SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/139692
Other groups, like PDGA, do not consider use of third-party housing companies and stay-to-play models viable options for their present strategy. "I prefer to deal directly with the hotels as it is important to me that I develop a close working relationship with them rather than have an outside company serve as the middle man," Graham said, pointing out that PDGA has deals in place with a number of hotel chains where members receive discounts and the association receives a small percentage of income back. "Our members now use these chains not only during competitions but also on their vacations and business trips. It is a win-win situation for the PDGA, our members and the chains we partner with." Identifying Opportunities When rights holders have real data at their disposal, there is greater opportunity to request extras—such as meeting space, late checkouts or free parking—to get the most bang for their buck, Graham noted. Acknowledging that the hotel requirements for events will vary widely depending on the sport, he pointed out that PDGA's smaller disc golf events typically need only hotel rooms, while the larger events may require everything from meeting rooms, banquet space, temporary office space, and a plethora of other facilities and services. While needs will vary, there are some basic offerings that most sports events groups are seeking, according to Hatcher. "I think sports groups typically are looking for double rooms, free Wi-Fi in rooms, pool, free parking, complimentary breakfast and possible meeting room space for team meetings or pizza party," he said. In the end, the hotel choice for most groups comes down to value. As Tew pointed out, his groups look for "proximity to our venue, nice breakfast and a good value." Planners pointed out that hotel "value" often equates to reduced room rates and any "extras" that can be thrown into the mix, such as meeting space. In the case of larger events, groups might need access to conference rooms for holding www.sportseventsmagazine.com operational meetings or receptions. While most PDGA events do not require function space, Graham points out that the organization's marquee events will look for opportunities to leverage reduced rates or free access to function space. "The PDGA Disc Golf World Championships is a convention and reunion for attendees as much as it is a competition, and convention space and services are a necessity. Ancillary events at the host hotel held in conjunction with these larger events include opening ceremonies, a players meeting, vendor marketplace, awards dinner banquet, and registration and check-in," he said. Even if there doesn't seem to be a compelling reason for building meeting space into sports events contracts, Josh Akright, CEO of T3 Travel, suggested that it's a good practice for planners to suggest the meeting space option to keep the "herd" together, especially for youth sports events. " ▲ SPECIAL Feature Since 9/11, the recent recession, and now the sequestering, the entire hotel community has depended on the sports market to help fill those periods that the corporate and association markets have left void. " — Mike Hill, Hilton Worldwide "Confining a team to a room can be a good thing. It can build camaraderie and keep them from roaming the halls or hanging out in the lobby," he said. "If a hotel can offer meeting space, it could be a better experience for the teams and other guests staying there." ■ June 2013 15