Survey: Booking Hotel Meeting Space Can Take Two or More Hours

Even in the “point and click” age, booking hotel meeting space can be time consuming, according to a new survey of more than 600 meeting planners by Hilton Worldwide. Released last week, it found that nearly a third of business professionals spend an average of two or more hours booking hotel meeting space for an offsite meeting. By contrast, only 21 percent of business professionals book offsite business meetings in an average of 30 minutes or less.

Other key findings:

• Sixty-three percent of business professionals say meetings outside the office are more productive.

• Sixty-seven percent of business professionals say they would book meetings outside of their normal workspace to enhance their company’s image.

• Eighty-seven percent of business professionals say meeting at hotels versus other locations has the benefit of a “relaxed” environment, while 86 percent say hotel meeting spaces are “fresh” compared to alternatives.

• Just 29 percent of business professionals say Monday morning is the best meeting time, versus 54 percent who say Thursday mornings are best.

In conjunction with the survey findings, Hilton Worldwide has launched “Meetings Simplified,” which streamlines the process for booking meetings with a basic meeting package that includes bundled pricing.

“Our hotels accommodate groups for meetings and events of all sizes, and Meetings Simplified provides our customers with increased flexibility through a process that’s easier and quicker than ever before,” says Andrew Flack, vice president, product marketing solutions, Hilton Worldwide. “A key benefit to business professionals is that Meetings Simplified offers per-person pricing and it’s easier to book.”

Because the survey found that Monday mornings are so unattractive, Hilton also has launched a #MeetingsMonday Twitter contest: Through Dec. 9, Hilton’s Twitter followers can respond to challenge questions on how they use and book meetings; responses must be submitted on Mondays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST, with winning submissions earning Hilton HHonors points, frequent flyer miles or a free one-night hotel stay.