site Search & Select found plenty of exciting venues for upcoming meetings that exceed client expectations!

Hosting meetings should be an exciting experience! When the right venue is chosen, one that fits the desired atmosphere, it can set the tone for a successful meeting. Businesses are always on the lookout for that perfect venue, and finding it can be overwhelming. This is why S3 simplifies and streamlines your venue decision by giving you access to a more efficient and stress-free experience. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a journey full of lasting memories. Our Vice President , Bill Finklea trips to both Trondheim and Oslo emphasize that Site Search & Select’s thoughtful approach provides the perfect opportunity to make those traveling experiences even more memorable. 

S3 is always ready to help you with ideas and expertise

Bill Finklea, Vice President of Operations Site Search and Select

                        

Traveling is an essential part of life, as it not only broadens our horizons and helps us to develop understanding of other cultures, but also opens us up to experiences that may have never been possible. Site Search & Select understands the importance of travel, and more so now with the COVID restrictions easing; we’re using our expertise and knowledge to navigate our clients through complex meetings, enabling them to create invaluable lasting memories from their travels."

Bill Finklea, Vice President of Operations | Site Search & Select 

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S3 can help you with event bookings

Bill Finklea, Vice President of Operations Site Search and Select


Traveling is an essential part of life, as it not only broadens our horizons and helps us to develop understanding of other cultures, but also opens us up to experiences that may have never been possible. Site Search & Select understands the importance of travel, and more so now with the COVID restrictions easing; we’re using our expertise and knowledge to navigate our clients through complex meetings, enabling them to create invaluable lasting memories from their travels."

Bill Finklea, Vice President of Operations | Site Search & Select 

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]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2023 20:57:40 -0500<![CDATA[Meeting Venue Sourcing Success Strategies in a Post-COVID World]]>https://www.sitesearchselect.com/blogs/post/meeting-venue-sourcing-success-strategies-in-a-post-covid-worldThe coronavirus pandemic has forced many companies to abruptly cancel or postpone events, meetings, and conferences. But with a strategic approach, finding an event space that meets all your needs is possible. Here are several tips for sourcing success in a post-COVID world.]]>

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many companies to abruptly cancel or postpone events, meetings, and conferences. It’s not just a matter of rebooking these meetings as the pandemic proceeds.  For those corporate and association event planners tasked with finding new venues at the last minute, the process can seem daunting. But with a strategic approach, finding an event space that meets all your needs is possible. Here are several tips for sourcing success in a post-COVID world.

The Problem of Hotel Compression

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the concept of hotel compression. This occurs when there are not enough hotel rooms to accommodate a particular event or conference demand. As a result, room rates increase, and availability decreases.   On top of this, staff shortages are everywhere  — from ground transportation and hotel banquet staff shortages to final bill reconciliation delays. All are key components to contend with!
Corporate Event Planners can easily avoid the problems of Hotel Compression if they take the time to book their meeting space well in advance. However, with the current situation surrounding COVID-19, many event planners are finding themselves in a position where they cannot wait to book their meeting space. 

The Problem of Hotel Compression

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the concept of hotel compression. This occurs when there are not enough hotel rooms to accommodate a particular event or conference demand. As a result, room rates increase, and availability decreases.   On top of this, staff shortages everywhere, from ground transportation and hotel banquet staff shortages to final bill reconciliation delays, are key components to contend with!
Corporate Event Planners can easily avoid the problems of Hotel Compression if they take the time to book their meeting space well in advance. However, with the current situation surrounding COVID-19, many event planners are finding themselves in a position where they cannot wait to book their meeting space. 
As Us for Help!
As Us for Help!

