Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1250931
B M & T ••• March/April 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17 T oday's meeting planners are super savvy and selec- tive as to where they book their clients' events. They are not settling for mediocrity and instead looking for a 360-degree integra- tive, value-add experience. They want the entire package, including a wide range of catering and dietary wellness options, to top technology trends, natural lighting, innovative breakout rooms, hotel incentives, vibe, décor, location and more. Consequently, convention hotels need to cater to these planners' spe- cific needs, become an extension of their sales team, adaptable, compet- itively priced, and stay aggressively ahead of the curve with innovative ideas given the landscape of this ever-changing industry. Here are top five tips on how your property can stand out, build stronger relationships, and gain more business from this lucrative segment of the market 1. Use customer focus groups to determine the latest needs and wants of the attendees and act upon the feedback. 2 .Plan to highlight the best of your destination with unique offer- ings. For example, for warmer des- tination hotels in the Caribbean and South Florida, take advantage of its year-round sunshine, and offer invigorating beach fitness breaks or an evening sunset cruise. 3. Look at hotel value dates for exclusive offerings. 4. Offer seasonal executive retreat planner perk packages like Hilton does to include a block of rooms for a two-night minimum, where planners can choose from a wide-range of options, including: sign on bonus points, complimen- tary room upgrades, beverage and snacks daily in the planner's office, reduced resort fees, one-time mas- ter account credit to be applied towards receiving (logging/storage) and shipping out, 5 mbps of wire- less internet complimentary - (wired/wireless) for Group's General session meeting room, and more! 5. Showcase your "green" card and feature your eco-friendly offer- ings in each meeting hotel pack- age. Planners are starting to seek this out more frequently now to ensure their clients' events are as sustainable as possible to match their own brand standards. They are booking at venues that are proactively reducing waste, replac- ing plastic, conserving water and efficiently managing energy usage. The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL is happy to provide more tips on creating enticing meeting and incentive offers to pique planners' interest. With over 200,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor & outdoor function space for up to 5,000 guest attendees, and spe- cial monthly promotions, planners can choose from a wide-variety of attractive offers at The Diplomat Beach Resort. The property also features 1,000 bright, beach- y guest rooms to include 96 suites, two sun-drenched pools, Trina Turk designed cabanas, an ultramodern spa, plus 8 culinary concepts led by celebrity award- winning chefs, including Geoffrey Zakarian and Michael Schul- son. It's the ideal property to host a meeting of any size and then to kickback, relax and indulge at any or all its luxurious facilities. For more information on special offers or to book your next meeting/con- vention at The Diplomat Beach Resort, please contact (954) 602- 8607 or email groupsales@diplo - matresort.com. TOP FIVE TIPS ON CREATING ENTICING MEETING OFFERS TOPIQUE PLANNERS' INTEREST