Washington DC Event

New Orleans Tops List of Most Popular July 4 Destinations

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Another holiday weekend is upon us, which means it's time to find out where everyone will be going. Priceline.com has released a list of the 50 most popular destinations for the 2009 Independence Day weekend, based on a survey of over 30,000 hotel booking requests made by customers.

Here are the top 10:

1. New Orleans, Downtown/Convention Center

2. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South

3. Chicago, Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park Area

4. New York City, Times Square/Theater District

5. Seattle, Downtown/Pike Place

6. San Diego, Coastal Area

7. Chicago, North Michigan Avenue/River North Area

8. New Orleans, French Quarter

9. Washington, DC, White House/Downtown

10. Boston, Copley Square/Theater District

Priceline.com's "Travel Ekspert" Brian Ek had this to say about the results: "The big surprise this year is the emergence of New Orleans' downtown/convention center area as the #1 July 4 destination. This is the first time New Orleans is in the top spot for the holiday and could signal the completion of the city's comeback as a tourist mecca following Hurricane Katrina."

He also noted that many of the top locations are reachable by car for large segments of the population, likely due to the current state of the economy.

Did you find any of these destinations surprising? I'm a little surprised not just that New Orleans is number one, but that it actually has two spots on the top 10. I thought Philadelphia was a pretty popular July 4 destination (at least over here on the East Coast it is), so I figured that would be on the list.

Did your July 4 destination of choice make the list?

Read the full list at Priceline's Travel Blog.

W Hotel Properties Are Set to Double Over Next Three Years

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

W Hotels, which recently celebrated the opening of its 30th property worldwide, the W Fort Lauderdale, plans to double its footprint by 2011. The brand will expand both domestically and internationally, to locations such as Paris, Barcelona, Washington, DC and London.

"Obviously the financing market is a challenge now," Carlos Becil, vice president of W brand management, told HOTELS magazine. "But we're working with strong developers. We are going into the right destinations with great partners."

According to the magazine, the 312-room W South Beach is set to be the first to open in mid-August, followed by the 317-room Washington, DC property just steps away from the White House.

October will see the opening of the W Barcelona at the Port of Barcelona, which will serve as W's flagship in Western Europe. Scheduled for a 2011 opening, the W Paris Opera hotel is among the properties on the roster.

Nation's Largest Mass Transit Project Kicks Off

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Transportation among bustling meeting destinations of the Northeast, including New York City, New Jersey and Boston, is set to get easier with the groundbreaking yesterday of the Trans-Hudson Passenger Rail Tunnel. Named the Access to the Region's Core (ARC) Project, the tunnel will link New Jersey with New York.

Overall, the ARC Project is expected to double commuter rail capacity in the nation's busiest rail corridor, running from Boston to Washington, DC. Rail lines including the North Jersey Coast Line, Morristown Line, and Northeast Corridor, which serves East Coast cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark and New Haven, will see more frequent and express service thanks to the ARC Project. A number of lines, including the Bergen County Line, Raritan Valley Line, North Jersey Coast Line, and Main Line, will receive direct service to Manhattan.

The Department of Transportation has committed $3 billion to this $8.7 billion project over its lifespan, the largest commitment to any transportation project anywhere in the country in the history of the Department. In addition to facilitating transportation, the project is expected to generate 6,000 construction-related jobs and has been hailed as a great step to getting out of the economic crisis.

"This is going to promote mobility, reduce commuter congestion, staunch carbon emissions, enhance regional competitiveness and lay a foundation for an extraordinary expansion of mass transit in the most densely populate state in the nation," New Jersey Gov. John Corzine told CNN.

Learn more at the ARC Project.

Nashville Council Approves Purchase of Convention Center Land

Friday, June 5, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

A quick update to my post last week on the proposed Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Nashville Metro Council voted to buy the 16 acres for the new convention center. Officials can borrow $75 million to buy the land for the 525,000-square-foot facility, expected to be complete in 2013.

First Dallas got its convention hotel, now Nashville has its new convention center, all despite the seeming drop in convention business. Is Washington, DC next?

Washington, DC Considers Financing $550 Million Convention Hotel

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

First Dallas, then Nashville. Now it looks like Washington, DC is the next city to get involved in a convention hotel debate.

