connectionshousing

[connectionshousing]

Market Maker Events Partners with Connections Housing for 2020 Flooring Markets

New Partnership for Hotel Accommodations

(Atlanta, GA): Market Maker Events has selected Connections Housing as its official housing partner for their 2020 Southwest Flooring Market at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, January 9 & 10.  Connections Housing will provide a full suite of housing services for the exhibitor and attendee communities.

Following the successful 2019 launch of the SW Flooring Market, Market Maker Events is moving the event to the AT&T Stadium for 2020.  Exhibit space has already grown from 10,000 sf in 2019 to over 85,000 sf for 2020.  That growth will result in a larger number of exhibitors and attendees who need hotel rooms.

“With hotel blocks continuing to grow, we knew it was key to partner with Connections Housing to negotiate the lowest hotel rates for our guests and to make the reservation process easier,” says Managing Partner, Barbara Stroup.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to provide housing services for Market Maker Events for their 2020 Flooring Market in Arlington, Texas.  We understand the specialized needs of the flooring market segment.  We have custom-tailored processes in place, with a dedicated team, and a commitment to providing superlative service, to ensure that the event stakeholders and attendees have the best possible booking and travel experience” said Jon Mitchell, Connections Housing’s Vice President, National Accounts.

Travel and housing scams have become fairly common in the trade-show industry with companies making false claims of being an event’s official housing company. Connections Housing is the only housing company for Market Maker Events’ Flooring Markets.

Hotel Reservations are available for exhibitors and attendees for the 2020 event. Click here to book your rooms!

About Connections Housing | ConnectionsHousing.com

In business for 32 years, Connections Housing, with offices in Atlanta and Las Vegas, is a full-service sourcing, housing and event management company. They serve many of the Top 200 trade shows, and manage more than 350 events each year ranging from 10 to 100,000+ attendees.

About Flooring Markets | FlooringMarkets.com

The Flooring Markets: Atlanta, Dallas & Biloxi, are leading regional markets for the wholesale flooring industry.  The expo floor features top flooring manufacturers and distributors showcasing their newest products, equipment, technology and techniques with hands-on demonstrations.  Attendees consist of flooring retailers, interior designers, builders and architects.

About Market Maker Events | MarketMakerEvents

Market Maker Events is an Atlanta based event production and management firm dedicated to bringing people and brands together in dynamic, engaging experiences. From tradeshows to conferences and markets, MME is a market leader in delivering effective events that create connections and build businesses.

[connectionshousing]

Connections Housing Names Robert Colvin as Chief Operating Officer

Full-service sourcing, housing and event management company Connections Housing has made an executive team promotion to enhance its continued growth and customer service focus. Robert Colvin has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. The announcement comes from company founders and co-owners, Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki.

As Chief Operating Officer, Robert Colvin will focus on growth and expansion initiatives, overall executive oversight of operations, customer service enhancements, call center and travel department operations and enterprise-wide increased efficiencies. Previously Executive Vice President for Connections, Colvin joined the company in June of 2010 after numerous years in various housing and hotel executive positions. Colvin has also been an active member of numerous industry trade organizations as well as leadership roles with the Southwest Chapter of IAEE.

“Over the past several years Robert has played an invaluable role in helping us oversee some of the most dynamic and creative changes, new business opportunities and overall growth activity in our company’s history,” says Hallberg.

“Robert is an integral member of the Connections executive team. His tireless efforts have resulted in increased service deliverables to our clients and is a respected thought leader in the housing industry. We are thrilled to announce this exciting promotion,” adds Sieradzki.

“Company founders Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki are true visionaries who understand just how important it is to evolve and align corporate resources in the highest impact manner possible to sustain momentum and prepare for future growth,” says Colvin, “ I’m so excited to be working in this new role and with the entire talented Connections team, as we poise our company for continued success.”

About Connections Housing Founded in 1986, Connections Housing has emerged as one of the fastest growing full-service sourcing, housing and event management companies in the industry. Bringing unmatched customer service, knowledge and experience together with the latest technology, the company has maintained a 90% retention rate of clients in a host of different industries. With offices in Atlanta and Las Vegas, Connections Housing provides sourcing, housing and event management services to a number of the Tradeshow Top 200 and successfully manages more than 350 events each year ranging in size from 10 to 100,000+ attendees. For more information, visit www.connectionshousing.com or call 404.842.0000.

[connectionshousing]

Why Meeting Planners Need Housing Partners

By Alicia Perez-Arrieta, CMP, Director, Client Management, Connections Housing

Before joining Connections Housing, I was a meeting planner for more than 25 years. Throughout my career I worked with groups of all sizes and never once used a housing company for my events. Knowing what I know now I can’t believe it. My life could have been so much easier!

