Keep America Meeting

In recent months, there has been an outcry that holding company meetings and events is a frivolous expense during this time in our economy. According to the U.S. Travel Association, “With only 20% of the hotel market reporting, meeting and event cancellations exceeded $220 million for the period January 1-February 28, 2009.”1 This is a very disappointing statistic that has large repercussions for not only event companies, but hotels, individual travelers, and even the local citizen!

Why should we Keep America Meeting? Not only are meetings and events important to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, but also 2.4 million Americans are employed through business travel. Meetings and events alone create 1 million jobs and generate more than $16 billion in tax revenue (U.S. Travel Association) 1.

Why are meetings a necessity? Meetings and company events are great ways to cultivate employee talent, educate, and retain employees. Meetings, trade shows, and conferences can be used to brainstorm ideas for new products, generate cost saving ideas, and can be used as an intense networking session connecting businesses, employees, and employers. A conference can be the key ingredient to motivate your employees to go above and beyond to push your organization to the next level!

What can you do? Keep Meeting! The Hyatt Regency McCormick place currently has a “6% off your master bill” promotion going on right now for meeting planners who book their meeting prior to March 10, 2010. Take advantage of this offer and get your organization to hold a meeting to network, train, or even socialize!

We appreciate your support in this effort to KEEP AMERICA MEETING!

1http://www.ustravel.org/resources/Public_Affairs/MEI/General_MEI_Talking_Points_09.pdf