Washington -- A new meetings organization allied with Unite Here, the hotel workers' union, and dedicated to informing groups about hotel business practices was launched here today.
The Informed Meetings Exchange (INMEX) already claims more than 100 member-organizations representing minorities, academics, and lesbian and gay people, among others.
"We want to ensure that our money is spent in a way that is consistent with our organizational values and priorities," said Julian Bond, chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an INMEX member.
Bond added, "By giving us concrete information on potential labor disputes, strikes, boycotts or upcoming negotiations, our organizations are kept in the loop."
Other nationally prominent organizations that belong to INMEX are the National Council of La Raza and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Unite Here helped form INMEX and will work closely with the organization to keep it apprised of labor conditions and business practices throughout the hotel industry, according to John Wilhelm, president of the union's hospitality division.
"INMEX is a useful tool for all organizations to ensure they have the most accurate information about the hotel industry before they book meetings and events," said Wilhelm.
Joining INMEX is free. Planners who join can then talk to INMEX representatives about a variety of hospitality issues, including contracting, according to Jason Oritz, an INMEX spokesman. He added that the group intends to provide similar information on its website and in an electronic newsletter. For more information about INMEX or to join, visit inmex.org.