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Frequently
Asked Questions
& Additional Information
Q: HOW DOES
YOUR NO-COST SELECTION SERVICE ACTUALLY WORK?
A: We are compensated by a commission based on the guestroom rate paid
to the contracted hotel. This
commission does not increase your rate; in fact your rate will likely be
lower than if you negotiated directly.
Q: WON'T I WIND UP PAYING A HIGHER RATE DUE TO THE COMMISSION?
A: Room rates quoted by hotels normally are not inflated to accommodate
this commission but if this should happen our agreement with you
requires us to disclose any such inflation.
While this is a rare occurrence, it can happen.
Our agreement will outline our mutual options should this occur,
options that include continuing with our service on a fee basis, or
canceling our service agreement.
Q: HOW DO YOU GET MY COMPANY THE BEST RATES FOR OUR MEETING?
A: We know the competition, we know what rates should be quoted – then
negotiate from there. We
are confident in our expertise to lock in the lowest possible rate.
Q: WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF HAVING YOU NEGOTIATE THE CONTRACT?
A: It’s one of the things we do best.
Due to our experience within the hotel business, we have
knowledge of what can be traded-off in an agreement making it
satisfactory to all involved. We
are able to ask for rate reductions, attrition allowances, amenities and
additional concessions as a neutral party – preserving the
relationship between you, the client, and the hotel.
We also keep current on legal terms and implications so we are
able to identify and explain any contract risk before you enter the
agreement.
Q: WHY SHOULD I USE YOUR SERVICE?
WHY NOT JUST DO THIS ON MY OWN?
A: You could go directly to all the hotels, make sure they actually have
the facilities to house your specifications, play telephone tag with all
the sales-managers, order-up and review contracts and then negotiate the
agreement – but you likely have other things to do with your time.
This is ALL we do, and we do it well.
And, we do it quickly.
Q: PLEASE EXPLAIN ABOUT THE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT YOU PROVIDE TO THE
SITE SELECTION PROCESS.
A: We coordinate your site inspections, keep track of your attendance
pick-up and provide history once the program has ended. We flag you when contracted timelines are due (attrition
allowances, deposits, rooming lists, etc.), and, should you have
problems with the hotel, we are happy to get involved in smoothing
things out.
Q: WHAT IF I NEED MORE THAN JUST SITE SELECTION SERVICES?
A: We can help! We offer
several options of vendor referral from simply suggesting some companies
that can suit your specific needs to actually getting the bids and
negotiating the contracts. We
keep a database of reputable, honest vendors along with their specific
strengths and weaknesses and will be able to guide you to some that are
perfect for your particular program.
Depending on the size of your meeting, our involvement with the
venue selection and your individual needs – this service may or may
not be fee based.
Q: DO YOU PROVIDE SITE SELECTION FOR SEMINAR ROAD SHOWS?
A: We do, and we know the complexities of piecing them together and the
timelines that are involved. Tricky
stuff indeed, (personally we don’t know why anyone would want to do
these on their own) but we have the experience and diligence to get the
job done. Since there are
rarely room nights associated with seminars, we charge for this service
and our fees are based on the program profile.
Q: IF I USE YOUR SERVICE, WON’T I LOSE MY OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE
HOTELS OR VENDORS?
A: Absolutely not. We know
that relationship is important to you and to the success of your
program. We cement your
identity with the facilities, making sure they are aware of your
presence and that YOU are the decision maker.
Q: WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
A: Marshall & Associates has been providing our service to clients
since 1997. We have client’s
in several business sectors, large and small, and both domestically and
internationally. To protect
our clients privacy, we do not provide their names on our website, but
will be happy to provide information and references upon request.
Q: HOW LARGE IS YOUR COMPANY?
A: We are a small company and intend to remain so. Our main office is located in Northern California and we
are assisted by a satellite office in Flagstaff Arizona.
In addition, we have numerous independent contractors we work
with when needed. Our
philosophy is one-on-one service with our clients so that we may
continue to fully understand and anticipate their needs and exceed their
expectations.
Q: I LIKE THE IDEA OF YOUR SERVICE.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
A: Contact us.
Tell us a little more about your program.
We will present you with a simple agreement that outlines the
services we agree to perform and assigns us as the only agent who is
allowed to perform these services.
We will happily incorporate any additional concerns you may have
into the arrangement.
Marshall & Associates
home office is in Santa Fe, New Mexico!
Our contact information
is as follows: Marshall
& Associates - "Where's The Meeting?"
142
Duran St. #2
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Office: 505-995-0132
km@wheresthemeeting.com
www.wheresthemeeting.com
 ©2006,
Marshall & Associates, Wheresthemeeting.com
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