Solutions for Corporate Event Planners

To avoid potential problems, corporate event planners must be proactive regarding meeting venue sourcing. Here are some successful strategies for meeting venue sourcing in a post-COVID world:


  1. Start planning early: As soon as you know when your event will occur, start looking into potential venues. The sooner you begin the process, the more options you’ll have to choose from.
  2. Use a venue sourcing company: A venue sourcing company can save you time and hassle by doing your legwork. They’ll be able to find venues that fit your specific needs and budget.
  3. Be flexible with your dates: If possible!
  4. Utilize technology: Several great tools and technologies can help you with your meeting venue sourcing. For example, Site Search & Select uses an RFP management tool ("S3 Excel Rain Man") that helps solve the problem of Hotel Compression. 
  5. Get creative: If you’re having trouble finding a meeting venue that meets all of your criteria, get creative. Think outside the box and consider alternatives such as remote destinations, smaller city-center properties, or retreat-style properties.
  6. Be prepared to negotiate: When it comes to negotiating rates, always remember that you have the power to walk away from a deal if you’re not happy with the terms.

Creative, Innovative Ideas for Corporate Event Planners

When corporate meeting planners look for creative and innovative ideas for their events, they rely on us at Site, Search & Select. We think outside the traditional hotel conference center or large hotel chain, which allows us to create memorable events within budget. 


  • New build properties that may not be backlogged in space due to COVID credits
  • Refurbished properties that have been updated with the latest features
  • Remote destinations that offer a unique and secluded setting
  • Less-traveled locations that are off the beaten path
  • Secondary or tertiary destinations that are often overlooked but have much to offer

Managing Your Budget

Prices are higher. Watching the bottom line is crucial, and understanding the pricing and contracting terms in newer destinations and properties. For instance, if you have traditionally held a program in a center city property and choose to take it to a resort destination, how do resort terms and conditions differ from center city properties? Site Search & Select can leverage its expertise and contacts to meet your goals. 

In today's fast-approaching post-COVID world, sourcing the perfect meeting venue can be challenging. However, finding the ideal venue for your next meeting or event is possible with the right strategies. 

Your budget is one of the most important things to consider when sourcing a meeting venue. Prices have increased significantly in recent months, so it is crucial to watch your bottom line. In addition, you should understand the pricing and contract terms in newer destinations and properties. For instance, if you have traditionally held a program in a center city property and decide to take it to a resort destination, how do the resort's terms and conditions differ from those of a center city property? Site Search & Select can leverage its expertise and contacts to help find a venue that meets your needs and budget.

In addition to managing your budget, you must consider the type of event you are planning. What are your goals for the event? What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Once you have answers to these questions, you can narrow your search for the perfect meeting venue.

If you need assistance sourcing a meeting venue or managing your budget, contact Site Search & Select today. We offer event planning services, consultation, creative solutions, and vendor management. Our team will work with you to ensure that your next meeting or event is a success!


As Us for Help!

The Bottom Line

Corporate event planners face a new landscape when sourcing meeting venues as the world slowly begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Site Search & Select has a wealth of knowledge and experience in meeting venue sourcing, site selection, and contract negotiation. 

S3 is always ready to help you with event bookings

            

We can provide creative solutions to problems that arise during the planning process. We also have a strong network of vendors that we can rely on to deliver quality services at a reasonable price. This combination of experience and relationships allows us to provide our clients with the best options for their meetings or events. Contact us today to learn how we can help you plan a successful event in the post-COVID world.

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

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S3 can help you with event bookings


We can provide creative solutions to problems that arise during the planning process. We also have a strong network of vendors that we can rely on to deliver quality services at a reasonable price. This combination of experience and relationships allows us to provide our clients with the best options for their meetings or events. Contact us today to learn how we can help you plan a successful event in the post-COVID world.

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

Find Out More
]]>Mon, 20 Jun 2022 11:40:10 -0400<![CDATA[Creative Approaches to Finding Event Space in a Compressed Market ]]>https://www.sitesearchselect.com/blogs/post/creative-approaches-to-finding-event-space-in-a-compressed-marketToday there are problems 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.]]>

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. 

As Us for Help!
As Us for Help!

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. 

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

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. 

