Insider: Meetings Traffic: Opportunities and Challenges in Changing Economies

By Andy Dolce, Chairman & Managing Director, Dolce International

Mr. Andy Dolce

In times of economic uncertainly, large and small corporations often respond by immediately reducing travel budgets.  This is often a quick tactic to save their bottom-lines.  Once reality sets in, these companies soon realize the necessity of face-to-face meetings. 

From employee training sessions and new product launches to year-end presentations and sales meetings, an array of business initiatives are much more rewarding in-person.  In addition, the business of relationship building and bonding must continue in both good and bad economies.   

The key to planning a successful meeting in a down market lies in offering top-notch meeting facilities, personalized service and value.  Conference facilities need to take great pride to work carefully with each meeting planner to suggest the best facilities, food and beverage options and group activities for every budget.  

In changing economies, it is especially important for the meetings industry to concentrate on economic signals and industry reports.  It is imperative that sales teams take a proactive role to identify new business leads in strong economic markets while also stoking current customer relationships. 

My article "Meetings Traffic: Opportunities and Challenges in Changing Economies” in the Hotel Business Review provides key points that will help meeting industry executives identify how to roll with the economy’s punches. 

Click here to subscribe to the Hotel Business Review 

Yours truly, 

Andy Dolce

Chairman and Managing Director

Dolce International

Andy.dolce@dolce.com