Meetings are one of the main sources of revenue for hotels. However, customers don’t just appear. You have to actively seek them out.
If you haven’t started investing in meetings, you need to. Having a good hotel and excellent service is only half the battle.
Technology is key to gaining meetings. These are the five best ways you can up your game.
1. Venue Search Engines
You’re probably already on search engines.
You probably use search engines when looking for your own vacation.
Sites like booking and Travelocity are great for attracting individuals and small groups. But they aren’t what larger groups use to search for venues.
There are search engines designed specifically for large group venues.
Get on as many platforms as possible.
The days in which people called for information are over.
It will take time and effort to make sure you’re listed on the platforms, but it will increase your revenue. While you’re creating a profile, double-check that the information is correct.
Don’t put that you have a fitness center if you don’t.
Provide as much information as possible. Think about what a large group’s needs are.
Post information about group rates and corporate lodging.
Don’t make your customers ask.
Also Read: Pet-Friendly Trips To India. Which Hotels Should You Consider?
2. Event-Management Technology
Excel and similar technologies are fine for small-scale events.
They aren’t going to cut it when you have a corporate meeting. Every good event planner has software specifically for events.
Investing in the newest technology will streamline your process. It will make things easier for your staff and your customers.
Efficient event management will save you time and money later on.
Plan as much for the event ahead of time.
Think about everything that could go wrong and come up with a backup plan.
You’ll thank yourself later.
3. Marketing Software
If you aren’t on social media, you don’t exist.
Other hotels and venues actively pursue customers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Large hotel chains have social media experts. Look into hiring one.
Even if you don’t like social media, you need it in today’s business world.
Most corporate events come from out of city or out of state. Some groups will be coming internationally.
Those groups aren’t going to find you on a billboard.
Marketing and social media are constantly evolving. It’s something you need to invest in constantly.
Without an online presence, your business won’t make it.
4. Image and Video Editing
A good social media profile requires excellent optics.
You can hire a social media expert and a professional team to do this for you.
The more sustainable solution is to teach yourself or teach your staff.
The less you can outsource, the better. Learning to use visual devices and editing software is a skill you can take anywhere.
Most smartphones have a good camera and can take good videos.
They are not easy to edit on, and they aren’t the same quality as a professional camera.
Professional equipment can be rented. You don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in a camera.
If you’ve never made a video or done a professional photoshoot before, hire a pro for the first go around.
Better yet, hire them to teach you what to do.
Look at the videos and images of your competition. Don’t copy them, but make sure your profile looks similar.
Highlight the best aspects of your hotel.
5. Catering Software
Large groups require lots of food.
Unless you outsource catering, you need software to keep track of meals.
Someone in the group is bound to have dietary restrictions.
In today’s day and age, you need to be prepared for every type of food allergy and diet. Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, or keto, you have to be prepared.
Ideally, participants will provide this information ahead of time.
Someone will probably forget or click the wrong box. Or they’ll change their mind in the meantime.
Have a few options for each dietary restriction.
A high-end catering software will help you keep track of this information.
You don’t want people going hungry or having an allergic reaction.
Also Read: Make the Best Out of Your Stay in Atlanta with These Luggage Storage Options
Conclusion
Meetings are a key source of revenue. If you aren’t on top of the latest technology, your business is going to suffer.
