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Last-minute traveler mtgs. on the rise.

Article Excerpt
Travelers have begun conducting more impromptu business appointments in hotels--requiring last-minute use of a hotel meeting room, office or private restaurant dining room, sometimes at a cost--which should prompt travel managers to address the growing trend.

Unlike traditional meetings that are booked in advance through a company's meeting planning arm, these meetings typically are arranged directly by the traveler, often on the same day they take place and usually for as few as three or four people. While some properties provide meeting rooms and offices free of charge for these spur-of-the-moment gatherings--depending on availability--some hotels charge a fee.

Buyers expect their top preferred suppliers to fill these requests free of charge whenever possible, considering the number of room nights the account generates. Hotels typically attempt to accommodate the requests, seeing it as a way to build repeat business and loyalty from travelers and as a value-added service they...

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