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How Smart Event Organizers Are Using Big Data to Create Better Events - Skift - 0 views

  • however, need more data than just how many people are coming to put on a relevant event for attendees and make money for conference producers.
  • gives her a more comprehensive overview of how her events are performing, benefiting her sales and marketing departments at the same time.
  • I can see, in real time, revenue numbers from a certain promotion on site, how many people have checked in. When you need something at your fingertips immediately, the data is always there at the time we need it.
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  • technology also integrates easily with Linkedin, MailChimp, and Salesforce among others.
  • Greenbook, using Bizzabo technology, limits the amount of data collected during the registration process to make it as simple
  • community of attendees
  • turn users into advocates. When people purchase a ticket to an event, we incentivize them to share on social media
  • uses data to know which speaker to feature in his event’s e-marketing blasts.
  • we need software for is marketing and running transactions, processing things that aren’t a conference pass
  • the Registrant Extract report, which he primarily uses for benchmarking to project how a conference will turn out, and the Abandon Registrations list. With that report, he said, “We email them, and send them a personal note
  • A sponsor would want to know the event ROI — what did their attendees learn, was it useful and do they have info to bring back and share with their colleagues? How many attendees were there, what job level are they, etc.,
  • evaluation post event asking for attendee feedback, rating each speaker, what they feel can be improved
  • It’s a lot more comprehensive than just tracking an event,” he said. “I also track payment history, how long they have been members, when they came to the conference in the past, if they attended a webinar and anything else they bought from me.”
  • Sometimes you don’t realize how much data is there.”
  •  
    The article discusses different ways that events can maximize the use of their data pre, during and post event. Using their registration software analytics, you should pay attention to which channels are most successful and monitor abandonments, which can be followed up on individually. Skipping a lengthy registration questionnaire at the beginning makes it easier for guests to sign up and then its recommended to follow up with an invitation to 'join the community' where you can dig deeper into their details and find out what they are really interested in. Utilizing a social component allows guests to promote different activities to each other and those not yet signed up. I think the most important take away from the article is to have software that can be compatible with other functions that are taking place around the event including payment, sponsor management, merchandise sales, early bird and walk up registrations. Having all of this data in one place allows an event organizer to analyze and share it with internal stakeholders on the sales and marketing teams but also sponsors that want detailed guest information to show the ROI on their sponsorship.
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A Next-Generation Property Management System: What's the ROI? - 0 views

  • A Next-Generation Property Management System: What’s the ROI?
    • rnobl005
       
      After reading everyone's comments on the WebRezPro website, I felt like this article was a nice complement. It's great if you can properly deploy a new Property Management System to make your operations more organized. But what really matters is making sure you are utilizing all the tools at your disposal to get a return on your investment, or ROI. When you evaluate your processes, it's important to look at the data. How long does it currently take you to check in a guest would be one such example. If you think that this new system can help improve that performance financially than you might want to implement it. The author also suggests though that it's important to monitor repeat bookings. The goal is to wow your guests over with a painless experience so that they don't search for another hotel next time around. New PMS models offer smaller businesses the ability to have sophisticated software at a fairly low cost depending on the payment structures. One feature I hadn't thought about until reading this article is whether or not you are required to sign a contract. If you can pay month to month you can test out a system and decide to go another route if it doesn't work out. Ultimately, the most important outcome of any PMS is making sure you are profiting off of your decision. I think anyone looking to implement a PMS would benefit from reading this piece.
  • To what extent will the new system reduce the amount of time currently being spent on managing front desk activities, including check-ins and check-outs, and on such time-consuming tasks as consolidating guest accounts and managing rates and availability across distribution channels, including OTA, GDS, Web, and travel agents?
    • rnobl005
       
      These are key performance indicators that properties managers should keep track of to see how they are performing month to month.
  • To what extent is the new system likely to improve sales and revenue
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  • Another key factor to consider pertains to reduction in losses, including losses related to errors in manual updates and delayed or lost room charge postings
  • deployment of a next-generation PMS should lead to a greater number of repeat guest stays and a higher volume and intensity of positive brand advocacy.
    • rnobl005
       
      This is a tangible impression that a PMS can make on your hotel's performance if you utilize it correctly.
  • less expensive and require less up-front investment
  • most cloud-based systems also use a subscription “pay as you go” model, which generally means no long-term contracts and no upfront capital investment for the software or hardware
    • rnobl005
       
      I really like the idea of a subscription model. It puts the power in the consumers hand in a way. If you don't like the way the system is functioning you have some bargaining power.
  • it is important to confirm which software features and modules, including future upgrades — as well as which hardware components, if any — are included in the base (recurring) price so as to avoid any surprises down the road.
    • rnobl005
       
      Definitely agree with this statement. It's always important to know all of the details before signing any contracts.
  • These improvements should be reflected in increased RevPAR and profitability. Better data integration and accuracy should improve revenue management and channel management capabilities, also translating into favorable financial outcomes.  
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Top Eight Network Technologies to Invest in for "Hotels of the Future", by Daryl Stokes - 1 views