Meeting planners have so much to worry about – from planning a program to making sure the buses are waiting outside. When you partner with a housing provider, you’re adding yet another level of service to your client offerings. Consider:

It's Complicated.

From contracts to those ever-present room poachers and pirates, housing is a multi-faceted part of any event. Your housing partner’s expertise in this channel allows them to really drill down to cover every part of the housing equation so you can focus on other things. We monitor your room blocks and booking patterns. We make sure concessions are built into your contract. We have insights into the city and hotels and know which ones should be part of your block. We’re paying attention to the smallest detail - daily reservations, inventory, etc. -- to make sure you’re completely buttoned up on the housing front.

It's a Partnership.

Your housing partner is exactly that – a partner, an extension of your team. Here at Connections, we can customize our service offerings to represent you to the extent you want to be represented. As a full service sourcing, housing and event management firm, we can help with everything from contract negotiation to site selection.

It's all About Collaboration.

Under your direction, guidance and parameters, we also work with convention and visitors bureaus and the national sales offices of hotels. We are not in competition with each other – or you. Rather, we represent you and can pool all our knowledge and areas of expertise to help you create a fabulous experience for your attendees.

It's the Big Picture View.

Throughout the event cycle, we are gathering data and analyzing booking patterns to make sure everything is on track. After the event we provide comprehensive wrap-up reports with historical information that can be very valuable to you in planning your next event.

At the end of the day it’s all about providing top level service to your customer. So much more than a supplier, a housing company can help you deliver a memorable event and a positive client experience. You’ll sleep better, too!

[connectionshousing]

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Professional Travel Service Provider

By Edie Gupton, Travel Services Manager, Connections Housing

As a full-service sourcing, housing and event management company, we have watched the pendulum swing from one end of the spectrum to the other when it comes to group travel planning needs. Early on, clients looked to travel service providers for everything – hotels, car rental, flights and more. As online travel agencies (OTAs) evolved, clients decided to use professionals for convention/meeting housing but began booking their own flights and other travel needs. That’s changing. Clients are seeing the benefits a professional travel service provider can offer that they just can’t get on their own, including:

Bringing Everyone In For Less. We are able to offer meeting fares. When you have attendees coming in from different locations to one central place, we are able to secure the best rates and itineraries.

Bringing Everyone In Together. We can also offer group fares for 10 or more attendees traveling on the same flight. We find competitive fares, flexible ticketing options and book it all for you.

Bringing Everyone in Together...Even When You’re Not Quite Sure Who Everyone Is Yet. As part of the group fare offering, we can hold a certain number of seats so everyone can travel together once your plans are finalized. So say, for example, you end up with some changes to members of your group or team. On your own you’d be holding non-refundable, non-transferable tickets. Most group contracts have provisions for travel service providers that allow us to make name changes without fees so we can finalize your list until a few days prior to departure.

Getting You Back and Forth with Ease. In addition to groups, we’re also a convenient, one-stop resource for individual flight needs, too.

Inside Access to the Big Picture. We have access to tools like Global Distribution Systems to do price comparisons across the full spectrum of airlines. With OTAs you’re only seeing what they choose for you to see in terms of flights and rates. We’re able to look objectively at all available offerings to find the best possible rates.

Thinking Outside the Box. We’ve been doing this for years. We know which airlines serve which routes. So we can get creative. For example, if you or one of your attendees isn’t near a preferred airport, we can come up with great travel alternatives that save time and money – and still get you where you need to be.

Offering a Helping Hand (And a Live Voice!) When The Unexpected Happens. When things unravel, as they inevitably do (flight delays, cancellations etc...), we have your back. Rather than waiting on hold to talk to an unknown OTA representative, we are the one to call. There’s no middle man. We will help you resolve the issue and find the solution.

Providing Great Last-Minute Solutions. As hotels sell-out or pass those cut-off dates for last minute reservations, we can help. Using Global Distribution Systems, we have access to all sorts of hotel rooms and rates. And, unlike those OTAs, we can book them for you without pre-payment.

Advising On International Travel Documentation. Travel document requirements differ from country to country. And they change from time to time too. We stay on top of this and make sure you know how to access important visa and other travel documentation needed for your upcoming trip.

Saving You Time and Money. You are busy. Time is money. We will save you both -- with the peace of mind that you are getting the best possible rates, itineraries and customer service to meet your needs.

[connectionshousing]

Visit Phoenix Partners With Connections Housing For Meeting & Event Managment

PHOENIX, AZ (February 25, 2016) – Visit Phoenix, the convention and visitors bureau for Greater Phoenix, has named Connections Housing as its preferred housing partner. The partnership represents the next step in ongoing efforts to further strengthen and enhance the high-touch service and level of support Visit Phoenix provides to organizations bringing conventions and other events to the Greater Phoenix area.