Already facing an $800 million deficit, DC city officials are considering issuing as much as $750 million in bonds to build a $550 million hotel at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The city had originally planned to finance about one-quarter of the hotel's cost via a $187 million tax increment financing package, passed in 2006, with the rest of the money coming from private contributions.

In today's economy, though, securing private funding has become nearly impossible. Thus, the Washington Convention Center Authority choose to seek out public money for the 1,167-room Marriott hotel.

"They’ve been pursuing private financing and in this market, you know, that is very difficult," WCCA CEO Greg O'Dell told the Washington Business Journal. "They’ve spent millions of dollars on this project to try to move it forward. It really is shovel ready with the exception of financing."

The stall comes at a time when many say the city needs to step up its competition for convention business. As I blogged two weeks ago, nearby convention destination National Harbor is about to get even more attractive, as Disney announced a plan to build a 500-room hotel resort at the development.

"Travelers spend $5.5 billion a year in the District of Columbia and the development of the convention center headquarters hotel is a critical element in ensuring...we remain a top-tier destination for the meetings and convention industry," City Administrator Neil O. Albert said in a statement. He went on to express support for the project, saying it will "not only produce a District-owned asset, but will accelerate our construction timetable."

DC Chief Financial Office Natwar Gandhi, on the other, said he would not support this debt.

"To be very blunt about it I was very clear in saying to them that if you were to borrow $750 million that would put us way beyond the 12 percent cap we have envisioned for the city...and I cannot be a party to that," he told WBJ.

This looks like a debate that's only just begun. Make sure to check back at the Cvent blog to stay on top of updates as they occur!

Visit Cvent at ASTD's International Conference and Expo!

Thursday, May 28, 2009 by Cvent Staff

Cvent will be attending ASTD’s International Conference and Expo held Sunday, May 31, through Wednesday, June 3, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Held annually, ASTD’s show is expected to see over 8,000 industry colleagues from the training and workforce development sector.

A major focus of the four-day conference is the tradeshow (held Monday through Wednesday), which will feature almost 300 exhibitors. Don't forget to visit Cvent at booth 941 during tradeshow hours!

If you would like to set up a private meeting with Cvent during the tradeshow, please email either Lacey Campbell, Account Executive, at lcampbell@cvent.com, or Cassie Whiteside, Account Executive, at cwhiteside@cvent.com. For more information on Cvent, please visit www.cvent.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

DC Events Enjoy 44 Power Savings

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

It's a great year to host an event in Washington, DC. Thanks in great part to President Barack Obama, DC has been in the spotlight as a sought-after event destination, starting off with January's much talked-about Presidential Inauguration.

Now, Destination DC and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center have teamed up to offer planners a president-themed meeting package. Just like the Reno-Sparks CVA's creative promotion, this offer pays homage to our 44th president by offering these incentives:

• 44 percent off the total convention center rental
• 44 meals up to $44 each
• Free drawing held at 4:44 PM daily for an 8 x 10 classic view photo of DC
• 44 free table top exhibits
• 44-minute reception, 44-cent wine and beer

These incentives are offered to planners who sign a contract in a hotel using 1,000 rooms on peak with meeting space at the Washington Convention Center. Those who book an in-house meeting at one of 36 participating hotels can receive a variety of incentives as well, including 10 percent off food and beverage and free Internet within the room block.

Available May 2009 to March 2010, the 44 Power Savings gives planners a chance to save money while hosting an event in one of the most popular and powerful locations in the country. Visit Destination DC for more information.

Walt Disney Co. Purchases Land at National Harbor, Maryland

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

National Harbor Waterfront - National Harbor

It looks like Mickey Mouse is going to be Cvent's new neighbor. Walt Disney Co. bought a 15-acre parcel at Prince George's County's National Harbor development. It plans to build a 500-room hotel resort on the land, located in Maryland, which overlooks the Potomac and faces the District to the north.

The 300-acre National Harbor has had ambitions of becoming rival to DC as a conference and convention destination, and is already home to six hotels, over a dozen restaurants and the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the largest of its kind on the East Coast. However, the recession has slowed the harbor's progress.