  • Poll hotel guests on which amenity is most important to them and chances are they’ll vote for connectivity. But it’s more than just raw Internet access they expect these days. In this new always-connected age, guests want easy and persistent access to all things digital that can enhance their experience, both within and outside the premises. It’s a big reason why hoteliers are now spending as much time and resources on network technology and applications as they are on the quality of their linens and food service. Hotel customers expect the same online convenience and customization they have in their homes. And with seemingly every traveler equipped with laptops, iPads, and smart phones, they also expect their hotel to be place of ubiquitous connectivity. Indeed, according to Scot Campbell, chief information officer for MGM Mirage, the core of a hotel’s ‘cool' factor is technology. Campbell says that "we are building rooms where everything is on a network.”(1) Installing new technologies will give hotels a competitive edge with travelers for whom digital devices have become just another normal bodily appendage of sorts.
  • Poll hotel guests on which amenity is most important to them and chances are they’ll vote for connectivity. But it’s more than just raw Internet access they expect these days. In this new always-connected age, guests want easy and persistent access to all things digital that can enhance their experience, both within and outside the premises. It’s a big reason why hoteliers are now spending as much time and resources on network technology and applications as they are on the quality of their linens and food service. Hotel customers expect the same online convenience and customization they have in their homes. And with seemingly every traveler equipped with laptops, iPads, and smart phones, they also expect their hotel to be place of ubiquitous connectivity. Indeed, according to Scot Campbell, chief information officer for MGM Mirage, the core of a hotel’s ‘cool' factor is technology. Campbell says that "we are building rooms where everything is on a network.”(1) Installing new technologies will give hotels a competitive edge with travelers for whom digital devices have become just another normal bodily appendage of sorts.
  • t's a big reason why hoteliers are now spending as much time and resources on network technology and applications as they are on the quality of their linens and food service.
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  • Indeed, according to Scot Campbell, chief information officer for MGM Mirage, the core of a hotel's 'cool' factor is technology. Campbell says that "we are building rooms where everything is on a network."
  • While there are many tantalizing new applications hotels can invest in to take advantage of ubiquitous connectivity, we see the following eight technologies delivering the best ROI and competitive advantage.
  • 1. Digital check-in
  • Guests will be able to check-in from a kiosk or a touch-screen display in the lobby, just as passengers do in an airport concourse.
  • 2. Secure, reliable and scalable Wi-Fi connections throughout
  • The push now is to make Wi-Fi easier, more reliable, and secure―all the while being compliant with Payment Card Industry (PCI) and other Federal and state law enforcement requirements (e.g. the Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act). Secure and flawlessly managed connectivity throughout the premises will be mandatory.
  • 3. The smartphone operated hotel
  • Room numbers and entry codes will be sent directly to cellphones for easy, keyless entry. Not only is this a solution to guests losing their keys, it also prevents serious security risks that come with magnetic key strips that store personal information, such as social security and credit card numbers.
  • For example, Marriott Hotels booked $1 million in revenues in the first 100 days after the launch of its mobile website in 2009. Mobile bookings were particularly important in supporting last minute bookings and moving expiring inventory, as about one-third of the mobile bookings were for same-night stays.
  • 4. The television as in-room control center
  • The in-room display will even allow customers to set preferences for lighting and temperature.
  • 5. Guest sensors
  • Energy efficiency is important―both to the environmentally conscious consumer, as well as the economically conscious hotel manager.
  • Not coincidentally, the Aria has received the highest certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and 5 Green Keys from the Green-Key Eco Rating Program.
  • 6. Restaurant display ordering
  • Using touch screens in restaurants increases the efficiency of staff, and being able to use dynamic graphics and displays enables the chef to promote specials and upsell on orders
  • 7. Digital employee communications
  • Hotels will increasingly use digital learning to keep employees informed about everything from shift responsibilities, to updates on occupancy rates, to the next wave of convention attendees and security needs.
  • hese 20-minute audio and video modules can be viewed in the hotel or on mobile devices, and be
  • cause they are video-based, they are inexpensive to update and translate into languages other than English. High employee turnover rates are part of the hospitality industry, so having an efficient, consistent training solution is critical
  • 8. Multiple data streams, running through multiple networks that can be both secure and shared
  • Each of these data streams will need to be highly available―that is, a hotel cannot afford to have the system 'go down'. Network performance will have to be optimal as travelers will expect transactions to happen in real-time. And most importantly, all this data will need to be secure. PCI compliance requires a high level of security for each transaction. Information needs to be able to flow securely and efficiently with built-in redundancy.
  • According to iProspect, a search engine marketing firm, two thirds of consumers begin their shopping experience―including hotel shopping experience―online
  • A key part of competing in the new marketplace is having the technical capability to capture every consumer touch-point opportunity on the hotel grounds―from the time they step into the lobby, to the time they leave for the next destination.
  •  
    Hotel guests are now more interested in connectivity than they used to. With this technology age guests would like to have access "to all things digital that can enhance their experience." Hotels now are spending more time and resources on network technology as they do for other services. For hotels to gain competitive advantage they need to build rooms where everything is on a network.
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  •  
    This article highlights top technological improvements in a hotel that have proven to be successful, and in return have reflected a positive ROI. The article discusses ideas that are new and upcoming. Some of these ideas include: Digital check-in/check-outs, secure and reliable Wi-Fi, smart phone operated hotels (use of keys), TV as in-room control center where guests can control room temperature and lighting, and restaurant display ordering.
  •  
    This brings up a topic that we discussed in one of the earlier weeks in class. Being PCI compliant is a very critical role in guest satisfaction. It makes the guest feel secure and confident that their information is safe and not being shared through other channels.
  •  
    Another topic that is mention, previously discussed in class, is how paper menus will be replaced and guests will now have access to order via touch screen devices. This does not eliminate servers, but increases efficiency of staff, and increases turnover of tables.
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Using Mobile Event Apps as a Marketing Tool to Attract Event Planners , by Bob Vaez - 0 views

