We are fortunate to have so many repeat groups, so I have worked with many meeting planners for years. Steffen acts as a liaison between meeting planners and suppliers. We can send out leads for them and know hotel availability. The breakneck pace of the meeting planning business has changed the way suppliers should be doing business, too. Steffen advises suppliers not to pick up the telephone.
Planners are much too busy for that.
Many times a meeting planner will stuff a folder until they are ready to work on that project. So we also tell suppliers not to get discouraged if they don't hear back right away. Steffen has been especially busy coordinating with the Women's Final Four and Women's Basketball Coaches Association, which scheduled simultaneous meetings here. The best part of her business is enticing a meeting planner who has never been to the city to come and visit. Invariably, the planner goes away impressed, Steffen said.