The Travel Buyers Survey, released by Maxvantage, shows that 60 percent of respondents think the meetings industry is gradually improving and feel it is stable. The survey also shows that since January 2010, the drop in hotel rates started to level off and in second quarter hotel rates showed signs of stabilization.

The software lets meeting planners solicit online bids from multiple hotels across multiple brands.

One of my great fears in life has always been food service. So I walked into Day 3 of my In Your Shoes experience at the Mystic Marriott (Conn.) much less enthusiastic because it was filled with work in the kitchen.

Don't let real business slip through your hands because of lack of follow up.

The program will roll out globally in 2011. It revolves around five core components: paperless meeting planning, sustainable meeting services, sustainable F&B practices, impact-assessment tools and socially conscious activities.

The promotion offers a 5-percent discount on meetings booked through July 15, and held through March 31. The discount applies to the entire bill, including guestrooms, conference rooms, audiovisual services and food expenditures.

Don't give in too readily to people who push for discounted room rates. Just do a better job of selling and find out the prospect's real needs and how you can meet them. Then ask yourself some tough questions.

Pamela Hirneisen, director of sales and marketing for the Holiday Inn LAX, will act as the main liaison between the chapter's board of directors and the managing director and enforce adherence to the association's constitution.

The hotel will now receive dedicated national sales services and support by ALHI's sales team throughout North America.

The 'AIG' effect has meeting planners looking for measurable ROI.