< Previousthemeetingmagazines.com 10 FEBRUARY 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT T he layoff news just keeps on coming. Many of the reported job cuts are in the tech sec- tor, but the hatchet hits industries from air travel to healthcare and music. Nobody loves mass layoffs, but their increasing frequency implies an alarming level of acceptability. This is a symptom of a bigger problem — the tendency of today’s corporate leaders to make decisions based on short-term think- ing. Before the ’70s, mass layoffs were rare, and for a good reason. In my book, “Business Builders: How to Become an Admired & Trusted Cor- porate Leader,” layoffs are detrimen- tal to a company’s long-term health. Corporate America needs to return to that kind of thinking. It’s not that layoffs are always wrong. Sometimes they can’t be avoided. But before making that grave decision, leaders should fac- tor in all the consequences — short-term and long-term. If they truly understand the costs of layoffs, they’ll try hard to avoid them. Mass layoffs tend to be ordered by the type of leader I call “Decorators,” meaning their focus is on kowtowing to Wall Street and looking good in the quarterly financial report. (It’s not a compliment!) Conversely, “Builder” types drive sustainable growth by delivering differentiated value to customers — which means resisting the siren song of short-term cost controls like layoffs. (Leaders can visit areyouabusinessbuilder.com for a quick self-assessment.) Layoffs take a devastating toll on the laid-off. Studies show they suffer 83% higher odds of a new health condition, twice the level of depression, four times the risk of sub- stance abuse and up to three times the risk of suicide. But how do layoffs hurt companies? Here are three signifi- cant consequences: 1. Innovation plummets. In my book, I cite a study show- ing that the number of new inventions post-layoff fell by 24%. Why is this so bad? Because companies that don’t focus on delivering superior differentiated value to custom- ers are forced to compete on price — which leads to the dreaded commodity death spiral. 2. Remaining employees morph into “nervous sheep.” When coworkers are laid off, others lose trust and confi- dence. Rather than thinking like owners and innovators, they fixate on their personal security, plunging down Maslow’s hierarchy into survival mode. 3. Talent retention takes a huge hit … and so does your brand. Downsizing a workforce by just 1% leads to a 31% increase in voluntary turn-over the next year. Obviously, this is terrible for your company, and not just in terms of the costs of recruiting and retraining. The blow to your reputa- tion reverberates well into the future. Talent matters now more than ever. The damage done in a layoff is so devastating to employees that you will likely never get them back, plus they will say negative things about the company. A few tips for avoiding layoffs: 1. Start letting Builders (not financial types) call the shots. Because Builders know that delivering real value to customers takes time, they’re generally averse to lay- offs. They’d rather ride out periods of economic bumpiness than do something that harms growth long-term. 2. Shift from a near-term to a long-term investor base. Often, layoffs are a way to placate share- holders. You need patient inves- tors who, like you, are focused on the longer-term. 3. Plan wisely for difficult economic cycles. Allow for ups and downs. Instead of over-hir- ing in peak times, outsource and engage recent retirees to han- dle higher demand. 4. Finally, opt for “softer” alternatives over layoffs. Choose furloughs or temporary salary reductions over permanent job loss. It’s better for top executives to take a pay cut than to ask the workforce to bear the brunt. Ultimately, layoffs weaken companies. One leader’s decision can have irreversible outcomes for many. It’s not just the laid-off employees and their families who suffer; it’s everyone who works for you now and everyone who will work for you in the future. When you think about it that way, you’re more likely to exhaust every other possibil- ity first. I & FMM | INDUSTRY INSIDER | 3 Ways Layoffs Hurt Your Company, 4 Ways to Avoid Them BY DAN ADAMS HOLD THAT PINK SLIP! Dan Adams is the founder of The AIM Institute and author of the books Business Builders and New Product Blueprinting, as well as the blog Awkward Realities and video series B2B Organic Growth. He is a chemical engineer with a listing in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. For more information, please visit theaiminstitute.com. | THE AUTHOR | Layoffs take a toll on the laid-off and the companies. 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In addition to the Cancún International Airport (CUN), travel to beautiful Tulum and its premier resort destinations is now even more accessible. Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, MexicoHilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, MexicoConrad Tulum Riviera Maya, Mexico A NATURAL BEAUTY This sparkling city located on the southeastern tip of Mexico is ready to welcome you. Creating spectacular meeting backdrops, Tulum boasts turquoise waters, white beaches, and revered seaside Mayan ruins. Crystalline cenotes, along with other attractions and excursions, like day trips to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, await. The Biosphere Reserve hosts intimate tours for conference goers that provide rare access to the region’s spectacular wildlife and Mayan ruins. Another highlight at the Reserve is floating down an ancient Mayan canal once used as a trading route. With your memorable Tulum backdrop in place, two Hilton hotel brands, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, welcome attendees and accommodate your meeting with style and ease. Each are a short distance from one another on the same gated property. CONRAD TULUM RIVIERA MAYA Discreetly tucked into mangrove forests alongside the coast, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya marries Tulum’s natural ambience with regional, sophisticated influences. Behind the open-air lobby’s magnificent carved doors, reflective pools lined with palm trees flow to an infinity pool and swimmer-friendly waters. Mayan-inspired artifacts and custom natural art enhance public spaces and guest rooms, providing a true sense of place and comfort. With upscale amenities at every turn, there’s something for everyone who seeks a luxury experience, including five pools, and 11 restaurants with menus creatively presented and made with wholesome, indigenous ingredients. Each of our 241 rooms and suites comes elegantly appointed and with a private ocean or resort view, perfect for your VIPs. HILTON TULUM RIVIERA MAYA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT Only a short golf cart or van drive away, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is an eco-chic oasis, brimming with amenities. One price covers everything at this all-inclusive, including accommodations, food, entertainment and activities. There are 735 rooms and suites with private balconies and oceanfront or resort views, 13 restaurants and bars, and nine pools. All are just steps away from a secluded bay that feels like a natural sanctuary and private beach. MOTTO BY HILTON TULUM Perhaps you or your attendees want to extend your stay after your meeting. Our nearby Motto by Hilton Tulum is the perfect place for a getaway if you need to unplug for a few days on your own. Where local flair is appreciated and celebrated, this unique hotel delivers authentic designs and experiences with locally curated food and beverage options, and two rooftop pools. You will find Motto by Hilton Tulum nestled in Hunab Lifestyle Center, a lively shopping and dining destination. Learn more about our hotels in Tulum at hilton.com © 2023 Hilton MEETING IN THE MANGROVES Both properties share the only dedicated event center in Tulum. This 50,000-square-foot center located at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya includes: • Tulkal , the main ballroom with 31,000 square feet of flexible space • Tulkalito, our junior ballroom accommodates 900 attendees and can be divided or used as a prefunction space for larger events in Tulkal • Four meeting rooms, each with 581 square feet, for smaller meetings or breakout sessions • Terraza Coba , a covered terrace for starlight receptionsM eeting planners today want it all. Loca- tion, quality and accessibility of meeting venues are not out of fashion, but a key factor rising to the top is event wellness. They are listening to their attendees who say: “The ‘hustle culture’ is out and ‘healthy living’ is in.” Planners understand that taking bet- ter care of yourself is important, but even more important is when you are the one charged with caring for your attend- ees. But how? “Establishing a solid health and wellness component within meetings and events allows for permission to detach from what might be an intense experience, depending on the conference or meeting,” says Heather Mason, president and CEO of Caspian Agency. This permission says that it’s good to focus on health, eating well, sleeping well and exercise, rather than the “hustle culture” that is typically forced on attendees in the corporate or professional meeting realm. “It is also well-backed by science that these types of breaks are more helpful to productivity and engagement rather than less,” says Mason, who has seen everything from sound baths, meditation rooms, yoga in the morning, nap pods, and also much healthier food and beverages being offered at meetings. “While we saw mediation rooms and yoga take off at the beginning, we’ve seen a lag on those particularly and more movement towards walking tours, outdoor experi- ences and less on getting up very early, which was typically when yoga and meditation took place and are not as well attended,” Mason says. Caspian Agency has incorporated more walking tours, hiking and breathing exercises as breaks between sessions. The snacks and breaks offered have also taken a turn towards health, through smoothies, nuts, fruits, etc., rather than cookies and other sweets. Evening events are featuring far more non- alcoholic options as trends move away from alcohol as well. For meeting planners looking to incor- porate more health and wellness into the corporate events they plan, Mason advises that unless it’s said from the stage, and there are open times in the schedule, it seems less sincere and more of a tip of the hat, rather than