  • Today, however, new technology solutions such as mobile conference apps are on the top of mind for every event planner.
  • Destinations and properties can use mobile offerings as a new opportunity for a different type of relationship with event planers and to add value to their overall package and offerings.
  • this helps attendees manage the event schedule easier, enhance networking opportunities, interact with the event using audience response and navigate their way around the event and property right from their smartphones
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  • Integrating partner technology relationships into our sales and marketing immediately increases our value in the eyes of potential business partners and ensures them that we understand their overall event goals and objectives."
  • She adds by highlighting that bringing new technologies to the table also helps with the sales process.
  • First is the opportunity to engage and educate potential clients (event organizers) looking to book meeting space and in the process forming a new relationship. The other is adding value to the overall hotel offering and building a stronger brand as well as increasing revenue.
  • Organizers benefit greatly when a destination offers additional marketing and event execution tools, which assist when positioning the experience to event stakeholders and decision makers. In addition having a technology relationship in place, saves the organizer time and money, by having pre-populated destination details and potential purchaser discounts."
  • It gives them an opportunity to experiment how audience response with smartphones work or how they can send conference updates and alerts to delegates faster and easier with mobile event apps.
  • If possible it would also be extremely beneficial to offer a demo or a free basic version of the technology to allow event planners experience and try a simple mobile event app before exposing or upselling them to the more advanced features.
  • Mixing technology promotion by Hotels is not a usual practice but it is becoming more mainstream.
  • It is also important to closely measure the ROI for any technology strategy such as offering mobile event apps as part of the experience at a hotel. The key measurement factors will be feedback from attendees and event planners as well as tracking how many event planners opt-in to use this technology for their events.
  •  
    This article talks about how hotels can use mobile event apps to attract event planners. Hotels can use these apps to not only add value to their offerings, but also set themselves apart from the competition. These mobile apps provide information on the meeting agenda, speakers, and hotel details to all attendees. Mobile event apps are beneficial to the event planners because the apps help facilitate communication, offer networking opportunities, and improve the overall digital experience. Hotels are able to move away from traditional meetings and offer planners something more, something intangible that will contribute to the event's overall success.
  •  
    The article introduces the benefit of using mobile event apps as a marketing tool. It is not a usual practice to mix technology promotion by hotels yet but it is becoming more mainstream. Destinations and properties can use mobile offerings as a marketing and sales tools to attract more event planner. It makes easier to organize the event more effectively and enhance the networking opportunities for attendees. Thus, properties will gain benefits greatly in terms of positioning and promotion of the services or facilities inside the business as a marketing tool. For example, mobile app can include the information about event and property service details, which will facilitate on-site communication and advertise hotel services via the app. It will, in turn, make the overall digital experience for attendees outstanding. As a measurement of success, properties can monitor ROI for new technology through feedback from attendees and event planners, and the number of events adapting mobile app.
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Meeting Planners Are Struggling With the Fast Evolution of Event Technology - Skift - 1 views

  • Meeting Planners Are Struggling With the Fast Evolution of Event Technology – Skift
    • rnobl005
       
      Skift posted this article almost a year ago but I felt like it was still applicable today. It definitely speaks to this week's subject of integrating IT into a business and the time invested. Event related technological solutions have boomed in recent years but this article finds that meeting planners are having trouble navigating cloud-based event management platforms like Cvent. I actually had personal experience with this in my previous role - I was on the receiving end of the RFP meaning planners would want me to generate quotes for them. Unfortunately our venue didn't have consistent pricing rates so I would have to personally contact the requestor to learn more about their event, which defeats the purpose of the software. Eventually we just stopped using the system altogether but couldn't figure out who to speak with at Cvent to close our account - so to some planners it appeared as though we were flat out ignoring their business. What I found interesting about this article is that those planners also had issues with the system, specifically with the lack of clarity and poor response rates. Another point of contention is that planners are using technology post-event to measure ROI, but they are having a lot of trouble implementing this data to make future programming better. Mike Mason, VP of sourcing and hospitality solutions with etouches (another event management platform) discusses a new tool that allows planners to measure attendee engagement but admits that firms need to build in a better support system for their clients.
  • Almost one out of two meeting planners today says that event technology is a primary pain point, according to a new study published by etouches.
    • rnobl005
       
      On one hand it's great that we have software that can assist planners, but it doesn't seem to be making their lives any easier.
  • “Planners cite poor transparency and accuracy over pricing, along with lack of clarity and poor response rates, as their main pain point with venue selection.”
    • rnobl005
       
