The group events business is booming. In fact for hotels such as Fairmont, IHG and Hyatt, group events-everything from corporate events and trade shows to family weddings and reunions-are huge business. To be exact, they represent a $30 billion market that comprises up to 60% of their revenue. As I have stated in previous articles, technology today plays a big role in attracting meeting planners, securing their business and retaining them as long-term customers. In these articles I have looked at the specific types of technologies that hotels should be looking at-everything from collaborative online group management technologies, to Blackberry mobile phones and automated room list solutions. Now it's time to take a step back. What promise and possibilities do these technologies really allow the hotel to offer meeting planner looking to find a home for their next event?

The Positive Booking Experience

The amount of work that goes into executing a successful event cannot be underestimated. The list of "to do's" is extensive. You have the venue and event date selection. Then planners must work on indentifying the list of attendees, which includes key speakers, panelists and exhibitors. On top of this they are faced with other key event action items ...