(SANTA
BARBARA, Calif., January 2009) � Elite Meetings International (EMI) has
adopted an innovative policy that will benefit both hoteliers and planners
during these economically challenging times. Effective immediately, all
RFPs submitted through EliteMeetings.com will enjoy a "net rates guarantee."
That means that planners who use the EliteMeetings.com online RFP system
will enjoy rates with no commissions, nor any hidden fees or padded costs
to offset the 10% commission that other companies may charge.
"We recognize that both planners and hoteliers need as much economic
stimulus as possible," says EMI CEO Kelly Foy. "We're fortunate to be in
a position to forgo commissions in lieu of other revenue options, and think
this will create a true win-win scenario for both sides."
Foy likens his revenue structure to Google's business model,
where the resource is free to all business users. Like Google, EMI's revenue
stream comes from marketing partnerships and sponsorships from those who
desire increased exposure, and by extension, increased bookings.
"Everything we do is about building relationships�stepping out of the
way and allowing hoteliers and planners to forge partnerships with each
other," Foy comments. "We just felt this was the perfect time to break
down any lingering barriers that may have hindered Web site use in the
past."
The commission-free structure applies to any planner who uses the RFP
system on their own. The great news for third-party planners is that they
can use the system and still be able to collect their commissions as usual.
ABOUT ELITE MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL
Elite Meetings International is based in Santa Barbara, California,
and connects top meeting and incentive planners with a hand-selected, independently
evaluated group of upscale hotels and resorts throughout North America
via their semiannual publication, Elite Meetings magazine, and semiannual
event, the Elite Meetings
Alliance. Additionally, the company�s Web site serves as a commission-free
RFP-generating tool and a comprehensive vehicle for sourcing luxury properties.
For additional information, please visit www.EliteMeetings.com
or call 805.730.1000.
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