The Future of Group Bookings

by | Jan 3, 2023

Muir explains that global distribution for hotels is evolving and considered a value chain activity. He notes that hotels need to find a balance between sales from their direct channels and those where they need support from a third party. He explains that ideally, all of their sales would come directly from their own channels, but in a global world, that isnโ€™t realistic. Knowing there is a need for external support, they work with partners that align with their strategy to complement their delivery efforts and achieve their goals.ย 

Flors explains how Groups360 can assist a group in booking their hotel and selecting their destination thanks to their filtering process, which can aid discovery. He gives an example of this in practice. At the same time, Muir elaborates on what this means from a hotelโ€™s perspective, including the fact that the detailed discovery and filtering process ensures that the hotels receive quality leads they know they should follow up on. Muir also notes that these process developments require a degree of change management so that teams fully understand and appreciate this technologyโ€™s role and its impact on their work and bookings.ย 

In thinking about the RFP process and the idea of lead spam, Muir notes that there are likely no hotels that think they get too many RFPs, noting that he sees the term โ€˜lead spamโ€™ as undifferentiated leads. Therefore, what hotels need is for the leads to be filtered so that they can determine which are quality and require action and follow-up. Flors notes that the number of leads one receives and responds to isnโ€™t what one aims for. Instead, the goal is to be able to convert those leads into sales. Therefore, having access to filtered leads will likely result in the conversion the hotel and its sales team desire.ย 

Flors believes that the bookings for group and small meetings will soon become fully automated, much like when we order a rideshare or food delivery, for example. He explains why he thinks this will be the case but also the developments in understanding attendee behaviors that will allow planners to ensure the highest level attendee experience, with Flors giving some examples of where this could go.

Muir believes that the future will be one in which systems allow for a more transparent, simple, and efficient world. Also, he urges planners to embrace this technology as by increasing efficiency, hotels and their staff can free up resources, including time, to ensure that they can engage with their customers differently. Florsโ€™ also notes that by not trying these systems, as a planner, you arenโ€™t challenging yourself to see what else is out there, which could help make things easier for you, saving you time and effort. Both touch on examples of previous technologies we have all embraced after previously thinking that it wouldnโ€™t catch on, but we now couldnโ€™t live without them.ย 

INSPIRATIONAL VENUES & EVENTS

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€ 

This week we are a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station in a 5-star hotel. This modern glass and steel tower offers breath taking views of the city and boasts 12 meeting rooms, A Ballroom, one restaurant (blending Western and Southeast Asian cuisine), 2 x bars, one cafรฉ and multiple private dining options. The Hotel dedicates an entire floor to wellbeing offering treatment rooms, a gym and an infinity pool. There are 237 rooms including 42 suites spanning over 20 floors and capacities for events range from 12 to 400 guests meaning this venue has an ideal space for your event regardless of whether its an intimate meeting or an all-out celebration!

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡ 

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€

This week we are a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station in a 5-star hotel. This modern glass and steel tower offers breath taking views of the city and boasts 12 meeting rooms, A Ballroom, one restaurant (blending Western and Southeast Asian cuisine), 2 x bars, one cafรฉ and multiple private dining options. The Hotel dedicates an entire floor to wellbeing offering treatment rooms, a gym and an infinity pool. There are 237 rooms including 42 suites spanning over 20 floors and capacities for events range from 12 to 400 guests meaning this venue has an ideal space for your event regardless of whether its an intimate meeting or an all-out celebration!

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves
...

From everyone at Inspirational Venues โ€“ Happy Thanksgiving to all our American colleagues, clients and friends!

From everyone at Inspirational Venues โ€“ Happy Thanksgiving to all our American colleagues, clients and friends! ...

Last night the team went to check out The Georgian (Recently opened on the 4th floor in Harrods). They dined in the main restaurant which houses two semi-private dining booths seating 6-8 guests with an open view of the restaurant so the atmosphere filters in. The food is incredible and the dรฉcor seriously stunning โ€“ what a treat!

Last night the team went to check out The Georgian (Recently opened on the 4th floor in Harrods). They dined in the main restaurant which houses two semi-private dining booths seating 6-8 guests with an open view of the restaurant so the atmosphere filters in. The food is incredible and the dรฉcor seriously stunning โ€“ what a treat! ...

A big thank you to Asha & Louise for hosting some of our Inspirational Venues team at Albertโ€™s Schloss London last week! The Team explored the venue which is an Alpine Restaurant and Beer Hall offering a large European beer selection, freshly baked goods and Alpine plates made in house every day. They have live music and entertainment and a variety of private and semi-private event spaces with capacities ranging from 12 to 120 guests. After the tour we were treated to a beer tasting and a delicious dinner right in front of the stageโ€ฆ best seats in the house for the live show. Please contact us for more info or if youโ€™d like to arrange a site visit!