Milton V. Peterson, chairman of Peterson Cos., who has invested heavily in the National Harbor project, is optimistic about the benefits the Disney hotel will bring.

"The addition of Disney as a partner to the National Harbor mix validates and fulfills the shared vision that we will be a world-class waterfront destination resort," Peterson told The Washington Post. "It's an extraordinary compliment in this economy."

Chariman of Jay Rasulo also commented on the $11 million purchase: "It will be a project of significant scale and put a recognizable Disney footprint in the Washington area."

Learn more about the project at the National Harbor website.

Keep America Meeting Petition Gets Over 21,000 Signatures

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Keep America Meeting Petition Signatures

We first blogged about the Keep America Meeting campaign and its online petition back on February 18. Now, three months later, the campaign has announced that the petition, supported by over 21,000 signatures, was delivered to the Senate Commerce Committee Meeting last week.

"The Keep America Meeting campaign galvanized our industry by giving individuals a collective voice to speak out about the importance of meetings, events and incentive travel programs," said Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, in a statement. "The many petition signatures allow us to tangibly demonstrate the widespread support of this issue to Washington, DC."

The petition was signed by individuals in all 50 states and even in countries around the world. Signers included everyone from bellmen to event producers to hotel managers to family members who are concerned about the loss of meeting and event revenues.

Learn more about the campaign at Keep America Meeting.

DC Event Venues: Host Your Own "Night at the Museum"!

Friday, May 15, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Washington, DC was seeing plenty of stars last night—movie stars, that is. Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson were among the Hollywood faces mingling with Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and members of Congress at the premiere for Stiller's latest movie "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian."

The premiere was held at the National Air and Space Museum in DC, a fitting locale given the plot of the movie. For those not familiar with this sequel, the plot revolves around a museum security guard who comes to Washington from New York to find his museum friends, a group of animals and exhibits that come to life after-hours.

After the release of the first film, attendance at New York's American Museum of Natural History rose, and it wouldn't be surprising if the same trend followed for the Smithsonian. Lucky for planners, a number of the Smithsonian's museums are available for private events, which means you can take advantage of these hot spots to host your very own night at the museum!

National Air and Space Museum

Located on the National Mall, the Air and Space Museum has four primary event sites as well as a 230-seat planetarium and 485-seat IMAX theater. Among its venue options, the Milestones of Flight Gallery can seat up to 400 guests, while the Space Race Exhibit can accommodate receptions of up to 700 people.

National Museum of Natural History

The popular National Museum of Natural History houses over 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts, including those at the recently-opened, one-of-a-kind Sant Ocean Hall. Host a formal dinner among skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops at the Dinosaur Hall, or mingle next to the African elephant during a cocktail reception in the grand Rotunda.

National Museum of American History

Recently renovated and re-opened in November 2008, the National Museum of American History is a stunning tribute to our great nation, featuring attractions such as George Washington's uniform, Thomas Jefferson's writing desk, and First Ladies' inaugural gowns. Host an event among these treasured items of U.S. history in spaces such as the museum's fifth-floor roof terrace. At its largest, the museum can accommodate receptions for up to 3,500 guests and seated dinners for up to 500 guests.

The Smithsonian Institution's museums follow a special events policy in which organizations that support the museum with a donation may co-sponsor celebratory events in its facilities. Visit each museum's respective website to learn more about its policy.

Celebrating U.S. Travel Rally Day Across the Nation

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Discover American Traditions - US Travel

Happy U.S. Travel Rally Day everyone! How do you plan to spread the message that Travel Matters today?

Here's how some cities across the nation are doing it:

• Residents from across the city of New Orleans are taking their support of travel and tourism to the streets! Colorful floats, marching bands, and parade participants brandishing "I am the face of travel" signs are making for an exciting Rally Day in the city.

• Industry employees are gathering in Station Square for Rally Day in Pittsburgh, many of whom are holding their Support Travel signs. The Visit Pittsburgh bus is also on hand!

• Louisville is kicking off National Tourism Week at the Louisville Visitor's Center. President and CEO of the Louisville CVB Jim Wood and Mayor Jerry Abramson will be speaking, and participants have the chance to win special offers, discounts and prizes.

