2009 PYM Town Hall Atlanta: Table Seven Notes

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TABLE SEVEN

1: Special facility – attraction
2: Luxury convention hotel
3: Corporate services – full-service spa
4: Special facility – conference center

How do you turn an NO into a YES?

1 – AHC is lucky because they have many repeat customers.

  • noticing more non profits because they still need events to raise money

4 – agrees with R.D. Non-profits are still bringing in business to a certain degree

  • (no to yes?) meet certain budget limits as best you can
  • help find donations elsewhere for clients, meaning connect them with people who can offer what they need
  • cut back on full day events, no receptions after the event.

2 – clients are constantly changing

  • seeing smaller groups (upper management only, no middle)
  • webinars are increasing. Still holding meetings but only 5 or 6 that connect out by internet
  • (no to yes?) tell client "Let’s work together.", "How can we help?"
  • offer extra incentives if you can
  • with the the amount of meetings going down, you are in a position to offer extra amenities

3 – she focuses on gift cert. sales for corporate/group business

  • no repeats. Customers don’t have the budget anymore for "luxury" services
  • sees the trend going to appreciation-style events more than anything for clients and employees
  • prospecting has increased
  • not necessarily missing the sale but can’t officially close it for perhaps a year down the line

2 – "It’s not the sale. It’s the relationship."

  • you have to ensure trust on your promises
  • "You take care of me, I take care of you."
  • "It’s simple. Return a phone call."

3 – get back to the basics

2 – "Perception is the new key word for 2009"

  • planners are smart and will find new ways to get what they need

3 – don’t forget to build partnerships (referrals are big). Use this as a tool.

Summary:

  • Meet budgets by doing extras. Become more full service
  • Downsize. Be creative to lower costs without losing value to work with-in their limits
  • Added value
  • Offer more amenities
  • Get on the technology bandwagon
  • Note the trends and focus on them
  • Build personal relationships
  • Work with other vendors (partnerships)
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE 101

How can PYM help you in these uncertain times?

2 – continue to create the relationships (CONNECTION)

3 – personal relationships are important

  • technology can be too distant sometimes. Socializing is better
  • don’t lose the face to face
  • continue the generosity with the leads after events
  • continue to come up with new ideas like we do
  • maintain the enthusiasm
  • not much more we can do but keeping moving forward with our current plan

2 – casual atmosphere of the LIVE events is inviting

  • New planners are important. "Keep them coming!"

3 – would love to see a LIVE event per quarter in Atlanta

  • enjoys the relationships you are able to build at the events with other partners
  • the leads that come from PYM come after the events for them

Summary:

  • Continue the events for building relationships
  • Technology is great but in older to be successful in business we need personal contact. Help make that happen!
  • Leads are appreciated
  • Continue the enthusiasm for your program
  • Maintain casual atmosphere & size of the events
  • Frequency – 3X or more per year is good in Atlanta
  • Continue to bring in new planners