>> ASK ME ANYTHING!

Please give me a little more background on you, Janice.

I have served as an experienced and trustworthy partner in meetings & conventions, hotel sales and service for over 25 years.

I’ve been in the US Marine Corps, managed office operations for the world’s largest skydiving facility, and held key support positions for the Portland Opera and Nike, so I "get it". These unique experiences contribute to my clear communication with individuals, regardless of their background or industry; their knowledge or experience in events; whether they’re on staff or a valued volunteer.

Why do you continue to do this, especially with the meetings industry so severely impacted?

I love what I do: to serve and to help people connect. With this covid setback in our industry, it’s even more important now for me to be available to help organizations and their planners. That means I’m looking through a different lens on how to bring my clients, and my hotel partners, together as we prepare for the future of their meetings. I’m a start-to-finish gal and strive to help everyone cross the finish line together.

How am I supposed to look farther ahead than a couple of months for my programs? Things with covid keep changing.

Great question! No one has all the answers – and if someone does, that’ll probably change again tomorrow.

Navigating this season is different than any other in our history, and especially as it pertains to meetings. This industry has suffered greatly, and it’s reflected by hotel operation suspensions, staff being furloughed or laid off and now, because when total recovery cannot be predicted, loss of jobs entirely.

My role – as your intermediary (meetings consultant) and trusted advisor is to guide you through: 

> Managing your new program needs (sourcing & contracting hotels);

> Managing (including negotiating) possible attrition or cancellation of an existing program due to the many guessing games;

   * Contracts and amendments will be tightened, and cancellation terms carefully crafted. As venues and suppliers try to protect themselves from losing revenue, I'll strive to ensure you can avoid paying for an event that may never happen. 

> Keeping you informed with industry changes that may impact your program and/or contract;

>  I’ll be your cheerleading partner: after the hotel contract is done, I won’t disappear. My job isn’t complete till after your program is complete.

You can find more specific details on my Home Page about how I support you.

When do you think "larger" face-to-face meetings will start to take place again?

Yup - another great question!

No one has the answer because factors change daily by location / government mandates; covid statistics and reports, etc.  It's impossible to predict when - and where - we'll consistently meet in groups of 100+ guests.

HOWEVER, I CAN tell you that meetings for thousands have been responsibly taking place across the USA and the globe recently, and registration is strong for upcoming programs as well.

That gives me hope, and I trust it does for you as well...let's discuss if you have questions.  We're in a prime position to explore safe opportunities for your 2025 (and beyond) programs.

And how am I supposed to make a decision without personally experiencing a destination and hotels?

Wow – you’re all over it! As we’ve already uncovered, many hotels’ operations are still recovering, or they’re working with limited staff.

> I can arrange a walkthrough of hotels via an e-presentation, or virtually;

> Should the hotel not be able to walk through via a presentation or virtually, my global hotel brand contacts can help us;

> If it’s a matter of you not being able to travel – regardless of the reason – I can be your eyes. 

   * First, we’ll define your preferred destinations and/or hotels being considered (short list). 

   * Then, if it makes sense, I can do the site for you and present you with my feedback and recommendations. 

   * If I cannot travel with reasonable explanation, I will tap into my internal resources for someone who may be able to, or who has personally (and recently) experienced those on the short list – and then you’ll receive my recommendations and feedback.

I need to keep my attendees (and me) confident to travel. How can you help?

> Emphasizing a safe hotel and meeting experience;

> Approach your planning and execution with empathetic eyes;

> Gaining trust with your guests and letting them make choices;

> Incorporating well-being into program decisions being made;

> Building in more personal connecting time – people are hungry for socializing.

I have a toolbox overflowing with suggestions, research and data that cohesively work together to build confidence.

I see that you work with a lot of hotel brands. Is that only in the U.S.?

> No! My touch is global, and Maritz is global;

> We also have strategic supplier partners and resources around the world.

> I am 100% impartial to hotel brand and destination.  I will always recommend those with the most favorable contract terms that protect your guests, reduce your risk and that are fairly priced.

So, how much is this going to cost me to get your help, Janice?

Another great question! The short answer is, it depends on where you want me to focus:

> Starting on a new program and helping you source and contract will be covered by the hotel(s) contracted - after your program executes.  That means, I am an extension of your team, but someone else is paying me;

> For all other meeting solution services, I am happy to present you with a proposal.

Does my program need to be a certain size before you can help?

Traditionally, yes:

> In “traditional” cases, we need a minimum of (10) sleeping rooms per night contracted with the hotel for in-person meetings; however…

>  We’re not in traditional times. Let’s discuss your needs and go from there. If you have a virtual or hybrid meeting, we’ll be exploring solutions that fit your needs best;

> To give you a benchmark, I’ve helped my clients with programs ranging in size between 10 – 13,000+ attendees (and everything in-between).

If we work with you, Janice, what about my “perks”?

Not to worry!

> My clients always come first. Some examples: Planner points, Room upgrades, FAMs (familiarization trips), Welcome amenity gifts. I always ensure you are taken care of first;

> In fact, I encourage the relationship between my clients and their hotel contacts: it builds trust. I don’t go away, I stay in the background to offer support.

What is the best advice you can offer about my meetings that have already contracted, and for future meetings?

Take a deep breath and then let’s talk. This is still a really strange time for all of us, and no one has the perfect solution for every situation. Educate me on what you’re going through and how you feel, and then let’s get to know each other. I want to earn your trust so we are comfortable working together.

For more Q&A, let’s talk…