• The streets of Washington, DC will be filled with red on Rally Day. Supporters were asked wear their uniform or to wear red as they gathered to hear U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow and President and CEO of Destination DC Bill Hanbury speak.

These are just a few of the many events going on around the country today to celebrate. You can follow the action all day by searching for #rallyday on Twitter!

Inside the Event: White House Correspondents' Dinner

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Washington, DC resembled Hollywood last weekend at Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. This annual black-tie affair gathers the WHC association's members who hold hard passes for the White House or Hill proceedings. This year, the over 2,000 event attendees also included attracted top-notch celebs such as Ashton Kutcher, Natalie Portman, Sting, Steven Spielberg, and Glenn Close.

Located at the Hilton Washington, the evening began with a number of elegant receptions. A blank fabric canvas backdrop was a showcase of changing audio-visual projections of automobiles, inventions and social issues through time at the Thomas Reuters reception, where guests also enjoyed political-themed cocktails such as the One Hundred Day Martini. The big Atlantic Media party featured Andy Warhol-like murals of President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and other politicos as well as a red carpet that welcomed the likes of John Bon Jovi and George Stepanopoulos.

On to the main event, the evening's dinner was crafted by Hilton's Executive Chef Andrew Cote, according to Obama Foodorama. Passed appetizers included prosciutto toscano, oregano brie, and spiced olives (about 250 pounds of prosciutto and 350 pounds of brie were used!). A wild watercress salad was served with a petite filet with sundried tomatoes and sides of seared escolar with olive tapenade; asparagus, cippolini, green and yellow squash with porcini; and mushroom demi-glace. Instead of dessert, a $23,000 donation was made by the WHCA to So Others Might Eat, a non-profit organization that works to meet the basic needs of DC's homeless and poor citizens.

In addition to feeding the hungry, the $200-per-ticket event also raised money for journalism scholarships.

DC Green Venue Spotlight: The Airlie Center

Thursday, May 7, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Planning a green meeting for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. Though there are now plenty of resources to assist planners in making smart, eco-conscious decisions, one of the best and easiest ways to ensure a successful green event is to pick an environmentally-friendly venue. Already experienced in green programs and procedures, a
green venue can be invaluable in assisting a planner in making the most sustainable choices.

I recently heard about a venue taking green events to new heights, and when I found out it was not too far from Cvent headquarters, I decided I had to share. Located in Warrenton, Virginia, about 50 miles southwest of Washington, DC, the Airlie Center makes it a priority to balance the natural environment and conference operations.

Its green initiatives include a linen and towel reuse program, organic culinary garden, energy efficient lighting, and non-toxic biodegradable cleaning products. It has received certification from Green Seal's Environmental Lodging Program and the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program.

The Airlie's serene location is literally green itself. Located in the gorgeous Piedmont region of the state, Airlie's lush landscape, dotted by shady trees and vibrant blooms, is ideal for jogging, biking, fishing, volleyball, tennis and more. Groups can even book a tour at the Environmental Studies on the Piedmont, right across from the Airlie campus, to explore the diverse woodland area, over 50 active beehives, and the resident swans that form its

internationally-recognized Swan Research Program.

Back in the boardroom, the Airlie offers natural lighting, ergonomic chairs, and the latest in technology in its 17 conference rooms. Private dining can be arranged in a range of settings, from the Boardroom, accented by a roaring fireplace, to the formal garden. The Airlie Center also has 150 guest rooms.

Not surprisingly, the center has a number of repeat guests and hosts about 600 government, non-profit and private sector groups annually. A member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) since 1990, Airlie Center really does pack a punch when it comes to conference programs. Consider it when you want to host a productive DC event that will keep your guests and the earth happy!

View more information about the Airlie Center on the Cvent Supplier Network

Meeting Venue Ideas: Eat Like Obama in Washington, DC!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden made headlines by dining out yesterday at Ray's Hell-Burger, a popular burger joint on Arlington, Virginia's Wilson Boulevard. Though Ray's was already a local favorite, there's no doubt that Obama's trip will garner even more traffic to the unmarked eatery.

