Archives for August 2013

Here at VenueQuest, business is brisk.  Our clients are booking hotels for department meetings, managers meetings, board meetings, annual conferences and incentive trips.  And a new survey released this month indicates that 84% of Americans intend to take a vacation away from their home area this year.

That is way up from the usual 50-70% of people desiring to travel away from home.  These two facts tell me that the skies are more crowded than ever.  Here are some tips for flying and visiting airports.  I’m not saying these guidelines will make flying pleasant, but maybe, just maybe it could be a little better.

1. While waiting in line at the security checkpoint, empty your pockets into a small zippered pocket in your carry-on or jacket.  This avoids the fumbling around at the beginning and end of the conveyor belt as you sift through keys, coins, chap stick, boarding pass, pens, receipts, cell phones, watches, and other small personal objects.
2. Here in Atlanta, there is a Starbucks right next to the main security checkpoint.  No matter how early your flight is, resist the urge to grab a coffee or bottle of water in the terminal, because you WILL have to leave it behind at the security checkpoint and trying to talk your way through with your Grande Machiato will only slow down the line.
3. Use the bathroom before you get on the plane.  This is especially true if you have a window seat or middle seat.
4. As you enter the plane, hold your carry-on bags low and in front of you.  A pulled wheely suitcase is going to bang into peoples knees and a bag over your shoulder is definitely going to drag across the side of everyones face who is seated in an aisle seat.
5. Be understanding of children.  Most travel writers would use this topic to advise parents to keep their children in check.  That is important, but it is also important to understand that even little kids in diapers pay full fare to get on a plane.  There is no such thing as a child fare in the airline industry.  Everyone has to learn, and everyone is entitled to their own fears.  So, however bad you think it is to sit near a crying child, keep in mind that the child is probably in actual physical pain from the pressure on their tiny ears, and their parent is likely on the verge of an anxiety attack by being being at the crossroads of humiliation, despair and helplessness.

Get started right here.

Rachel Mirves, VenueQuest Global Account Manager

Rachel Mirves, a Michigan based, 15-year veteran of multi property hotel sales has joined VenueQuest Global Meetings & Travel of Alpharetta, Georgia as a Global Account Manager.  Rachel has spent much of her career with Marriott International, where she earned President’s and Chairman’s Awards for excellence in servicing the needs of clients in diverse market segments including corporate, government, sports and entertainment.

“I am excited to transition from sales to consulting where I can help VenueQuest clients place their meetings in the perfect venue, regardless of what name is on the front of the building.”  Recently, she was responsible for Group Sales for 150+ Marriott Hotels, including 8 brands, in 10 Midwestern states.  At VenueQuest, a hotel site selection firm also known as a third party or meeting brokerage, Rachel will have a nationwide client base and be tasked with placing client bookings in small and large hotels and resorts anywhere in the world.

Rachel Mirves is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a B.A. in Hospitality Business, Her passion for quality travel and customer service led her to VenueQuest.

Daniel Gennari, President of VenueQuest Global Meetings & Travel, and also an alumnus of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Rachel to the team.  Hotel site selection is a logical next step in the career of a hospitality sales professional.  As a third party, this role opens the door to truly helping customers plan successful meetings and not just selling them something.   She has always been a professional when we have crossed paths professionally and it is simply icing on the cake to reunite with a classmate from MSU.”

Contact her at rachel.mirves@venuquest.com or on Twitter @RachelMirves.