Hot News

What are Planners expectations for Hotel Meeting Packages? To try and shed some light on this question, Spotlight went to one of the most recognizable names in hospitality, Hilton.

The Hilton Corporation represents more than 500 branded hotels throughout the world. Hilton has a strong reputation as a host-of-choice for meetings, conventions and other events—a market segment the company continues to actively pursue. When it comes to shining some light on Meeting Package Trends, Hilton was a natural place for Spotlight to look.

Facilitiesonline queried Hilton Public Relations & Communications Directors—representing most of the regions in North America—about 2007 Meeting Packages. One over-arching trend is apparent: increased amenities and streamlined booking. In other words—packages are now more inclusive—it’s not just lodging and meeting space anymore, but an array of services to enhance meetings as well as down time for attendees. Along with this increased inclusiveness is a planner demand for streamlined booking/pricing policies—one-stop-shopping also means one-price price points, avoiding add-on fees and hidden or extra costs.

Hilton is a brand nearly synonymous with the meetings and hospitality industry. This Spotlight reveals the changing benefits and amenities newly included in Meeting Packages, as well as how Meeting Hotels are now responding to the current business climate influencing Meeting Planners.

  Lisa Hanock-Jasie This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
 Director of Communications - Northeast

Today's meeting planners are looking for all-inclusive meeting packages—easy to book, dedicated meeting space (preferably with 24-hour hold); organized and attentive hotel meeting planner and events services staff; hi-tech environ with built-in A/V and on-site service experts; wired and wireless connectivity; continuous refreshment break service with innovative/creative breakfast and lunch options—one price, one final master bill, no hassles or surprises. A number of my Hilton hotels in the Northeast Region now are offering fitness & spa services for meeting groups for nominal charges, featuring on-site chair massage stations (hand, foot, back massages), even yoga instruction from Hilton's certified fitness trainers.

  Lisa Cole This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Director of Communications - Southeast

In today's world of needing everything quicker, faster, and technically in tact, meetings planners are looking for flexibility and support. They need to be able to put together a meeting with ease. They need a dedicated staff that can quickly respond to last minute changes and offer up many options but at the same time, they are looking for a local twist and something their attendees can appreciate, like a massage, or excursion to a local entity or even HHonors points. Many of the Hilton Family of Brands in the South East offer meeting packages, that include, welcome receptions, double Hhonors points, spa services, technically savvy support and creative ideas and themes—such as "Shipwrecked in Paradise," or "Barefoot of the Beach"—for receptions, coffee breaks or meetings. Spa treatments are probably the number one amenity offered or included that certainly wasn't on the menu in years past. We are seeing more meetings that incorporate how to relieve stress seminars along with other business. More and more companies are recognizing that a well balanced employee is more productive than one that is stressed.

  Cynthia Rankin This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Regional Director of Public Relations - Hilton Hawaii
 

Meeting planners are asking for all-inclusive packages. Meeting planners are more proactive and part of that is to ensure that their meetings are within the budget. They want to know what is included up front, and will ask for them to be included upfront. They don’t want to find out there is a resort service that is an extra costs later. So, we are including more of our value-added components in the upfront package, which now includes discounts on internet access, use of workout fitness & spa facilities, guarantees on menu items, welcome parties to meeting attendees, as well as our HHonor points. In general, meeting planners are looking at budgets more closely, even though budgets do not seem to be shrinking, there are a lot of costs that are rising, such as air travel. So hotels need to work within the planner’s budget and the planners want to get as much in as possible in the package. They want to make sure attendees are well taken care, from amenities at the hotel to making sure meeting services, such as internet connectivity, run smoothly. Planners know that any glitches are going to fall on their shoulders. Planners need constant communication and updates about the running of event. So as part of packages we have a new position, "Events Services Manager," which is one person dedicated to the meeting. For example, if there is a problem with catering, the planner doesn’t go all over the place to find that person, the Events Services Manager, handles it, and that person is always present, so there is always visual contact with the planner.

  Lucia Samaniego This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Public Relations Manager - Mexico

Above all, Meeting Planners are looking for more flexible packages, that not only include F & B elements, but the new trend is focused on the wellness of body and mind, combining relaxation and healthy food. Meeting Planners nowadays are looking for packages that include a series of services previously quoted independently such as: Set ups; Special meeting rooms; Spa & Golf; Coffee Breaks; and Balanced menus. Hilton also provides the groups with the "Pre-order (pre arrival)," which means that upon reservation each guest let the Hotel know what their special needs are such as: sparkling water, flat water, diet sodas, sweets, peanuts, magazines, etc. Hilton is faced with a terrific new opportunities—to surpass guest expectations by providing a superior experience.

  Barbara McCully This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Director of Public Relations - Canada

Meeting planners are busier than ever and seeking the most convenient and efficient manner to book their meetings. They want to deal with hotel meeting professionals that understand their requirements, can provide creative ideas and solutions for their event, and provide one-stop shopping across a National hotel portfolio. To respond to planners' needs, The Hilton Family of Hotels in Canada introduced the Meeting Planner iPod promotion. With one call to the Hilton Canada National Sales Office, planners can book any of the 56 Hilton Family hotels in Canada. For meetings in Canada with 10 rooms or more planners will receive a complimentary iPod shuffle. To complement the iPod shuffle, those who recommend the program to another planner resulting in a booking will receive an electronic gift certificate for ten iTune downloads. We recognize what an important role planners play in bringing business to our hotels and the iPod promotion has been very well received as a way for us to show our appreciation.