Hospitality Sales and Marketing International

ALLURE was part of a very informative and interactive Planners Pannel yesterday for the HSMAI ( Hospitality Sales and Marketing International) Chicago Chapter at the Iconic Venue in Wrigleyville the Cubbybear.

Jim Grillo, CMP, V.P. Internet marketing of hereschicago was our MC and kept the floor moving with probing questions. The Panel was composed of six planners:

Jiwon Mcartney,

Managing Director, ALLURE

Kate Chandler, CMP

Director of Operations, Kuoni Destination Management

Patrick Steffes

Manager International Tourism Sales, Chicao Convention and Tourisn Bureau

Sandi Lynn, CMP

Owner, Sandi Lynn and Associates

Jill L. Angelo

Meetings and Event Services

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Nicole Price, CMP

Meeting and Events Planner, American Board of Medical Specialties

founder of aroundchicago.

We discussed many topics such as how do planners like to be solicited, how do suppliers get to the decision makers and how often should a supplier call you.

I had a few favorite personal/topic questions:

Q. How do you want suppliers to communicate with you?

A. Jiwon:

" Please don't send me mailers or publications. I like to go online and read them or send it to me electronically. Filtering through our mail could be one persons career with as much mail as we recieve! Send as much electronically as you can and keep connected with us. Eventually when we get up for air, we WILL respond and remember. Send new menus, ideas and product information! If there is more than one page, then it is too much for me. I need a one-sheeter, not a 50 page manual. If you can not fit it onto one page, don't send it expecting a review or response. "

Q.How do vendors get to know you?

A. Jiwon:

"Do some research before calling us. Know my name is NOT "Mr. McCartney," and know about what we do. Personal relationships is where I find comfort. Find ways to meet my ENTIRE team and make opportunities to have an individual relationship. We attend expos and networking to filter the masses but if you want to meet us, take the extra step and make the individual connection."

HSMAI Chicago is 140 members strong and offers educational opportunities for all
levels of sales and marketing professionals. These programs range from networking and panel discussions on business trends at the local level, to conferences and seminars that touch on international travel and hospitality issues, to Webinars on specialized subjects. A great association to be a part of if you are in the Hospitality industry!

In the audience were some great suppliers such as Kristy Mendenhall with Hard Rock Café Chicago ;Stephanie Weber with One World Transport; John McHugh with Teambonding (www.teambonding.com/chicago) and many more.