Connections Housing is the preferred provider Visit Phoenix recommends to organizations seeking housing and event management support. As a full-service provider, the Connections team will offer comprehensive housing solutions for everything from reservations and room block management to pre-event and on-site meeting management, attrition prevention, and more.

“We’ve been working closely with Connections for the past year and know that they share our customer service commitment,” says James Jessie, Sr. Vice President, Sales, Visit Phoenix. “This partnership allows us to optimize our core competency by enhancing all aspects of the destination experience while leveraging the resources and expertise offered by Connections Housing. The Connections team has strong relationships with our hotel and client community and has proven their ability to custom-tailor housing strategies to meet the unique needs of groups of all sizes. We are proud to make Connections an extension of our team.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take our relationship with Visit Phoenix to the next level,” adds Brad Weaber, chief operating officer, Connections Housing. “Phoenix has so much to offer and we look forward to working closely with our friends here at Visit Phoenix to make sure that their event stakeholders and attendees have the best possible travel experience.”

ABOUT VISIT PHOENIX

Visit Phoenix is a not-for-profit organization that markets Greater Phoenix as a travel and meetings destination with offices in Washington DC area, Chicago and Texas, and serves as the primary booking agent for the Phoenix Convention Center. Greater Phoenix encompasses 2,000 square miles and more than 20 incorporated cities, including Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa, Maricopa County. The area offers more than 62,000 rooms in approximately 450 hotels and resorts. For information on Phoenix meetings and conventions, go to www.visitphoenix.com or call 877.CALLPHX

[connectionshousing]

Connections Housing Named Official Housing Partner For LA Auto Show®

ATLANTA (February 9, 2016) -- Full-service sourcing, housing and event management company Connections Housing has been named the official housing partner for the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®).

As part of the new partnership, Connections Housing will handle all housing needs for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions of the nation’s biggest car buying market. With offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Washington, DC, and two full-service, fully-owned call centers, Connections will oversee all aspects of the housing process – from contracting and room block management to reservations and post-show analysis.

“We are thrilled to partner with a leading housing provider that shares our commitment to delivering a high-touch level of customer service,” said Terri Toennies, executive vice president and general manager, LA Auto Show. “Connections’ strong relationship with the LA hotel community and solid service reputation, coupled with impressive technology capabilities and a proven track record of increasing hotel pick-up, were just a few of the reasons we knew they were the right fit for us. We look forward to working with the Connections team to offer a seamless housing experience to our exhibitors and press, trade and consumer attendees.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to provide housing services for such a world class event as the LA Auto Show,” said Brad Weaber, chief operating officer, Connections Housing. “We understand the specialized needs of each sector of the LA Auto Show audience. And, we have a custom-tailored plan in place – backed by our dedicated team, cutting edge technology and signature service commitment – to deliver the best possible booking and accommodation experience.”

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW AND CONNECTED CAR EXPO

The Los Angeles Auto Show is the first major North American auto show of the season. Press & Trade Days for the 2016 LA Auto Show® include the Connected Car Expo (CCE) and will be held on Nov. 15 - 17. The Los Angeles Auto Show and Connected Car Expo Press & Trade Days have become the trade show for the new automotive industry. Established leaders and emerging innovators from the automotive and technology industries convene in what is hailed as the car culture capital of the world to shape and unveil the new era of transportation in front of the world’s most influential media. The LA Auto Show is endorsed by the Greater L.A. New Car Dealers Association and is operated by ANSA Productions. The show will be open to the public Nov. 18 - Nov. 27. To receive the latest show news and information, follow LA Auto Show on Twitter or via Facebook and sign up for alerts at www.laautoshow.com For more information about CCE, please visit www.connectedcarexpo.com.

[connectionshousing]

Featured Guest Blog: A Conversation With Hotel Poachers

By Mark Roberti, Founder & Editor, RFID Journal | Shared from RFID Journal Blog

I received a call the other day from a company called National Travel Associates, asking if I was exhibiting at RFID Journal LIVE!, being held in Orlando, Fla., on May 3-5. I said I was. I knew immediately that this was one of the bottom-fishing companies that pretend to represent an event in an attempt to grab some easy commission business.

Sure enough, the person on the other end of the line told me, "I'm working with the event organizer and the convention center to arrange travel for exhibitors. Have you booked your rooms yet?"

I played along to see where this would go. "No," I said, "I have not gotten around to it." He asked how many rooms I need. I said "Around 50 rooms for the duration of the event," and asked, "Were you hired by the event organizer?"