commitment to health and wellness initiatives. By saying that there are spaces in the schedule for this, and it is encour- aged, then attendees will feel more inspired and comfortable to take part. Caytie Pohlen-LaClare, president of The LaClare Group, says that, in general, attendees in the U.S. are savvier than they have been in the past when it comes to health and wellness. Attendees are most interested in the quality of their food/ drinks and also of how they spend their time. The trends Pohlen-LaClare are seeing at today’s meetings include more people opting for low/no alcohol. This means planners need to provide quality mocktails and non-alcoholic options; people are more aware of their body and movement. The LaClare Group is making sure to build in more breaks throughout the day with movement options, as the ambience of the meeting space matters to the overall meeting experience. “This includes all five senses. So, we pay attention to lighting, sound, aroma, touch of fabrics and tastes,” Pohlen- LaClare says. THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE | HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN EVENTS The pandemic put an exclamation point on the subject of wellness. Many people within the meetings industry had more time to think about their well-being, so the conversations shifted to self-care. Now, the focus is on the care of others — health and wellness in events. It was only a matter of time before overworked and over- stressed men and women discovered the power of holistic approaches to reducing stress. As a result, meeting planners are integrating the mind and body into exercise programs to restore equilibrium to their body and eliminate the negative effects of stress. While yoga activities may not be as popular in recent years, it is a great way for attendees to increase their concentration COURTESY OF THE BROADMOOR One way to promote wellness is to incorporate walking tours or hikes in between meetings. themeetingmagazines.com 14 FEBRUARY 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Hustle Culture is Out, Healthy Living is In BY MAURA KELLER | MEETING TRENDS | EVENT WELLNESSand flexibility, experiencing a sense of well-being, while stretching, toning and increasing muscle endurance. According to Kara Fulsang, CMP, president of Ginger Meet- ing Management, due to the growing awareness of the impor- tance of health and wellness in events, her meeting planner firm integrates a health and wellness focus into events in a multitude of ways: physical, mental, nutrition and eco-friendly initiatives. Some of the key steps Fulsang takes include: • Quiet Zones/Unplugging Space – Having a small room, with lights that are a little dimmer where attendees can go to decompress for a couple min- utes and get away from the hustle and bustle of the conference. “I have recently seen where many large stores have ‘quiet hours’ telling the hours when the store is typically less busy if a quieter shopping expe- rience is preferred,” Fulsang says. “This solidifies the fact we all need a quiet moment throughout the day to recharge.” • Creating small engaging spaces to encourage attend- ees to mingle and network. This can be done with fun seating in a foyer space and creates a sense of comradery and well- being. Oftentimes, more elaborate and meaningful conver- sations happen in smaller groups. • Giving away exercise items such as resis- tance bands and having one of the executives demon- strate how to use them. “Not only was this a great item but it added humor when the executive was showcas- ing their resistance band expertise,” Fulsang says. • Bringing in expert health and wellness speakers to engage the audience and discuss current topics and research on nutrition, emotional intelligence, how the body responds to different foods, stress — finan- cial, work/life, etc. “Attendees are asking for healthy food options such as low- sugar foods, especially during breakfast,” Fulsang says. “Even our ‘steak and potato’ lovers are shying away from sugary foods.” Fulsang has found that offering nutritional food options help with keeping attendees alert during the conference. They also make sure to have food options available that address the main dietary restrictions (gluten, dairy, nuts, shell- fish). Build-your-own food stations are very pop- ular with attendees as this gives the option to omit any food/toppings they are not comfortable eating. CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION Through her efforts, Fulsang and her team have noticed a shift in the willingness to attend sessions and mental alertness when they incorporate health and wellness into events. “When we start the day off with low-sugar and nutritional items, we find that attendees do not have that 2:00 p.m. crash that leads them to sneak off to their room for a little afternoon siesta,” Fulsang says. “Health and wellness in the conference also improves productivity and increases engagement — when attendees feel their needs are met and they are cared for, they are more involved overall in the conference, and build stronger connec- tions among attendees.” Integrating a strong health and wellness component into corporate meetings and events not only enhances the imme- diate experience of the attendees