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The Art of Room Blocks

SmartMeetings

If the hotel is willing and able to resell some meeting space with a small block of rooms, this can lessen some of the attrition. See what the same venue would give you for booking again for the next year. Ask if food and beverage spend above the contracted minimum could count toward the room block minimum.

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Small Meetings: F&B Insights from a Supplier

Smart Meetings

Food and beverage costs are increasingly taking a bigger slice of the meeting budget. Patrick Berwald, vice president of food and beverage for Benchmark Global Hospitality , offered some, ahem, food for thought about F&B for small meetings. Planners are being tasked to reduce this meeting element.

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4 Tips for Planning a Local, Affordable Menu

Smart Meetings

You know how powerfully the food and beverage experience can shape the overall tone and success of a meeting. As attendees are seeking more unique and distinctive food experiences , below are my top recommendations for the most important elements to keep in mind when developing your next menu. Think Authentically.

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5 Benefits of Holding Events at Unique Venues

SmartMeetings

Here are five of the main benefits of holding meetings at unique venues. Memorable meetings: Attendees are more likely to remember a meeting if they are fascinated by where it was held. Up your planning game: It’s not always easy to hold your event at an alternative venue. Venue Ideas . Movie theater.

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Feeding the Food Truck Frenzy in California

SmartMeetings

Although the fast food chain is conveniently located all over the state, if you’re busy in meetings, wouldn’t it be way easier for the restaurant to set up shop at the convention center? Meeting professionals can hire the In-N-Out Cookout Trailer to park on-site and bring the popular eatery to you. Well, good news!

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3 Unique Event Venues for Foodies in San Francisco

Smart Meetings

That is, if a historic organic ranch amid the oyster beds of West Marin, a Sausalito houseboat dinner event themed to Eastern European food and music and a tasty demonstration kitchen ready for hands-on cooking demos and team-building events in San Francisco’s North Beach will do. More : Best Food Truck Catering for Your Next Event.

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The Meeting Planner’s Glossary

SmartMeetings

This industry runs on jargon, and since meeting planning requires everyone to work at a rapid click, it’s best to get acquainted with it yourself. Convention and Visitors Bureau , a local organization that can help meeting planners conduct venue and vendor selection at no cost. Force Majeure Clause. Master Account.