Think you know what the 'Lo' in SoLoMo stands for? Think again. Spelled out as Social, Local, Mobile, too often the 'Lo' in SoLoMo is thought of as strictly location-based initiatives. But what about the actual locals living in a hotel's proximity? For hotel brands looking to ultimately attract, engage and retain a much wider audience, locals are ideal “test guests” - proving that if you can't appeal to your “home team” then you're unlikely to win over out-of-town converts. The following article examines how hotels are beginning to better engage a traveling subset that recent data shows has largely been overlooked and how hoteliers who find themselves late to the localizing bandwagon can adapt their own tactics accordingly. READ MORE

The latest technology has afforded meeting planners greater efficiency when researching venues, making a booking, and when communicating with attendees. Technology has also enhanced the actual meeting experience for both attendees on property as well as off site with live feeds and video streaming, and real time social media feedback. Meeting attendees take notes on tablets and take photographs and videos of presentations with their smart phones, almost eliminating the need for paper and pencils! To stay competitive and current with the changing trends, hoteliers are adding technological enhancements to the entire booking and meeting experience, but does the job end there for hoteliers? This article will address some “old tricks” in a new environment to help hoteliers get a greater share of the group business and ensure satisfaction for repeat business. READ MORE

Driving conference attendees to avoid attrition can be a tricky task. Sales leaders who ask pointed and meaningful questions and who can openly communicate with a client can establish trust and gain a thorough understanding the client's needs. In turn, the sales leader becomes a trusted expert who can effectively work together with the client to help drive conference attendees. READ MORE

Pick up your phone, chat with your buyer buddy, strike a deal and plan a meeting. If these are the steps you use to bring group business into your property, then you've been hiding under your tainted bedspread for too long. Hotels can be more effective in selling their space by triaging and answering the incoming electronic RFPs (eRFPs) using meeting/event date and space availability, complexity levels and value drivers as key factors that influence the time and effort that are dedicated to answering each eRFP. Use the 4-step proven triage method to answering eRFPs and learn the 6 procurement guidelines that your buyers follow. READ MORE

With the growing popularity of consumer-generated media and review sites, it is critical for hotels to have a strong presence on the top review sites. Good reviews can create a solid foundation for future bookings, while too many negative reviews can lead to the demise of the hotels future booking potential. Up to 70% of global consumers say that online consumer reviews are the second-most trusted form of advertising. An additional 46% of travelers post hotel reviews after their vacations. There are strategies that can be implemented to take a proactive approach to receive more positive reviews and actions that need to be taken to mitigate the backlash from any negative reviews and to restore the hotels good reputation. READ MORE