but can also have lasting positive impacts on their professional performance, personal well-being and the overall corporate culture. So are there specific health and wellness compo- nents that are no longer pop- ular among attendees? At one point Fulsang thought that organizing morning walks/ runs was not something the attendees preferred, but they found when they did not offer this, groups of attendees would make plans on their own to meet for a sunrise walk or a nature hike. “However, when we orga- nize yoga and group mindful/ meditation practices, they do not seem to be as widely attended and accepted as some other health and well- ness components,” Fulsang says. “Social and occupational wellness are sometimes under- represented components and not as common at conferences, but these are vital topics.” At one of Ginger Meeting Management’s recent confer- ences, they gave away high quality re-fillable water bottles — the ones that do not sweat on the desk. This saved on cost as they were not buying plastic water bottles, it was more eco- friendly and they found that the attendees were drinking more water throughout the day from the hydration station, which had regular water and infused water. “The attendees loved the water bottle and asked for us to COURTESY OF VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2024themeetingmagazines.com 15 Heather Mason President & CEO, Caspian Agency It is also well backed by science that these types of breaks are more helpful to productivity and engagement rather than less. Allowing time for a group activity helps everyone bond, collaborate and come into the next meeting with their blood pumping and ideas flowing.have hydration stations and water bottles again at the next conference,” Fulsang says. “Outdoor meals, if possible, also are always a fan favorite. This allows the group to walk around and get vitamin D from the sun. Also, designing a conference agenda that is conducive to getting plenty of sleep, and avoid- ing extremely early starts or late finishes is imperative to a successful conference.” Pohlen-LaClare says she is seeing the pre- and post- meeting activities are no lon- ger as popular. One example is the morn- ing yoga sessions, which are not as well-attended as four years ago. People can use their own apps and workout in their hotel room instead of being with a large group. “Cocktail receptions are another great example of this. While people will still attend, they are more mindful about the reception cutting into their downtime. They guard their ‘after hours’ time more carefully and are more selec- tive about when/where/how long to be at these events. They are also aware of their alcohol use and will limit or abstain from imbibing. “Tied into this is sleep. More people value their sleep and set boundaries around that. Getting a good night’s sleep, espe- cially when travelling, is so important,” Pohlen-LaClare says. “It will determine which after-hours events they attend.” STRATEGIES THAT WORK The biggest factor for establishing a solid health and well- ness component within meetings and events is to demonstrate that the host/organizer is aware of attendees and their needs. As Pohlen-LaClare explains, people want to know that they matter as individuals. Their health and wellness is essential to their success. The benefit to the organization is that healthy people are also more satisfied and more productive employees. Countless studies have shown there is also a huge correlation between health and wellness and high performance individuals. High performers know that health and wellness are vital to their well-being on every level. Of course, the hardest part in adding a wellness activity is finding the time to incorporate the program into a meeting or event. Part of getting everyone to meet out of the normal office environment is to “hit the reset button” and recharge. Allowing time in the morning or afternoon for their attend- ees to relax at a group yoga/meditation class or a group bike ride helps everyone bond, collaborate and come into the next meeting with their blood pumping and ideas flowing. “It’s sometimes an uphill battle to convince the key meet- ing stakeholders of the value of these things. Yet overall, we are seeing greater awareness and acceptance for these health and wellness components among our client contacts,” Pohlen-LaClaire says. “Specifically, we are making sure to have several non-alcoholic beverages available; we have changed the timing of cocktail receptions to end by 6 p.m. whenever possible; and we build in time to move between sessions. We also have lots of water available for people to drink throughout the day. People definitely do appreciate the water, and we have gotten positive feedback on the updated cocktail times.” Health and wellness within meetings are here to stay. It will continue to evolve and become more widely accepted in the next few years, especially as more younger people are attending these meetings. “The age group of 21-35 year-olds won’t tolerate the ‘old’ way of doing things,” Pohlen-LaClaire says. “It only takes a couple years of doing ‘new’ things for them to become normal.” HEALTHY LIFESTYLE The focus is on healthy lifestyles — in both our per- sonal and professional lives. So, incorporating