      This is referring to the Cvent platform.
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  • the overwhelming pain point for planners is the length of time it takes to receive responses from hotels for their digital requests for proposals (RFPs), and the often inaccurate and/or omitted costs supplied within those responses.
  • Post-event, 65 percent of planners say that they’re using technology to measure the overall return on investment (ROI), but at the same time, how they analyze and use that data to inform future event programming and design remains a challenge.
    • rnobl005
       
      This is referring to the etouches platform.
  • Toward that end, Cvent launched a new Group Business Intelligence tool this summer, designed to provide real-time data and analytics of hotels’ group business leads, and those of their competitors, in a single platform, helping hotel sales staff prioritize incoming queries and score leads.
    • rnobl005
       
      Hopefully this will make the RFP response process less overwhelming for the venue sales teams.
  • it’s incumbent on event tech firms across the industry to do a better job managing expectations and delivering the support necessary to help planners use technology more effectively.
  • we need to play a much more concentrative role in the process to help you benefit from it, because unless you benefit from it, and see the ROI, it’s just gonna be a pain in the butt
    • rnobl005
       
      This is a quote from Mike Mason at etouches.
  • With the exponential rise of digital RFPs, hotels are challenged with prioritizing the onslaught of proposals they receive, which is the root cause for the lengthy time it often takes to respond to planners.
  • Loopd integrates bi-directional wearable smart badges, a mobile event app, and a cloud-based analytics engine. When attendees are using the Loopd badges, which can transmit contact information and any other kind of digital content, event organizers can track how attendees are moving through the event, and which programming is most popular.
    • rnobl005
       
      This is a platform run by etouches. I would find this system really valuable if I were a conference attendee. It's a way for me to get the most out of the experience. However, a lot of this rides on the backend functioning properly.
  • The tool is also intended to make it easier for hoteliers to examine leads, dissected by specific time periods, customer segments, competitor rates, response times, and peak night volume, helping calculate the potential value of each piece of group business with more context and business insight than before.
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7 Things Every Hotel Management Professional Should Know | Cvent Blog - 0 views

