Offsite events in the hospitality industry have become increasingly popular. While these vary in the kinds of activities and venues involved, all of them require some advance consideration of the risks that may arise. For example, some events may involve a greater danger of possible physical injuries while others may create the potential for employment-based claims. As a result, meeting planners, the company sponsoring the event, and even hotels should review these risks during the planning stage of the event along with possible insurance coverages. The following article explores this kind of assessment in greater detail. READ MORE

By addressing channel performance-the concept of measuring key performance indicators across a complex, multi-channel booking landscape-hoteliers can optimize pricing and marketing across all channels, and boost revenue as a result. But for those new to the world of advanced revenue management practices and technology, how does one begin to map out a proactive and profitable distribution strategy? How you choose to distribute your offerings must be carefully and regularly assessed, with the goal of maximizing your profit potential always in mind. Evaluating channel acquisition costs, looking beyond online travel agencies (OTAs) for better revenue opportunities, and finding ways to drive more direct bookings are all good practices for monitoring and improving the health of your distribution strategy. READ MORE

In an effort to stimulate creative thinking and encourage team-building among their groups, event planners are breaking the conventional mold by moving out of traditional conference facilities and convention hotels into university lecture halls, community theaters, warehouses and even tents. They concurrently are teaming up with nonprofits in conjunction with their organizations' community outreach programs. Nontraditional venues typically present a new set of challenges for planners who, regardless of the venue, are still are expected to exceed expectations. READ MORE

Revenue managers face a daily melange of ingredients to analyze, digest and base decisions on. Advances in Big Data and tools to make sense of it are making life a little easier. But, amid this data-overload, losing sight of the bigger picture - exactly how these metrics are impacting on your bottom line - is an ever-present risk. In what will be a refresher course for some readers and a set of new ideas for others, we present our crucial data tips for profitable revenue management, from KPIs to supply and demand factors, and technology to better visualisation. READ MORE

When the world is facing high levels of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), in part thanks to fast-changing technological, social and business environments, leaders and companies must be prepared to increasingly adjust to unanticipated events. VUCA in hospitality manifests on different levels and can affect individual hotel properties, tourism and entire companies, on a global basis. Many today would assert that, given the current geopolitical climate, the world's VUCA level has again spiked to higher than normal levels. People and corporations must increasingly adjust to unpredictable events. The hospitality sector is no exception. READ MORE