Elite Meetings Announces Commission-free Policy
SANTA BARBARA, CA, January 13, 2009 - Elite Meetings International (EMI) has adopted an innovative policy that will benefit both hoteliers and planners during these economically challenging times. Effective immediately, all RFPs submitted through EliteMeetings.com will enjoy a "net rates guarantee." That means that planners who use the EliteMeetings.com online RFP system will enjoy rates with no commissions, nor any hidden fees or padded costs to offset the 10% commission that other companies may charge.
"We recognize that both planners and hoteliers need as much economic stimulus as possible," says EMI CEO Kelly Foy. "We're fortunate to be in a position to forgo commissions in lieu of other revenue options, and think this will create a true win-win scenario for both sides."
Foy likens his revenue structure to Google's business model, where the resource is free to all business users. Like Google, EMI's revenue stream comes from marketing partnerships and sponsorships from those who desire increased exposure, and by extension, increased bookings.
"Everything we do is about building relationships-stepping out of the way and allowing hoteliers and planners to forge partnerships with each other," Foy comments. "We just felt this was the perfect time to break down any lingering barriers that may have hindered Web site use in the past."
The commission-free structure applies to any planner who uses the RFP system on their own. The great news for third-party planners is that they can use the system and still be able to collect their commissions as usual.
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