A big thank you to Asha & Louise for hosting some of our Inspirational Venues team at Albertโ€™s Schloss London last week! The Team explored the venue which is an Alpine Restaurant and Beer Hall offering a large European beer selection, freshly baked goods and Alpine plates made in house every day. They have live music and entertainment and a variety of private and semi-private event spaces with capacities ranging from 12 to 120 guests. After the tour we were treated to a beer tasting and a delicious dinner right in front of the stageโ€ฆ best seats in the house for the live show. Please contact us for more info or if youโ€™d like to arrange a site visit! ...

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€ 

This week we hopped on a plane and flew to Barcelona. This stunning Hotel features 61 bedrooms and 30 luxurious suites, 5 meeting rooms with capacity for up to 100 guests, a stylish rooftop bar on the 8th floor with panoramic views over the city and a restaurant with Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle who puts on private show cooking for up to 10 guests. Whether you are looking for space for meetings, product presentations or social celebrations this venue has various great options for your event!

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡ 

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€

This week we hopped on a plane and flew to Barcelona. This stunning Hotel features 61 bedrooms and 30 luxurious suites, 5 meeting rooms with capacity for up to 100 guests, a stylish rooftop bar on the 8th floor with panoramic views over the city and a restaurant with Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle who puts on private show cooking for up to 10 guests. Whether you are looking for space for meetings, product presentations or social celebrations this venue has various great options for your event!

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves
...

A big thank you to Lela Cole for hosting the team at The Westin London City last week. The Team explored the Hithe and Seek bar and kitchen which has stunning unobstructed views over the river, the Mosaic eatery, The Westin Club, a couple of the 7 meeting rooms which include high tech AV equipment and finally the Westin Ballroom which has a separate entrance on a different floor perfect for private events and can accommodate up to 300 for a reception. The hotel is beautifully decorated for Christmas and all spaces are wheelchair accessible. Lastly the team were treated to a delicious dinner and drinks. Please contact us for more info or if youโ€™d like to arrange a site visit!

A big thank you to Lela Cole for hosting the team at The Westin London City last week. The Team explored the Hithe and Seek bar and kitchen which has stunning unobstructed views over the river, the Mosaic eatery, The Westin Club, a couple of the 7 meeting rooms which include high tech AV equipment and finally the Westin Ballroom which has a separate entrance on a different floor perfect for private events and can accommodate up to 300 for a reception. The hotel is beautifully decorated for Christmas and all spaces are wheelchair accessible. Lastly the team were treated to a delicious dinner and drinks. Please contact us for more info or if youโ€™d like to arrange a site visit! ...

At Inspirational Venues, we love your feedback!  #inspvenuesloves  #amazingteam

At Inspirational Venues, we love your feedback! #inspvenuesloves #amazingteam ...

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€

This week we are in Canary Wharf. This venue spans over three floors and promises an extraordinary experience. It offers seven deceptively simple games played in groups of a minimum of four, designed to test physical and mental agility. This venue has a bar and restaurant and fully exclusive VIP Rooms, large private hire spaces and is available for full venue takeovers. It can cater for all group sizes up to a maximum of 440 guests making it the perfect venue for team building, year end and Christmas parties and corporate functions/ occasions. 

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves
#teambuilding
#corporateteambuilding
#corporateevents

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€

This week we are in Canary Wharf. This venue spans over three floors and promises an extraordinary experience. It offers seven deceptively simple games played in groups of a minimum of four, designed to test physical and mental agility. This venue has a bar and restaurant and fully exclusive VIP Rooms, large private hire spaces and is available for full venue takeovers. It can cater for all group sizes up to a maximum of 440 guests making it the perfect venue for team building, year end and Christmas parties and corporate functions/ occasions.

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves
#teambuilding
#corporateteambuilding
#corporateevents
...

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€ 
 
 This week we are in the heart of London with breath taking views over the city. This Restaurant is the perfect pairing of Mexican and Japanese cuisine and has multiple settings for use as event space. The 14,000 square feet comprise of a main dining area, weather-proof rooftop terrace, sushi bar, Mezzanine, private dining room and a lounge and can accommodate anything from a group of 22 guests up to 470 guests, making this venue the perfect option for corporate breakfasts, private dinners, cocktail receptions and larger festive celebrations. 
 
 Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡

#findmefriday
 #inspvenuesloves

ITโ€™S FIND ME FRIDAY ๐Ÿ‘€

This week we are in the heart of London with breath taking views over the city. This Restaurant is the perfect pairing of Mexican and Japanese cuisine and has multiple settings for use as event space. The 14,000 square feet comprise of a main dining area, weather-proof rooftop terrace, sushi bar, Mezzanine, private dining room and a lounge and can accommodate anything from a group of 22 guests up to 470 guests, making this venue the perfect option for corporate breakfasts, private dinners, cocktail receptions and larger festive celebrations.

Take your guesses below ๐Ÿ‘‡

#findmefriday
#inspvenuesloves
...

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