Creative Meetings & Events LLC

08/27/2017

Update your child's bedroom with this practicalBunk Bed Twin Over Full. Perfect for either a girls or boys bedroom, this bunk bed is crafted from sturdy metal. It includes a front secured ladder for easy access to the top bunk and safety rails along the upper bunk for added security. | eBay!

07/24/2015

Somehow, though, the most likely result is higher fees paid by travelers.

03/19/2015

Interesting read... and good information to take into account when planning your meeting.

Don't always assume warmer average temperatures = punctuality.

03/03/2015

What is Creative Meetings & Events LLC?

Creative Meetings & Events (CME) is a meeting and event planning company specializing in small to mid-size events--50 to 250 attendees. CME focuses primarily on non-profit meetings, conferences and special events such as fundraising dinners and auctions.

CME's principal, Katrina Custer is skilled in negotiation hotel concessions and contracts ensuring you, the customer, are getting the best bang for your buck as well as being legally protected while fostering the relationship with the vendor.

Operating on a contractual basis, CME works to keep the outsourcing cost down and in some cases, even free. Contact us for more information. You are never obligated for "kicking our tires" and will never be placed on any list (unless you request it).

03/02/2015

Do you use Twitter Website Cards to promote your event? If not, why not?

Twitter Website Cards give your event or your website 43% more engagement. They give the user more content that just a tweet and offer a "cal to action" button.

02/25/2015

Hyatt Centric Chicago Loop!

Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago will open in April 2015, one of the first two hotels in the world to open under Hyatt's new full-service lifestyle...

02/25/2015

Hyatt Hotels to offer free wi-fi to guests around the world! Unlimited number of devices in guest rooms and social spaces.

Thanks Hyatt... no more "nickel and diming"... Love it!

02/24/2015

New hotel brand--Hyatt Centric

A new, full service lifestyle brand designed for business and leisure travelers is Hyatt Centric.

Inspired by the brand's mission of "putting its guest at the center of the action in the best destinations." This new brand will balance digital capabilities with face-to-face interaction.

Now in 15 cities: New York, Paris, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami to name just a few.

02/03/2015

I would agree!

U.S. News Travel has recognized our resort & spa as one of the 'Best Hotels in the U.S. in 2015' in its annual evaluation of hotels that offer high-quality amenities and exceptional experiences. We are extremely honored!

Read more: http://bit.ly/1ywiQh5

02/02/2015

In visiting with friends in town for a meeting, I was reminded of a key aspect of finding a location for your meeting or event. Cost.

Now, I'm not talking the cost of the hotel room. Well, that's part of it, but definitely not all of it. I'm talking about the total cost to the attendee (even if they are attending on their company's dime).

Of course, first is the cost of the hotel room plus any additional fees such as resort fees, gym usage, internet fees, or fees to have a microwave and or refrigerator in the room. But also look at what it costs for the attendee to get to the hotel from the airport. What about parking at the hotel for those who are driving? All of a sudden that $149 room rate can escalate up to $300+ a night once you add in fees and taxes.

Which reminds me of a meeting I had in a place that really was kind of far from the airport. But because I knew the situation and knew the options the hotel offered were still pricey, I asked my wonderful assistant to look into other options and we found a private car service who's cost was literally too good to pass up. It was a small enough meeting, and we had several people who were driving (and parking was free by the way) so the cost overall was minimal. Plus because we were booking the whole group, we were able to assign just about everyone a shared ride partner which was even better for the car service company and they, I believe, were very happy to have us do that work for them. Probably another reason our quote was so good.

Now with that particular event, the place couldn't have been better. Not only did the hotel have great food options, but there were so many others within walking distance and local transportation via bus was a couple of dollars. As part of our concessions, the resort fee (which included internet) was waived and microwaves and refrigerators were standard in all rooms since each room had a small kitchenette.

The point to all this, remember, it's not just the cost of the hotel and the registration fee. There are a number of ancillary costs your attendee incur. If you want them to come back, and have everyone be happy, be sure to estimate the TOTAL cost to your attendee and make sure you're not pricing your event out of reach for many.

01/27/2015

With the coming winter storm in the northeast, have you taken a good look at your venue contract language lately?

What happens if more than half your attendees can't get to the event? What happens if those people who are staffing the event can't make it? Are you still paying the hotel for space and rooms not used?

Negotiating with hotels can be tricky for some, but not for others. Why? It's all in the relationship. CME develops relationships with the hotels prior to negotiating so the process works to the best of both parties--making both the hotel and you happy. CME knows when to give and when and what to take.

So before you sign your next venue contract, really look it over. Are you accepting the standard hotel contract language? Check your Force Majeure very carefully and make sure you don't get caught paying for space, food and rooms you don't use because either you or your attendees couldn't make it.

01/26/2015

What is your strategy when choosing a place for your meeting or event? Are you shopping around keeping with your tried and true venue?

Sometimes that tried and true venue is a good option--you know the staff, they know you. But are you getting the best value? The key is to source other properties, letting them know you have been with the same hotel for several years. Then let your current property know you are just doing your due diligence. Let them know how happy you are with them and be sure to mention anything that is not working. Give them a chance to make changes and upgrade their service and lower your bottom line.

The key is to never get so complacent that you get taken advantage of....