The amenity that most influences planners' booking decisions is discounted sleeping rooms, according to a Cvent survey of 800 U.S.-based meeting planners. Meanwhile, the most attractive amenity to their attendees is free Wi-Fi/Internet.
The survey was conducted in conjunction with the launch of the Cvent Promotions Hub, which lists thousands of hotel and venue discounts for meeting planners. The survey results provide venues with targeted information on what planners and attendees are looking for so they can offer attractive deals.
The top 10 amenities that influence planners booking decisions
1. Discounted sleeping room
2. Discounted meeting space
3. Free or discounted meeting room Wi-Fi
4. Discounted menu prices
5. Free or discounted in-room Wi-Fi
6. Allowable attrition
7. Sleeping room upgrades
8. Discounted audiovisual
9. Discounted parking
10. Late checkout times
The 10 amenities that are most attractive to attendees
1. Free Wi-Fi/Internet access
2. Round-trip airport transportation
3. Free parking
4. Late checkout
5. Meal service
6. Early check-in
7. Fitness center access
8. Business center access
9. Welcome reception
10. Beverage service
"We spend a lot of time researching and trying to understand what motivates planners to book group business at our property during low demand periods," said Chandra Allison, vice president of sales at the Venetian and Palazzo Hotels. "With the Promotions Hub and insight from Cvent’s survey results, it will be easier for us to match the right special offers with the right planners." The survey was conducted from October 7 through October 20, 2013.