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

Find Out More
Find Out More
]]>Sun, 24 Apr 2022 16:08:33 -0400<![CDATA[International Meetings Are Back!]]>https://www.sitesearchselect.com/blogs/post/international-meetings-are-backOur international friends are welcoming our global events with renewed passion and excitement. While we are still cautious with all that is happening in the world, we are returning the sentiments with creativity, vigor and flexibility.]]>

. . . with some caveats

It has been a long time coming since our customers have felt comfortable booking conferences, incentives and events outside of North America. With Europe and many other countries’ travel restrictions easing, the doors are being flung open. Our international friends are welcoming our global events with renewed passion and excitement. While we are still cautious with all that is happening in the world, we are returning the sentiments with creativity, vigor and flexibility.   

. . . with some caveats

It has been a long time coming since our customers have felt comfortable booking conferences, incentives and events outside of North America. With Europe and many other countries’ travel restrictions easing, the doors are being flung open. Our international friends are welcoming our global events with renewed passion and excitement. While we are still cautious with all that is happening in the world, we are returning the sentiments with creativity, vigor and flexibility. 

Book Your International Meeting
Book Your International Meeting

Europe is the Top Choice

More than 50% of Site Search & Selects’ international meetings have always been bound for Europe. Our trends are racing in this direction once again. 

Our clients are not only considering major meeting capitals but also secondary destinations and venues. There is confidence that hospitality partners abroad will be fully staffed and able to take on any challenges that will arise.  The ability to pivot or be flexible for our clients has now turned into an artform on all sides. 

Europe is the Top Choice

More than 50% of Site Search & Selects’ international meetings have always been bound for Europe. Our trends are racing in this direction once again. 

Our clients are not only considering major meeting capitals but also secondary destinations and venues. There is confidence that hospitality partners abroad will be fully staffed and able to take on any challenges that will arise.  The ability to pivot or be flexible for our clients has now turned into an artform on all sides. 

S3 is ready to help you make the transition

            

When it’s time for you to dip your toes back in the international stage, please remember that Site Search & Select can be your temperature gauge. We have 27 years of expert knowledge and relationships with hotels and other venues that have both global reach as well as those that are lesser known to our North America client partners. Rest assured, the hotels, venues and destinations that we present will be diverse and creative enough for your events to stand out and create lifelong memories and experiences. 

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

S3 is ready to help you make the transition


When it’s time for you to dip your toes back in the international stage, please remember that Site Search & Select can be your temperature gauge. We have 27 years of expert knowledge and relationships with hotels and other venues that have both global reach as well as those that are lesser known to our North America client partners. Rest assured, the hotels, venues and destinations that we present will be diverse and creative enough for your events to stand out and create lifelong memories and experiences. 

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

Find Out More
Find Out More
]]>Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:44:17 -0500<![CDATA[IBM Sponsors One-Year Mentorship Program to Site Search & Select]]>https://www.sitesearchselect.com/blogs/post/ibm-sponsors-one-year-mentorship-program-to-site-search-selectToday, Michael Hudson, CEO of Site Search & Select starts an exclusive one year Mentorship Program as a mentee with the IBM Global Procurement and Supplier Diversity teams. The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) developed this program and graciously coordinated our CEO's involvement.]]>

Created With The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce 

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) developed this program in coordination with IBM and other global Corporate Partners.  Certified LGBTBEs (LGBT Business Enterprises) are eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development opportunities to gain exposure within corporate procurement processes. Multinational corporations like IBM are very interested in diversifying their supply chain with Certified Diverse Suppliers like S3 so their products and services will stand out from their competitors. And it's the right thing to do to support small businesses. Today, Michael Hudson, CEO of Site Search & Select starts an exclusive one year Mentorship Program as a mentee supported by the IBM Global Procurement and Supplier Diversity teams. 

View IBM Diversity & Inclusion Report (2020)

S3 has been actively expanding a range of services throughout the pandemic. 

            

Site Search & Select has been adding services, creative offerings and innovative venue sourcing services to Fortune 500 multinational companies throughout the pandemic. This includes strategic growth and innovation planning, market strategy as well as the latest in supply chain and procurement policies  — all of which are the topics of the Mentorship Program. We can't wait to share our knowledge with our clients and our community. Thank you IBM and NGLCC! 


Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select 

Get more information about Site Search & Select's commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Book A Free Consultation

Get more information about Site Search & Select's commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Book A Free Consultation
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