  • To achieve that balance, a hospitality professional must understand this most important audience, beginning with two fundamental objectives:
  • Create an excellent event: This includes making registration easy, managing the event properly, and creating a unique experience. Remember, attendees are spending valuable time and money to participate – make it memorable so they want to come back the next time.
  • Achieve the company’s business goal: Perhaps the point of the event is to train employees, or network around emerging trends. Maybe it’s a regional get-together designed to rally the sales troops for the next quarter.
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  • Complex Events
  • by Oxford Economics, around 1.5 billion people participate in business events every year, across more than 180 countries. Global business events generate over $1 trillion in direct spending, and supported 10.3 million direct jobs globally.
  • 2. The value of events
  • To understand planners’ goals and expectations for the event they’re tasked with creating, let’s start with the basics. Events generally are categorized by size, purpose, and type — all of which are increasingly dependent on a technology footprint and a digital experience.
  • 3. What makes an event: size
  • Understanding the basic mechanics around an event can help clarify the planner’s approach, and improve communication.
  • "Simple" Events
  • Defined as small, repeatable meetings with “simple” requirements such as basic audio/visual facilities, these events are usually limited to 100 or fewer participants.
  • Midsize Events
  • Larger meetings rely on technology, and require a robust marketing effort to attract attendees. Planners handling these more complicated events want fully branded websites, advanced registration options, and the ability to send targeted emails to their various attendee segments.
  • Small Events
  • The number depends on the area, but as a general rule a small meeting is between 100 and 250 attendees.
  • Forty-three percent of planners in Cvent’s Planner Sourcing Report cited live music and entertainment as their top strategy for building memorable experiences.
  • Planners tasked with arranging large-scale events need an array of solutions that help manage cost and risk, optimize the experience, and measure business impact — including ROI. 
  • 4. What makes an event: point and purpose
  • One can only imagine the chaos of a meeting without a point or purpose!
  • For venue managers, understanding the purpose of an event is critical in helping planners design the right experience, from registration to conference space needs and room management.
  • For Profit
  • The key is in keeping costs as low as possible without sacrificing the experience.
  • Corporate
  • Planners arranging a corporate event will likely need help driving attendance to sessions, generating leads, and tracking ROI.
  • Membership Growth
  • Associations and consumer groups rely on member events to raise funds and recruit new members. So it makes sense that planners are acutely interested in driving attendance.
  • 5. What makes an event: the experience
  • The popularity of events is due to the quality of the experience — one that’s a good measure more than a speech and a presentation.
  • 1. Why events matter
  • Live Entertainment
  • A Quality Keynote Experience
  • There’s also an emerging desire for shorter sessions and more interaction with the expert — before and after the keynote. Perhaps most of all, keynote speakers must be able to use real-world examples to support their data.
  • Food and Beverage
  • The trends underscore a preference for locally-sourced and creative, exotic cuisine. Consider that more attendees have dietary restrictions, requiring hotels and caterers to be accommodating and flexible.
  • 6. What makes an event: technology that puts everything together
  • Innovations such as virtual reality grab the headlines, and for good reason: according to a Consumer Technology Association survey in 2017, 77% of U.S. consumers are interested in purchasing VR equipment.
  • Branded Websites
  • Websites that promote the brand to attendees also create anticipation for the coming event experience. More practically, these websites help ease registration, check-in, and more.
  • Room Block Management
  • Venue managers who expect planners to use spreadsheets to manage room blocks risk losing business.
  • Digital Check-in Desks
  • Digital signs, self-service check-in kiosks and on- demand badging are increasingly expected as part of a smooth and easy event registration experience.
  • Real-Time Surveys
  • Branded Mobile Event Apps
  • This technology can expand the influence of the event to at-home registrants, and is effective at showcasing event space to planners.
  • Data Dashboards
  • We all prefer our mobile devices, and that doesn't change during an event. Attendees want instant access to agendas, updates, and networking.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Chatbots are popular with planners and hoteliers because they provide answers in real-time, and do so without much staff oversight.
  • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
  • RFID makes it easier for planners to collect data, such as surveys and session attendance.
  • 7. What makes an event: technology in the moment
  • Today, exceptional experiences also include a healthy amount of technology. From easing a time-consuming process, enhancing a stay or improving the level of interest or interaction with a topic, technology is at the forefront of helping planners create exceptional in-event experiences
  • To put it simply: if your guests are sitting idle and passively listening, then their energy and engagement is sure to decrease.” The great opportunity is to instill a sense of excitement and enthusiasm in your events through the connective power of technology.
  • Websites: It’s not just for registration. A good event website can drive engagement before, during, and after the event through interactive content, video and images.
  • Room Block Management: Helping every participant register quickly and efficiently gets the event off to a great start; it’s also a great way to offer upgrades and package offers to attendees
  • Virtual Reality (VR):
  • At-a-glance analytics provide quick insights that can help optimize events and offerings.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Digital interaction is the name of the game, and that's exactly what AR does: Have attendees use their phones to transform your venue with visual effects.
  • Beacons: Few solutions are better at connecting events and mobile devices. Period. At events, Beacons improve communication, push updates, and promote targeted content — all through Bluetooth.  
  • Planner Expectations Around Technology
  • Technology has indelibly changed the hospitality industry. Professionals on both sides of the meetings and events ecosystem — planner and supplier — now expect technology to power their events and increase efficiency.
  • The Value of Technology
  • That finding reflects an emerging requirement for venue managers to stay abreast of the application of technology in order to provide a best-in-class experience for planners. Some of the significant benefits planners and hoteliers can expect to achieve include improved engagement, increased revenue, an improvement in managing costs, and greater ROI insights.
  • After the Event: What Attendees and Planners Want
  • Event attendees are also hotel guests. So, in addition to their expectations for a memorable event, they’re also looking for amenities and options during off-hours.
  • Doing that takes more than spa services and local tour packages. By keeping the connection alive, there’s an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship. This makes it easier for planners to return to your venue for the next event.
  • Put your hospitality management professional learnings into practice
  • With all that goes into an event – the sourcing, logistics, and managing of hundreds of issues – what most planners want is for attendees to walk away satisfied and rewarded for spending time at the event. Post-event special touches, from a relaxing spa treatment to a simple survey and “thank you,” send them on their way with an unforgettable final impression
  •  
    This article gives some ideas on how to successfully host an event. Events are important and valuable to the hospitality industry. An excellent event includes making registration easy, managing the event properly, and creating a unique experience. Events can be divided into "Simple" Events, Midsize Events, Small Events and Complex Events. The size of the event will affect the planning of the event. The main points and purpose of the event are also factors to consider when planning the event. Time should have a clear theme, while considering the company's profits. Finally, applying the current technology to the event to create an unforgettable experience for customers is also essential for a successful event.
  •  
    This article talks about the detail about a professional way to make a good event. It lists seven necessary points. Also, showing the point of view and example to make the reader easy to understand.
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Benefits of cloud computing for the hospitality industry - Channel Drive - 0 views

  • Cloud computing offers hospitality properties a rapid return on investment (ROI)
  • Since the risk is low, cloud solutions allow hotels to achieve better information technology despite reduced capital costs.
  • support provided by Cloud solutions are performance tuning, patches, and upgrades, and systems can be rapidly integrated with ready-to-use services for administrators and end users
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  • Even if a localized computer network crashes there is no fear of losing information because it is accessible from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.
  • makes it faster and easier to integrate and extend legacy environments
  •  
    This article outlines some of the benefits of cloud computing. I would have liked this article more if they touched on some of the downsides of cloud computing as well. This article talked about the low investment costs and rapid ROI. It also brought up the high level of security, the ability to access info from anywhere in the world with internet connection and minimum operating costs.
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Social Media Marketing for Hotels: Expert Tips to Boost Your Visibility | Cvent Blog - 0 views

