Rhode Island Hospitality AssociationOutlook 2009

Presented by:Joseph A. Rogan, Managing Director

Most Pressing Issues: Planners DilemmaMost Pressing Issues: Planners Dilemma

• Budget pressures

• Rising meeting costs

• Technology vs. face-to-face

• Airline costs, capacity and delays

• Impact of energy woes

• Perception of value of meetings / events

• Job market / job security

Source: 392 MeetingNews respondents / October, 2008

Corporate Market/Top Sub MarketsCorporate Market/Top Sub Markets

Providence/Warwick/Newport, RI82% of total corporate events come from the top 11 listings

600

500

400

300

200

100

3%

5% 5%6%

7%

9%9% 9%

14%

15%

16%R

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Total Events by Major Market SegmentTotal Events by Major Market Segment

4000

3000

2000

1000

1% 2%

15%19%

56%

Government Tour & Travel SMERF Association Corporate

56% of total meetings are corporate

Meetings Bottom Line: HoteliersMeetings Bottom Line: Hoteliers

• Competition is greater than ever before

• Volume accounts, loyalty, customer focus

• Account set vs. competitive set

• Knowing what is in it for the planner

• “Fill the Funnel” – keep on prospecting

• Fastest growth: SMERF (10 rooms or less)

In Conclusion “Stick to the Basics”In Conclusion “Stick to the Basics”

• Meetings competition is greater than ever before• 2009 will see newer and more aggressive competition

• Prospect more than the next person ever day

• Be clear on what makes you unique• Does your website make the case to all planners?

• Strategies to win new business• Account vs. competitive focus

• Total account management

• Small corporate meetings growth (12%)• Fastest growth area are SMERF groups (10 rooms or less)

Rhode Island Hospitality AssociationOutlook 2009