He dodged the question. I asked if he had any relationship with RFID Journal, the company organizing the event. "We work with the convention center," he said.

"Are you an agent for the convention center?" I asked. He dodged my question again and, when pressed, finally admitted that no, he had no formal relationship with the convention center but could get me rooms at rates below what the show organizer was offering.

"Great," I said. "I'm interested."

The caller connected me to someone who could actually book the rooms for me. I told her I needed 50 rooms for four nights throughout the event dates. I said I wanted to stay at the Hilton, next to the convention center. She said she would see what she could do.

I waited on hold for a while. Finally, the woman came back and said she could book me 20 rooms at the Hilton during the early May dates I needed, and that the rate would be $389.

"You're kidding," I said. "The show organizer is offering those rooms at $220 per night."

She assured me that I would not get those rates during the four nights of the event, and that I might get them once. I asked if she was sure. She said "Yes, the shows post a low rate to get you interested, but you have to pay higher rate for most nights."

I replied: "That's interesting, because I am the show organizer and I signed the contract with the Hilton, so I know that rate will be offered for each night of the event, and we have plenty of rooms in our block available to exhibitors."

At that point, she hung up on me.

I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. The company simply responded that it did not misrepresent itself, which I hotly disputed.

It's unfortunate that companies like this—and there are certainly others out there—are trying to take advantage of unsuspecting exhibitors. I encourage you to avoid these third-party agents and book at one of the official event hotels, the Rosen Centre or the Hilton, directly with Connections Housing, our official housing bureau. They will secure you the rate posted on the event site’s Hotel/Venue page if you book before Mar. 31, as long as rooms don't sell out before then. I promise.

Mark Roberti is the founder and editor of RFID Journal. To read more of Mark's opinions, visit the RFID Journal Blog, the Editor's Note archive or RFID Connect.

[connectionshousing]

Connections Housing Names Weaber Chief Operating Officer

Convention Housing/Event Management Leader Announces Additional Executive Team Promotions to Drive Further Growth

ATLANTA (January 4, 2016) -- Full-service sourcing, housing and event management company Connections Housing has made a series of executive team promotions to enhance its continued growth and customer services focus. Brad Weaber has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer; Robert Colvin has been named Executive Vice President; and Jena Greer has been named Senior Vice President, Operations. The announcement comes from company founders and co-owners, Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki.

In the newly created post of Chief Operating Officer, Brad Weaber will continue to focus on growth and expansion initiatives, overall executive oversight of operations, social media, industry relations and corporate branding. He will also cultivate external speaking engagements, industry thought leadership and the development of a client advisory board. Previously Chief Innovation Officer for Connections, Weaber joined the company in 2014 from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau where he served as Executive Vice President. He reports to Connections co-owners Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki.

“Over the past year Brad has played an invaluable role in helping us oversee some of the most significant changes, new business opportunities and overall growth activity in our company’s history,” says Hallberg.

“Brad has an incredible ability to motivate people and understands how to balance and spur growth -- without sacrificing our critical customer service commitment. He is absolutely the right person to help shepherd our company into its next phase of growth,” adds Sieradzki.

In other executive team developments, Robert Colvin, CEM, has been promoted from Vice President to Executive Vice President. In addition to his current role directing all housing, operations, call center and travel services of the company’s Las Vegas office, Colvin will now also oversee the Chicago account management team and transition the reporting of Atlanta office housing operations to his purview. Colvin will assume responsibility of all housing managers, as well as call center, travel and other housing operations of all offices by March 1, 2016. Colvin will report to Brad Weaber. 

In addition, Jena Greer has been promoted from Vice President, Operations to Senior Vice President, Operations. Over the next three months, Greer will work closely with Weaber and Colvin to fine-tune housing operations and be heavily involved in best practice sharing/creation. She will also spearhead important research and development initiatives, fine-tune and enhance technology offerings, and serve as top advisor on sales opportunities as they relate to ongoing technology enhancements.

“Company founders Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki are true visionaries who understand just how important it is to evolve and align corporate resources in the highest impact manner possible to sustain momentum and prepare for future growth,” says Weaber. “From the tremendous results Robert has generated in building our Las Vegas office, to Jena’s tireless efforts to ensure that our cutting-edge technological and service offerings always exceed client expectations, their proven track records and industry insights assure that we will meet our strategic goals. I’m so excited to be working with each of them, and the entire talented Connections team, as we poise our company for continued success.”

Connection Housing has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2015, the company made a number of new hires, new business acquisitions, and opened a new sales and account management office in Washington DC. In 2014, the company also announced an expansion and relocation of its west coast operations, sales, marketing and call center in Las Vegas, as well as the addition of airline ticketing and travel services to the full roster of housing and meeting management services it provides to its clients.