ConferenceDirect is a full-service global meetings solution company that can assist with site selection, conference management, housing and registration to planning the perfect incentive program. Founded in 1998 based upon the principle that clients should get measurable results – not just fond memories – from their meetings and events. At ConferenceDirect, meetings and events are a passion, and helping clients succeed is what they do every day. They work to reduce costs and mitigate risk while maximizing income potential and enhancing attendee experience. ConferenceDirect has grown to be one of the largest and most respected meeting and event management firms in the world. World Headquarters are located in West Hollywood, CA, USA. A few high level data points include:
In the past two years, this partnership resulted in over $ 7 million in consumed room revenue to our hotels, and almost $ 10 million in contracted room revenue which represented year-over-year growth of over 35 %, coming from almost 3,000 RFPs. Their team has seen the benefit of our unique member hotel experiences around the globe, and with the recent decisions from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt & IHG regarding commission reductions in North America, the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio is in an enviable position to continue our growth through the support of our partnership.
ConferenceDirect hosts a variety of education and networking events annually to connect their customers, partners and associates.
ConferenceDirect Signature Events include the following and are held 4 times a year, and bring together their Top Customers, Associates, and Partners for 2 ½ days of education and networking:
ConferenceDirect APM Annual Partner Meeting connects their most valued Partners with their associates in one convenient event. Partners attending have the opportunity to meet and conduct business with over 200 qualified CD Assoociates in one location. The elements of APM include an all Partner General Session, three days of reverse trade shows and break-out sessions to assist Partners in developing more business from ConferenceDirect. CD Associates must qualify to attend, so these are generally many of their top producers.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts will have a strong presence with our GSO team at APM and they will represent the entire portfolio. If you are interested in developing further connections with the CD Associates, this is an excellent opportunity to consider. Space is limited and this event quickly sells out each year.
ConferenceDirect also holds IndustryInsights half-day meeting planner seminars in key cities across North America which provide their customers with up-to-date statistics and trends, current meetings industry content comma and hot topic discussions , as well as the opportunity network with conference direct associates and partners
Along with the Preferred Hotels & Resorts partnership, the opportunity exists for an individual hotel venue to be recognized as a Preferred supplier. The annual fee is currently $ 600, and they request some additional terms, including an agreement to “advance” 5 % of the rooms commission upon signing of the contract, with the balance due upon completion of the program and settlement of the final bill. The majority of the sourcing CD Associates are independent contractors, and therefore the commission component is extremely important. The single-unit agreement also has a clause that will confirm full-refund of any commission advances by ConferenceDirect in the unlikely event of a program cancellation. Over 90 % of their annual bookings are placed at “Preferred Partner” hotels.
For more information on the Preferred Partner single-unit agreement, let your Preferred Hotels & Resorts team know and we will connect you with ConferenceDirect.
Please note that any existing agreement you may have with ConferenceDirect will not be affected by our partnership.
Should you have any questions relating to this partnership, please contact Christie Pienaar.
A recent webinar 2021 recap on trends and best practices included:
Top 10 US Destinations include:
Orlando, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Washington, DC
Nashville, TN
Chicago, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Atlanta, GA
Houston, TX
New Orleans, LA
Indianapolis, IN
Top International Destinations include:
Toronto, ON
Montreal, Quebec
Vancouver, BC
Edmonton, Alberta
Copenhagen, Denmark
Ottawa, Ontario
Nassau, Bahamas
San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
Edinburgh, Scotland
Stockholm, Sweden
Current Best Practices for Working with CD:
Response Time: Timely and Thorough
Contract Flexibility: New & Existing
Dedicated Point of Contact
Timely Turnover to Operations – contacts provided ASAP (especially important with short term business!)
