It is my honor and pleasure to be representing the Lodging membership segment of ABA for the next two years. I'm extremely excited regarding all the positive enhancements to our 2010 Marketplace. The purpose of this correspondence is to share with you many of these enhancements and additional opportunities discussed and outlined at our March 3rd and 4th Marketplace Advisory Committee Meeting.
During our two day session we reviewed and discussed the following areas: Marketplace 2009 Evaluations; ABA Overview; Marketplace 2010 Overview; Appointment Sessions; 2010 Host Committee; and Marketplace Travel Representatives. Needless to say this was a jammed packed two days of top priorities.
Based on these two days of meetings and their agenda items, I have listed below what I consider to be the most important enhancements for the "Lodging' segment during our 2010 Marketplace in Washington, DC.
Improved Schedule
The Marketplace 2010 scheduled is shorter and more compact that ever before, saving you time and money. The new schedule means less time out of office; fewer hotel nights on your expense report; and the Friday to Tuesday schedule means less time out of the office. View the complete schedule at www.buses.org/marketplace and see how it works for you!
More Pre-scheduled Appointments
ABA has increased the number of pre-scheduled appointment slots from 52 to 58 for all appointment-taking Sellers. The appointments are still seven minutes long, there are just more of them!
Open Business Floor
ABA has combined the Lodging and Attraction appointment sessions into one grouping. You will have up to 58 pre-scheduled appointments in 2 out of 4 sessions, but you will be allowed on the business floor during all 4 sessions, thus creating more business opportunities for the Lodging/Attraction delegates on Monday and Tuesday.
Location, Location, Location!
Marketplace 2010 is being held in our Nation's Capitol at the new Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The east coast location offers the convenience of three airports, train stations, easy motorocoach and driving access.
Additionally, having the convention and hotel under one roof means more networking opportunities for you!
I am excited about these improvements and look forward to updating you after our next meeting in late September.