meetings that include healthy compo- nents will only become more of an expectation. “Covid led to a greater desire for comfort, and balance, and less allow- ances for discomfort. Just like high heels and commutes are out, so is making attendees smash in hours and hours of con- tent to prove value,” Mason says. “Instead, value can come from open spaces for networking, commitment to attendee experience and ensuring that they do not leave exhausted but rather inspired.” Fulsang advises fellow meeting planners to not overpack the agenda with back-to-back sessions and be sure to incorpo- rate a little free time. Otherwise, attendees can feel burnt out and run down. When incorporating health and wellness, start with one or two new items. Once you see what your attend- ees are most receptive to, you can tailor your event based on their preferences, i.e., What healthy food choices do your attendees like? How much movement can you promote dur- ing your conference? Do you offer relaxation spaces? Always evaluate and adapt. “Health and wellness in meetings will not only persist but will continue to evolve,” Fulsang says. It is a critical compo- nent of all aspects of life, including professional events.” Technology has made it easier to incorporate health and wellness into meetings. As it continues to progress, Fulsang envisions that planners will use more technology to incorpo- rate health and wellness into their events. “We will use event mobile app push notifications to send mindful notes — similar to how Apple watches tell us to ‘breathe,’ we will use gamification with exercise and food goals with winners at the end of the conference,” concludes Fulsang. “We may even have a virtual trainer/hologram at the morning session. The possibilities are endless.” I & FMM themeetingmagazines.com 16 FEBRUARY 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT More than meets the eye COLORADO SPRINGS Don’t let our good looks fool you. With nearly 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Colorado Springs might just surprise you. 4,012 hotel rooms with amazing views More meeting space than 7 football fields Start planning your next meeting or event today: VisitCOS.com/meetings Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide- open spaces, 300 days of endless blue skies and stunning scenery serve as the backdrop to your Rocky Mountain meetings and events. Discover historic properties, unique venues and value- priced, first-tier amenities. The Colorado Meetings & Events Incentive program has been extended, offering a 10% rebate on eligible hard costs. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate, connect and re-energize. SURPRISINGLY HELPFUL: The Visit Colorado Springs staff is ready to help. Our complimentary services include: • Leads to hotels, checking availability and rates. • Leads to service providers such as transportation and off-site events. • Personalized site inspections and help locating unique event sites. • Promotional materials, posters and images. The BroadmoorCheyenne Mountain ResortGarden of the Gods Resort COURTESY OF KARA FULSANG / GINGER MEETING MANAGEMENT Attendees are asking for healthy food options at events, especially during breakfast to promote alertness throughout the day.More than meets the eye COLORADO SPRINGS Don’t let our good looks fool you. With nearly 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Colorado Springs might just surprise you. 4,012 hotel rooms with amazing views More meeting space than 7 football fields Start planning your next meeting or event today: VisitCOS.com/meetings Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide- open spaces, 300 days of endless blue skies and stunning scenery serve as the backdrop to your Rocky Mountain meetings and events. Discover historic properties, unique venues and value- priced, first-tier amenities. The Colorado Meetings & Events Incentive program has been extended, offering a 10% rebate on eligible hard costs. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate, connect and re-energize. SURPRISINGLY HELPFUL: The Visit Colorado Springs staff is ready to help. Our complimentary services include: • Leads to hotels, checking availability and rates. • Leads to service providers such as transportation and off-site events. • Personalized site inspections and help locating unique event sites. • Promotional materials, posters and images. The BroadmoorCheyenne Mountain ResortGarden of the Gods ResortBetween Positive Trends and Planner’s Pain Points BY CHRISTINE LOOMIST his new year is already showing signs of a bright picture, as professional meeting and event planners worldwide are tak- ing another glance through the proverbial crystal ball for events, seeing some positive event trends while dealing with several plan- ner’s pain points. From C-vent, IMEX to Caesar Entertain- ment, Marriott International and every cor- porate and incentive meeting and event planner, venue, vendor and hospitality professional, the industry is busy idealizing — new budgets, F&B menus, destinations, key event designs and technology, non-traditional event spaces, the uptick of large meetings, how to attract Gen Zers and the evolution of plan- ners’ roles — all in a day’s work. Last December, IBTM, the leading global trade