  • social media marketing for hotels will be the make-or-break factor for many hospitality brands
  • why it’s so important, detailed tips, suggested best practices to follow, and examples you can use
  • real-life examples of social media marketing for hotels
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  • Social media marketing is a vital
  • integral part of every hotel's operations
  • has the potential to increase direct bookings and improve brand awareness
  • eight new users join TikTok every second
  • social media marketing increase visibility
  • generate a higher ROI
  • you’ll really stand out from competitors who aren’t putting in the effort on these same channels
  • advises hotels to consider social media as a channel for direct communication with potential new customers
  • that could lead to bookings
  • clear connection between the multi-touch opportunities
  • 1. Share slice-of-life content
  • recommend an 80/20 rule
  • day to day at the hotel
  • share “daily snippets, small but heart-warming stories
  • keep it personal and relatable
  • 2. Use your Google Business Profile
  • clients tend to overlook is Google’s own business review feature
  • they should be regularly posting new photos and encouraging customer reviews by sharing their unique link
  • Any offers, news, and updates should also be added to the posts section to inform potential new customers
  • helpful for tracking
  • connecting content to bookings
  • we have noticed a quick improvement not only on Google 3-Pack ranking but organic searches and direct inquiries are improved
  • 3. Start with music
  • 4. Follow 80/20
  • Social media marketing also gives hotels creative new ways to interact with their audiences.
  • content creation
  • 80% of the content should be related to your destination, travel tips, encouraging engagement
  • 20% should be self-promotional
  • analytics that prove its success
  • “Always focus on quality over quantity.”
  • posting consistently, the algorithm will likely reward you for it on any platform
  • 5. Partner up
  • one strategy that has worked very well for us has been re-posting traveller (reStayer) and influencer photos
  • the benefits go beyond saving time and money on content creation
  • 8. Use a calendar
  • Doing this has also helped build up our brand because those who visit our page see us as a hotel with real people visiting and following us, rather than only professionally-produced photos
  • We choose our influencer and ambassador partners carefully to ensure that the content they produce, their values and key messages resonate with our audience and brand
  • partner share data on what content performed best, this guides our own content strategy
  • great way to get direct feedback
  • love seeing how our stayers interact with the suites and report on what they value to the most
  • 6. Be playful
  • 7. Don’t overthink
  • By engaging with local influencers and those who have taken photographs of our hotel, we have reached new audiences that we otherwise wouldn't be able to, since the creator will often engage back with our content
  • Plot out the exact times and dates you’ll post
  • Create content ahead of time
  • 9. Project manage
  • 10. Choose content pillars
  • 11. Follow SEO rules
  • 2. Analyze the competition
  • Figure out how you can make it better, fill a much-needed gap, or start a marketing channel none of the others are currently using.
  • What are other hotels in your area posting online?
  • 13. reStays
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    This article gives many tips on how to use social media for advertising purposes. You may think that you know a lot about how to advertise or what to use, but this gives you more ideas as well as better ways ito implement you posts in a better and timely manner so that you know your ROI.
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Smart Hotelier's 2012 Top Ten Digital Marketing Resolutions - 0 views

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    This article summarized smart hotelier's top ten digital marketing resolutions of the year 2012 and the author analyzed each resolution's situation as well as the action plan in details with an improved outlook for the industry, technological advances, and the usage of mobile devices growing exponentially, opportunities for incremental revenues abound. The top five ones are I will bring social, local and mobile marketing initiatives to the forefront of my hotel digital marketing plans this year, I understand this industry is complex and will work to make sense of a very convoluted digital space/online marketplace, I will continue to account for the continued shift from offline to online, and engage the hyper-interactive travel consumer via multi-channel marketing efforts, I will take advantage of the Mobile Channel, especially in this marketplace where my competitors are behind the times, and Now that I know social media is a customer engagement channel and not a distribution channel in hospitality, I will use Social Media correctly to create "buzz" around my hotel, target receptive audiences, provide customer service and enhance customer experiences. This will ultimately stimulate hotel website visits, interactions and conversions on the hotel website. The sixth to the tenth ones are I will rise to the challenge imposed by the recent Google Panda and 'Freshness' updates, I will decrease dependence on the OTAs this year, adding thousands of dollars in incremental revenues to my hotel's bottom line, I will NOT resort to desperate measures and use social buying and flash sales sites in 2012, I will focus on determining the effectiveness and ROI of my digital marketing campaigns and make smarter use of analytics technology to determine true ROI and campaign effectiveness, as well as test, test, test to achieve better results, and I will partner with savvy digital marketers who know it all and can guide me through this process, so I can drive the most re
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The Most Effective Online Marketing Strategy for Independent Hotels (Part 1) | E-Market... - 0 views

  • The best online marketing strategy is one that effectively enhances each online marketing component to its fullest potential.
  • The best way to fully augment a hotel’s web presence is to keep all of its online marketing components updated and consistent.
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    This article introduce a new online marketing product that not only can help the hotel reduce cost but also improve the hotel's online presence which results in an increase in direct bookings, less reliance on 3rd party intermediaries, and the best ROI. This new product can up-to-date the hotel's information that will attract more guests that put a hotel miles ahead of the competitors. It also offers an option for guests to choose the phrases that they are interesting. In addition, this product provides the freedom to make convenient updates for hoteliers. The hotel management team does not need the outside support team to manage the e-marketing system.
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Event Marketing Software & ROI tracking - Marketo - 0 views

