something new and involves technology so there is an element of fear which is understandable , but there is no need to fear the technology or any element of the digital integration . The other is venues being afraid that they will lose control of their inventory and may lose larger events because of it . They are well able to block out dates and , anyway , most small meetings are booked on short lead times so unlikely to create difficulties with larger events that are booked on longer lead times .

MB : What needs to be done to increase the choice and number of venues available on Instant Book ?

JT : There needs to be a major increase in awareness . venuedirectory . com does a great job in raising awareness but there needs to be a concerted effort by agencies to drive it forward urgently . We have told suppliers that to be on our preferred list they must make their inventory available

on Instant Book by the end of 2022 . If all agencies adopt this same approach at the same time then this will move forward fast and gain the momentum that is needed .

Venues will also need to ensure that they plan ahead with their digital integration technology providers to be ready .

MB : In 2019 we were experiencing phenomenal response times to the RFP and very few went unanswered , today it ’ s a different picture

“ Interstate has already embraced Instant Book for several of our managed hotels and we can see it ’ s what the buyer wants and gives us a great competitive edge .”

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due to staffing issues . Do you see Instant Book as part of the solution to solve the current situation ?

JT : Yes , it can greatly help the staffing issues and free venue staff to respond to RFPs faster .

MB : There is a suggestion that Instant Book could be used for more complex , multi-day , multiroom larger events , we don ’ t believe that ’ s the case . Do you ?

JT : Let ’ s sort out small meeting bookings first .

Stephanie Pinto , Vice President Sales - Interstate Hotels & Resorts International

17 Advertisement Feature

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RFP Instant Book Manual Input * MyEventsChannel is the extranet system for venues and suppliers to access venuedirectory . com k Manual RFP Input Instant Book Manual Input * MyEventsChannel is the extranet system * MyEventsChannel for venues and is the suppliers extranet to system access for venuedirectory venues and . suppliers com to access venuedir

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