show, released IBTM World’s 2024 Trends Report, which shows some interesting survey findings. The results, from a planner survey conducted by In-House Corporate Events (ICE), an association of internal planners who work at mid-sized and large companies, state: • 52% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their present salary. Many cite that they’ve had increased workloads in the post-pandemic environ- ment and they need to rely more on freelancers to assist with projects, while the freelance rates range COURTESY OF IMEX AMERICA | PLANNER PERSPECTIVES | themeetingmagazines.com 18 FEBRUARY 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT EVENT TRENDS between $450 and $850 per day. • 50% of respondents say that their internal stakeholders “struggle to grasp the full scope and impact of event teams,” while many oth- ers cite that differing job titles for planners across the corporate landscape contributes to this. ICE notes that stakeholders’ struggle to fully understand planners’ scope of work and their value “is a large cause of anxiety for event professionals looking to progress their skills and careers.” • On the positive side, 71% of respondents say that their job resides within the market- ing function of their companies now. The report says that “this shift should be seen as a positive outcome for the long-term future of the [events] industry.” THE TRENDS In this quasi rosy picture, planners, and others in the indus- try, are not ignoring the high demand, limited availability and overall higher costs to execute meetings this year, and more to come. These issues impact where meetings and events take place and who they may appeal to, among other things. There are other trends, too, including some that have created signifi- cant shifts in how planners do business. “The most significant challenges in the industry right now are nothing new but actually a continuation of the pace of sup- ply and demand that has driven the cost of meetings up even higher,” Wayne Robinson, CMP, CMM, staff vice president events & multimedia at FM Global, says. “Not just room rates and F&B, but the ancillary expenses such as airfare, ground transportation and continued labor and supply-chain issues. On top of the challenges mentioned, planners are also asked to do so much more today.” Robinson reminisced about those times when the primary responsibility of a planner was more logistical. And while that has not changed, a lot of things have been added to the mix, including evolving technology and navigating through the world of hybrid, which requires new skills. “Data and analytics measuring a meeting’s success pre, during and post event has become the norm,” he says. “The C-suite is spending at record rates but the justification and return on spend has become an increasing part of the meeting planner’s everyday responsibility. Much of this has to do with technology.” Planners today routinely run reports and manage data that wasn’t even thought of as early as 10 years ago, and this is in addition to the job planners have traditionally done. “If you look at job descriptions of meeting professionals now, standard logistics are pushed further down the require- ment list of priorities while engagement and technical know- how is much more in demand, especially among more sea- soned meeting professionals,” says Robinson. Even in a time of major cost increases, in-person meetings are on the rise, with hybrid and virtual meetings coming right behind. Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in the justification and reconciliation of spend and value to the bottom line. “Examples of software used frequently in the meeting universe are Cvent for registration and data accumulation for meetings and related data, as well as webinar hosting plat- forms such as ON24, which also provide data analytic modules and a shelf life for virtual events,” Robinson says. “That’s just a small sampling of the many event-related tools used in meetings and events nowadays. Additionally, most of the software tools used for events integrate with CRMs such as Salesforce and Microsoft products that focus on sales, customer service, analytics and application devel- opment,” he adds. Ann M. Luketic, CMP, CMM, agency marketing specialist with Progressive Casualty Insurance, points out that some changes took place dur- ing Covid when hotels needed business so they were more lenient on concessions and cancel- lations. Those same hotels now have become far stricter. And there are more, and in some cases, higher fees. “I’m seeing a lot more fees included on propos- als, like housekeeping fees and fuel surcharges that were not included in the past,” Luketic says. “It was normal then DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM Hotels are sometimes requesting that planners pay a portion of F&B revenue more than six months before the meeting, and are requesting larger deposits at contract signing and payment in full before an event. INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2024themeetingmagazines.com 19 Ann M. Luketic, CMP, CMM, Agency marketing specialist, Progressive Casualty Insurance I’m seeing a lot more fees included on proposals, like housekeeping fees and fuel surcharges that were not included in the past.Next >