Our reputation for coddling exhibitor groups was a key factor when the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) recently named Travel Planners their official housing provider. The new partnership – and the dedicated team of group specialists we assigned to the program – paid quick dividends, according to Blanca Ferris, Meetings and Events Manager. "This has been the smoothest exhibitor opening that I can remember. YOU ROCK!"
As economic conditions cause out-of-block bookings to spike, some events are resorting to penalties to enforce program utilization. But "slapping customers' wrists is no way to build your bottom line," counters President Ray Vastola. "We build a strong value package, market it aggressively, stay open through post cut-off, and negotiate extras to attract more in-block reservations." The positive approach has generated major lifts in attendee and exhibitor pick-up throughout 2010.
The DC Chapter of IAEE recently nominated Mike Dickinson, Director of Sales for Travel Planners, as Treasurer for the upcoming term. The office is an outstanding example of Mike's ongoing commitment to the industry. We congratulate him – and his colleagues in the DC Chapter for making such a wise choice.