Though Ray's isn't in the private events scene, that's no reason for your event attendees to miss out on dining like the Obamas do. Why not host a dinner or reception at one of the other president-approved restaurants in the Washington, DC area?

Citronelle

Already a staple on The Washingtonian's Best Restaurant lists—not to mention its inclusion as one of only eight of Conde Nast Traveler's most exciting restaurants in the world—Michel Richard's Citronelle restaurant in Georgetown was also the First Couple's restaurant of choice for a date night in May. Specializing in playful French fare, the establishment's ever-changing menu has included selections such as rack of lamb with white bean jalapeno sauce; duck with apple risotto and apricot sauce; and Michel's signature short ribs, braised 72 hours and served with raisin-peppercorn sauce. On the Obama's menu: a lobster burger for Michelle, and for Barack, 72-hour aged beef and one French fry—"to stay skinny," Michel Richard told "Extra."

Small groups can enjoy similar delightful fare from the comfort of one of four private meeting rooms at Citronelle. The Christel Room seats up to 16 guests; the Christophe Room seats up to 30 guests; the Chloe Room seats up to 40 guests; and the Presidential Ballroom, located in the Latham Hotel, is suited for larger receptions. Citronelle even offers private dining menu options. Guests can indulge in a course of filet mignon with porcini-flavored Yukon Gold potatoes or passed hors d'oeuvres such as petit croques monsieur, petit soft fish tacos, and oyster shooters with horseradish foam.

Equinox

Todd Gray's Equinox was the restaurant of choice for Michelle Obama's birthday celebration in January. True to its name, Equinox is committed to seasonal cooking; Chef Gray uses community-farmed, organic ingredients grown within 100 miles of the restaurant when possible, prepared in a New American style. Menu items include spiced striploin of Roseda Farms beef and housemade black fettuccine with shrimp bolognese.

Equinox is available for private events, with the whole establishment seating up to 110 people. Also available are its wine room for up to 12 guests and its atrium for up to 55 guests.

Art and Soul

Before attending the Celebration of Women in the Arts event at the Kennedy Center, First Lady Michelle Obama and nine friends enjoyed a meal at the Hill's Art and Soul restaurant. Looking to offer Southern-style hospitality in the heart of DC, Art and Soul is run by Chef/Owner Art Smith and Executive Chef Ryan Morgan. Modern regional cuisine with Southern accents comprise menu selections, which include pork ribs with vinegar slaw and barbecue sauce; pecan-crusted chicken with creamed spinach; and an assortment of hoe cakes.

Art and Soul offers a private dining room for functions. In fact, it was in its private area that the First Lady and her friends dined!

It's Cinco de Mayo: How will you celebrate?

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 by Caroline Gordon

Cinco de Mayo or the Fifth of May marks Mexico's defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, it is also a great reason to indulge in a night out on the town accompanied by music, margaritas and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine.

Never ones to miss out on a good party, many restaurants, businesses and hotels thrive on commercialized holidays like Cinco de Mayo seizing the opportunity to entertain and promote their offerings. So what special Cinco de Mayo events are taking place in your area?

Chicago celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the Magnificent Mile Hotel offering guests the opportunity to participate in a grape crushing, to taste traditional Mexican cuisine and sip on white sangria. Tickets to the special event can be purchased for $10 at the door. The event will take place from 4:30 pm to 7pm on May 5th.

Washington, DC joins in the Cinco de Mayo festivities at Alero, one of U Street's newest and most popular Mexican restaurants. Alero is offering several drink specials including $3 house margaritas and Mexican beers. Live Latin music will be available from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Las Vegas celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the MGM Hotel's Diego restaurant. Diego will be offering drink specials such as a Dos Equis with a tequila shot for $10, a bucket of beer for $20 and an assortment of appetizers specials. All offers are available from 2pm until 10 pm.

Atlanta celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the 2nd Annual Virginia Highlands Cinco de Mayo Block Party. The event will feature authentic Mexican food, numerous beer and margarita bars, a smash the pinata contest and even a hot pepper eating contest. Gates will open at 5pm with a $5 cover. Live music begins at 6pm and ends at 11pm.

