Here's a bit of useful advice for planners, whether your a pro or a novice: STOP using third party online RFP websites and START using local CVBs.
Listen, I completely understand that planners are busy as heck and just want to find the easiest and fastest way to get competitive quotes for their business. What I don't understand is why local CVBs are not the preferred clearing house? Unfortunately, the answer is that CVB's haven't done a good enough job of keeping up with the times and staying ahead of the technology curve to offer end users a service they obviously want. I believe it's time to call for change.
Today, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of ad-hoc planner websites out there. Frankly, I am completely annoyed with the number and quality of sites that are doing nothing more than putting a database online and then scraping 10% (or more) off my top line.
What planners don't realize is there is zero value-add, other than convenience, from these third party online clearinghouse RFP sites. Here is what you do get from a Convention and Vistors Bureau that you probably won't get from an online RFP distribution site:
- NET rates, not ones that are inflated to cover the cost of commissions
- a local point of contact who knows the area
- distribution to hotels/venues that actually match your needs
- up-to-date information
- local attraction/event/vendor information
- un-biased proposals, instead of fake endorsements based on ad revenue
We (hoteliers) have got to take back control over our own industry. First the online travel agencies took control of transient inventory and now they are tapping into group business, at the expense of our customers. Perhaps the local/state/national associations need to ban together and create a non-profit online group booking engine, but in the meantime I hope a few planners will read this blog and re-consider how they go about planning their next meeting.
So, go, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau and don't waste your time online.
1 comment:
I agree completely with Ed's point of view. Bureaus are there for the meeting planners and are a great resource of information for the area the planner needs. Call the local CVB first before going on websites unless you are doing general research. Short of that use reputable 3rd party companies with true meeting and event planning capablities!
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