Is There a Right and Wrong Way to Book Group Hotel Space?
Is There a Right and Wrong Way to Book Group Hotel Space?

There's a wrong and right way to approach hotels for group space. WRONG way: Call hotel 3 months prior and ask if they can fit you in. Another WRONG way: Submit informal RFPs (this gives hotels the impression you're shopping around and they have no motivation to give you aggressive pricing). RIGHT way: Contact a salesperson personally to let them know the event is definite and you're interested in their hotel - this seems more like a real lead to a salesperson. BEST way: Hire a professional meeting planner to negotiate on your behalf! 😁

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Kevin Dern
An Amazing Group Event in Tuscany
An Amazing Group Event in Tuscany

Thinking back today to this amazing private event I was lucky enough to produce in Tuscany. We did a buyout of a winery in Chianti for 80 people... beautiful location, amazing food, great wine. Dream job.

P.S. This would also be a great location for an executive retreat or small President’s Club trip.

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Kevin Dern
Notes on "Single Tasking"
Notes on "Single Tasking"

My first day back in the office after a program often feels a little overwhelming. Follow up projects, people to get back to, spreadsheets to update, etc. It's taken me years but I'm slowly learning to work slow, not fast - and to work on just one thing at time. This focus may result in getting less work done but it's a calmer experience and I know that the work I've done has been done correctly.

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Kevin Dern
Are you stressed about your company's group travel plans for 2020?
Are you stressed about your company's group travel plans for 2020?

As the year comes to an end this is a great time to evaluate where you are with your meeting and incentive planning for 2020. Have you already booked hotel, air blocks, DMC, travel staff, and any offsite venues? If not you may be late! Booking early gives you the widest range of options and strongest position for contract negotiations... booking late often puts you in a seller's market with limited availability.

Contact me for a free 30 min consultation to evaluate where you are in the planning process - we take the stress out of group travel planning.

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Kevin Dern
Which is better for corporate trips and events - chain or independent hotels?
Which is better for corporate trips and events - chain or independent hotels?

Clients often ask me whether it's better to use independent hotels or corporate chains for group travel programs. Choosing a well-known corporate brand has benefits - for example:

  • Corporate standards help you know what to expect and (hopefully) reduce surprises

  • A relationship with a national sales rep can be helpful - especially helpful when working with an international destination

  • Luxury brand recognition helps add “wow” factor while independent local hotels might be less well known

  • There may be financial incentives for using the same hotel brand year after year, even in different destinations

Of course, there's no set rule about this - sometimes there's an independent hotel that's just perfect for your group!

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Kevin Dern
Cancun vs Cabo for groups
Cancun vs Cabo for groups

Airfare - Flights to Cancun are less expensive for most of the US, except the west coast. Also look at whether there are nonstop flights from your departure cities.

Beaches - Most resorts in Cancun have beautiful, swimmable beaches, while most beaches in Cabo are not safe for swimming.

Resort selection - both destinations have a wide variety of resorts to fit any type of group. If you’re looking for high-end luxury, say for an executive retreat or President’s Club, Cabo is probably a better choice as they have more luxury resorts without having to travel too far from the towns.

Which do you prefer?

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Kevin Dern