You sit back in your chair, and let out an exhausted sigh. Nothing about this meeting is going as planned. Everything that could go wrong, has. The food & beverage is incorrect, the internet is down, and there aren’t enough seats for this room full of senior executives. They are unimpressed, and are starting to get restless…
This nightmare can easily happen to you! Not because you are not competent – not because you didn’t do your research – because unfortunately the people you have partnered with don’t understand your specific needs.
In my past articles, I have detailed IHG’s IHG Business Reward Program to recognize your hard work, as well as suggestions on why planning ahead works. Now, I would like to share tools to make your life easier.
There’s an App for That
The IHG app is an amazing tool for meeting planners to have. On top of being able to search hotels either by city or near your current location, you can also book rooms, and check the status of your reservations. If your meeting requires room nights, this is the best way to keep track of all of your rooms in one place.
Group of people standing by windows of conference room, socializing during coffee break
It’s Easy as 1-2-3
The Online Meeting Planner is an invaluable device when it comes to planning meeting and events. First, you are able to search the city, number of people, and dates, and the planner shows you a list of all hotels that can meet your needs. Secondly, it allows you to see the dimensions of each room, how many people the room can fit depending on different seating arrangements, and more. Third, choose the hotel and room, and press book! This planner also allows you to book hotel room nights when needed. Can it get any easier than that?
Book Meeting Room – Check!
We know that booking your meeting space and hotel rooms is just the beginning. There’s a whole world of details that you have to plan next, including any travel arrangements, food and beverage, all printing and shipping, and so much more. You know your stuff – but to ease the insanity of organizing an intricate meeting or event, IHG has created a Meeting/Event Checklist to consolidate all of your upcoming tasks. From five months out to the day-of, IHG has thought of everything you might need to confirm for your event.
This Fall is Extra Rewarding
On top of the IHG Business Rewards Program, IHG’s Fall promotion is on until November 30th! The Booker Bonus allows you to earn 50% more, by booking events that take place before August 31, 2017.
IHG is dedicated to ensuring your event is a success at every step of the way. From preliminary research, to booking, to finalizing the details, our people and online tools make your meeting or event bulletproof. For more information, visit ihg.com/meetings.
–Caroline Comeau is the Director of Sales, Canada for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, and 17 in Sales Management, Caroline uses her natural communication abilities, creativity, and sense of humour in order to engage her team, clients, and guests on a daily basis. Caroline can be reached at: Caroline.Comeau@ihg.com.