  • Setting up and categorizing events Connecting the event to a webinar or partner system such as Cisco WebEx® or Salesforce.com® campaigns Cloning an event, including emails, forms and landing pages, to minimize configuration for future events Managing event check-ins with our unique iPad app. Analyzing the effectiveness of the event with easy-to-use flexible reports
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    Some differences exist between organisations that run events for profit motives and those that are not-for-profit oriented. Government grants are seldom achievable by for-profit enterprises. Small scale events run by not-for-profit organisations are likely to be funded by participant fees. Larger scale events, whether run by for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises will likely need substantial support through commercial sponsorship. In many cases, fees paid by people who spectate can be a worthwhile source of income.
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Customer Knows Best - 0 views

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    Restaurant Listens to Demands for Mobile Pay and Sees ROI
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Hotel Industry Trend: Mobile Proximity Marketing Gives Hoteliers and Their Advertisers ... - 0 views

  • As hoteliers search for new marketing tools to increase interaction with their guests, and advertisers switch budgets from traditional advertising to newer, more interactive "new media", it is clear that the future of hotel marketing is ready to evolve.
  • Proximity marketing is one of the most effective advertising tools to become available for hoteliers. Not a sign, and not a text-based advertisement, this interactive marketing engagement is the marriage of digital and mobile marketing used to deliver content to guests' mobile devices in a contextually relevant environment - and at moments of maximum influence.
  • Proximity marketing offers hoteliers capabilities that traditional advertising never could alone, which is why it is such an effective marketing for hoteliers. Proximity marketing provides a new opportunity for hoteliers to increase revenues by advertising to a captive audience that craves information and interaction – all through their mobile devices and without leaving their hotel room or the property.
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  • Proximity marketing provides a tool to reach guests beyond just traditional advertising campaigns by adding to existing digital signage and television advertising. Two of the fastest-growing marketing channels today are mobile devices (19.4% growth by 2016), and digital out-of-home (DOOH with 15.2% growth by 2016). By combining these advertising channels, instead of just simply displaying advertisements to guests-hotels can now make a connection, tap guests on the shoulder, and give them something exclusive that entices them to act on the advertisement.
  • Proximity marketing appeals to what guests want, offering hotels and advertisers increased customer engagement, interaction and exclusivity. By notifying guests of exclusive promotions hotels have to offer through their mobile phones, hotels and advertisers have a greater chance of customers responding to their advertisements, and therefore a greater ROI on their marketing spend.
  • Proximity marketing has tremendous revenue-producing potential, allowing hotels to deepen their connection with guests, encourage more loyalty and greatly improve the customer experience: all of these factors combine to make proximity marketing a very effective tool to generate higher ROI for both hotels and their advertisers.
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    As this article mentioned, modern hospitality industry has a new approach to reach their guests and build loyal relationship with them. It is clear that marketing continue to evolve in the future. The article introduces the concept of proximity marketing and benefits of it. In my opinion, this style of communication between hotel and guests will be more and more popular and spread over the world rapidly because of its high efficiency and convenient. It provides useful information to customers, and at the same time, company can save costs and create good brand image and build loyalty relationship with their guests.
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Airbus unveils RFID 'Bag2Go' that can be tracked from an iPhone app - 0 views

  • The reinvention of baggage”
  • RFID chip that allows passengers to track their luggage
  • eliminate the risk of mishandled baggage
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  • ‘Bag2Go
  • You rent the bag, it comes to you, you pack it and then the bag goes to the airport
  • recognised by automated airport and airline baggage systems
  • end-to-end baggage process
  • mobile technology
  • 20% more
  • development stages
  • need to find ways to get revenue back
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    ROI?  Will it make a difference to you if you are able to track your luggage on a flight?  Would you pay an additional 20% for your luggage or possible rent one? This technology is being developed where you can track your luggage on your mobile phone.   Not sure the technology will actually make a difference in consumer choices.   
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| Renaissance ClubSport Hotel Reduces HVAC Energy Costs by 35%Pelican Wireless Systems - 0 views

