Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is re-launching its revolutionary conference and meetings product, Meetings@. The initiative, first introduced to the market in 2005, has already contributed to a 10% rise year on year in the group's meeting and event revenue, but in 2008 is being evolved to stay in tune with the changing needs of the meeting planner.
The refreshed Meetings@ will continue to follow the same principals of, attention to detail, fresh and innovative food, and a consistent complete meetings product, throughout the group's four and five star properties. The re-launch includes additional facilities in meeting rooms, enhanced customer service, and crucially, closer liaison with meeting planners, ensuring Meetings@ remains in sync with their needs.
Key examples of the initiative have been the promotion of public transport such as trains to reach destinations, and effective use of sustainable purchasing agreements for food and consumables, aspects growing in importance among corporates selecting conference and meeting venues.
"Meetings@ was a tremendous success when it was launched and whilst it was proving to be very popular, we were conscious that we couldn't let it become tired in what is a very competitive market place. This investment has shaken the cobwebs away and enabled us to not only enhance our core product but reinvigorate the passion in our teams," comments Andrew Watson, Senior Marketing Manager at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. "Meetings@ is a seal of quality that meeting planners can trust, wherever they book in the UK."
Already there are a number of similar products on the market, a trend Macdonald's Director of Sales, Esther Conn sees as a positive move for meeting planners; one of whom commented:
"For me Meetings@ is a mark of consistency; it means that if I am planning a series of meetings across the country, I can trust that the quality and attention to detail will be there throughout, particularly in relation to refreshments, menus and customer service." Comment by Paul Bates, Project Manager, VT Group
"Meeting planners want quality and consistency, so there can be little wonder initiatives like this are being introduced across the industry," concludes Esther Conn. "Our aim is that Meetings@ continues to stay in touch with the needs of our clients and evolves appropriately, ensuring its place as a market leader in this sector."
The refreshed Meetings@ will continue to follow the same principals of, attention to detail, fresh and innovative food, and a consistent complete meetings product, throughout the group's four and five star properties. The re-launch includes additional facilities in meeting rooms, enhanced customer service, and crucially, closer liaison with meeting planners, ensuring Meetings@ remains in sync with their needs.
Key examples of the initiative have been the promotion of public transport such as trains to reach destinations, and effective use of sustainable purchasing agreements for food and consumables, aspects growing in importance among corporates selecting conference and meeting venues.
"Meetings@ was a tremendous success when it was launched and whilst it was proving to be very popular, we were conscious that we couldn't let it become tired in what is a very competitive market place. This investment has shaken the cobwebs away and enabled us to not only enhance our core product but reinvigorate the passion in our teams," comments Andrew Watson, Senior Marketing Manager at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. "Meetings@ is a seal of quality that meeting planners can trust, wherever they book in the UK."
Already there are a number of similar products on the market, a trend Macdonald's Director of Sales, Esther Conn sees as a positive move for meeting planners; one of whom commented:
"For me Meetings@ is a mark of consistency; it means that if I am planning a series of meetings across the country, I can trust that the quality and attention to detail will be there throughout, particularly in relation to refreshments, menus and customer service." Comment by Paul Bates, Project Manager, VT Group
"Meeting planners want quality and consistency, so there can be little wonder initiatives like this are being introduced across the industry," concludes Esther Conn. "Our aim is that Meetings@ continues to stay in touch with the needs of our clients and evolves appropriately, ensuring its place as a market leader in this sector."
