The most important thing RCMA offers is a shining example of the high-road approach.
A meeting planner wrote to a convention bureau CEO, offering a concession in a contract that was signed years ago. The CEO and meeting planner are good friends with mutual respect. The letter in part read: “In long-term commitments there are changes and adjustments that need attention. Although there have been costs associated with the expansion of the convention center, we do not expect the payment of $25,000 you graciously extended in our earlier letter of commitment.” This bureau's decision to take the high road seems unusual, given our hard-driving culture of meeting planner negotiations.
This doesn't mean that this CVB is a soft touch. Nor is it typical in today's climate. What I do believe the illustration conveys is the following:
Our connections are vital and must be pro-actively protected. Sometimes that means there must be some give-and-take agreements in our negotiations.
Our expectations must be reasonable and balanced. It is not really feasible to expect to receive five-star accommodations and to pay at a two-star level without offering flexibility in the schedule and making other concessions.
While RCMA benefits — including support, training, and connections offered at low cost — are important, the most important thing RCMA offers is a shining example of the high-road approach in everything it does.
While the high road may be less traveled, it offers great benefits for those willing to bravely choose its course.