  • HVAC energy consumption drives over 60% of most hotel energy bills each month
  • Renaissance Hotel discovered that by implementing Pelican Wireless Systems wireless HVAC Energy Management solution, they could substantially reduce energy consumption, decrease their monthly energy bill, and at the same time increase their overall customer satisfaction.
  • previous room configuration had basic thermostats installed in the rooms which were left running even when the rooms had no checked in guests.  They also had no way to monitor the health of their existing HVAC units, and their facilities department was being called upon by the front desk regularly to resolve guest complaints about uncomfortable room temperatures
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  • Renaissance property is made up of six floors with 175 hotel rooms; it also includes a conference center totaling 4000sf, and an 85,000sf full service spa and workout facility
  • In order to successfully achieve the Renaissance goal of reducing energy costs without compromising guest satisfaction, Pelican needed to implement a cost effective energy management and data monitoring solution that provided accurate, real-time data that Renaissance could easily access themselves
  • Pelican’s wireless solution included exchanging their old thermostats with 226 of Pelican’s wireless intelligent Internet Programmable Thermostats, one Wireless Gateway for seamless communication between the Thermostats and the Cloud based servers, and one Pelican Property Management Interface to enable communication to Renaissance’s Property Management System
  • installation took only two installers three days to complete at an active hotel that is rarely under 100% occupancy.
  • Pelican’s solution takes advantage of two easily measured conditions found at hotels; Occupancy Rate and Average Nights Stay
  • Business hotels in the US typically see an average of 1.6 hotel nights per stay.  This means that as much as 50% of the time hotel rooms are vacant during the daytime.
  • Pelican’s simple, but intuitive technology interfaces to both your Hotel’s Property Management System and to the Internet to access the Pelican Site Manager
  • Initial setup is done via an easy to understand graphical user interface accessible on any Web Browser. Our Cloud Based servers allow you to access your resources and have control of your information from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
  • allows your authorized staff to have central control via a Web Browser from any Smartphone, iPad or Tablet with Internet connectivity.
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    In an effort to cut expenses the Renaissance Club Sport Hotel installed the Pelican Wireless HVAC Thermostat. This saved them $41,160 a year on energy related costs giving them an ROI of 8.5 months. Through research presented by Pelican Wireless it was discovered that HVAC energy consumption drives over 60% of most hotel energy bills each month. The Renaissance Hotel discovered that by implementing the Pelican Wireless technology they could save substantially each month on energy costs. The previous room configuration had basic thermostats installed in the rooms which were left running even when the rooms had no checked in guests. They also had no way to monitor the health of their existing HVAC units and their facilities department was being called upon by the front desk to regularly check the AC. Installation took only 3 days with 2 installers in a sold out hotel consisting of 175 hotel rooms, conference center, spa and workout facility. Pelican's technology interfaces with the Hotel's PMS and to the internet to access the Pelican Site Manager. Initial setup is done via an easy to understand graphical user interface accessible on any Web Browser. Cloud based servers allow access to resources and have control of information from anywhere there is an internet connection.
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Internet Marketing Executive Takes New Job at Noble Studios - 0 views

  • Noble Studios, a full-service digital agency based in Reno, Nevada, has added an experienced Internet marketing professional to their management team. Chad Hallert, former director of e-commerce and Internet marketing at the Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino, has accepted a position with Noble Studios in Reno
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    Noble Studies is adding Chad Hallert to their team. Hallert is a former internet marking director at the Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino. At Noble Studios he will work with clients to maximize performance and ROI. His previous experience involved web development for their casino websites, which helped to increase profitability. This is an interesting move by Noble Studios to hire Chad Hallert. This will give the company an edge because Hallert specialized in casino and hotel e-marketing. This could help bring in more hospitality based clients to Noble Studios. Hallart is highly thought of in Nevada and has been recognized for his knowledge in technology marketing.
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Technology Integration Lets Hotels Be Green and Efficient | Products | Hospitality Maga... - 0 views

  • The common belief is that optimal energy savings only needs a property-management system interface. While exchanging critical guest data through a PMS is an important means for effective energy management, hotels have discovered that to attain maximum efficiency and visibility, interfacing INNcontrol™ 3 software with systems such as SynergyMMS provide far more operational efficiencies.
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    Deploying a monitoring and control system as part of this project offered many advantages, including: Showing the public the impact of investing in a renewable energy project Providing an effective means of assessing the long-term performance, determining maintenance needs, and maximizing the ROI of the project Enhancing the project's educational value for students. Overall, the project has reaped important benefits for education, business, and industry: The green home illustrates the use of renewable energy and supports its benefits with solid performance data. The project demonstrates how educational institutions can extend their reach throughout the country and around the world, conducting long-term research, bringing short-term real-time data into the classroom, and educating and training the future technology workforce. The systems exemplify the influence of sophisticated, electronic tools such as Web-based portal software.
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Green Initiatives - 0 views

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    The American Hotel & Lodging Association's Green Assessment Survey results reveal the top 10 green initiatives hotels are enacting, the top 10 green programs hotels can improve upon, motivations and challenges for implementing green lodging practices, and quantifiable measurements of green action being taken around the nation.
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    The biggest challenges or barriers hoteliers face in implementing green lodging practices: 1. Having enough capital to invest 2. Achieving ROI 3. Ability to find vendors/suppliers offering the products they need 4. Having enough time 5. Limited knowledge/resources 6. Garnering support from government or local organizations 7. Possibility of negative guest reactions
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GDS can equal ROI with the right opportunities - 0 views

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    This article by Sean McCracken talks about hotels not utilizing GDS systems and travel agents to their full potential. A majority of the business booked through GDS channels is corporate and corporate travelers tend to choose luxury hotels, which drive higher ADR. These travelers are also more likely to upgrade to premium room types, which also helps ADR. While marketing through GDS has a high initial cost, many hotels are seeing a higher return on investment. The Hilton Garden Inn Overland Park made an initial investment of $600 for three months and saw about $10,000-$15,000 in added revenue per month. The marketing enables the hotel to be exposed to travelers so when the marketing ends, they will be able to build loyalty and hopefully have those travelers come back. Many believed GDS systems were a thing of the past, but a recent survey by TravelClick shows that travel agents were actually more likely to book through GDS. Rate is key and travel agents will stop booking hotels through GDS if those hotels are not offering their best rates.
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