Los Angeles celebrates Cinco de Mayo at El Puerto Escondido Restaurant. Here, for a $25 donation, you will receive dinner and two drinks. The party will take place from 6pm to midnight. Music and give-a-ways are also part of the evening agenda.

New York City celebrates Cinco de Mayo at Vinters. Watch Chef Snow and Benson compete for the best guacamole and sangria recipes and enjoy refreshing sangria, great company and delicious food. The event will take place from 5pm to 7pm and cost approximately $15 per person.

Regardless of your destination, there are likely some incredible deals to be taken advantage of so put on your green, white and red and go celebrate! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Industry Profs to Celebrate Power of Travel on U.S. Travel Rally Day

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

May 9 through May 17 is National Travel and Tourism Week! The U.S. Travel Association wants meeting professionals like you to participate in this "annual salute to the power of travel."

One of its big initiatives is the U.S. Travel Rally Day, held Tuesday, May 12. Described as "a bold and concreted effort to represent how travel fuels jobs and economies," the initiative has already received commitments from over 25 convention and visitors bureaus across the nation, including Boston, Orlando, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington, DC.

The Spokane Regional CVB held such a rally in early March. Put together in just two days, the CVB spent $781 to hire a photographer, pay for audio-visual equipment, make 300 Meetings Mean Business buttons, and print a dozen large signs. Their efforts resulted in 200 event attendees, national, regional and local media coverage, and $86,507 in direct media equivalency. Pretty impressive!

If you want to participate, check out USTA's toolkit. It offers tips for a successful rally, sample press releases, sample invitations to rally participants, and other handy documents.

Join Us for a Free Lunch Event in Washington, DC!

Monday, April 27, 2009 by Cvent Staff

Next week Cvent is hosting free lunch seminars in our hometown of Washington, DC! We'd love for you to join us and learn about how our event management tools can increase attendance and reduce costs for your meetings. We'll also talk about how you can use the Cvent Supplier Network to search over 75,000 suppliers and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

We'll be hosting three events in DC:

• Tuesday, May 5, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at Clyde's of Gallery Place

• Wednesday, May 6, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at City Tavern Club

• Thursday, May 7, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant in DC

Or, if you work in the nearby Northern Virginia area, you're in luck! We'll be around the second week in May in Arlington and Reston:

• Wednesday, May 13, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant in Arlington

• Thursday, May 14, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at M&S Grill in Reston

Please join us for the complimentary luncheon that best suits your schedule. To see all dates and locations for Cvent product seminars, visit our online calendar. Hope to see you in DC!

Hot Hotels in 2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

As long as we're on the topic of what's hot for 2009, Conde Nast Traveler has released its hot list of hotels for the year. The list features a number of hotels in the United States, from the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills in Los Angeles to the Donovan House in Washington, DC.

For cash-strapped planners, the hot list also showcases a number of hotels that offer rates under $250 per night. Rates at the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, for example, starts at $149, while The Nines in Portland, Oregon, has rates for doubles at $126 and up.

Check out the CNT Hot List Hotels 2009 to read about all the feature properties, then make sure to get their meeting space details and more at the Cvent Supplier Network.

Global Hotel Rates Decline as Much as 35 Percent in Q1

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Last we blogged about declines in hotel rates, and now Ovation Travel Group has confirmed it. The travel management company recently found that hotel room rates dropped an average of 17.4 percent in the first quarter of 2009 in 30 major global destinations.

Compared to average rates in Q1 of 2008, the rates of all 12 U.S. destinations surveyed—Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC—dropped. New York City has one of the 10 global destinations that showed a year-over-year decrease of over 20 percent with a 29.6 percent drop.

Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Paris Singapore and Toronto were the other nine cities with declines of over 20 percent. Singapore hotels saw the biggest decline at 35.2 percent.

Four destinations did see an increase over 2008 rates: Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Milan and Tokyo.

Cvent Attends 2009 Springtime Expo!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 by Cvent Staff

Cvent is attending ASAE & The Center's 2009 Springtime Expo tomorrow, April 16, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Held annually, Springtime is the largest and most comprehensive one-day show in the meetings industry. In 2008, it attracted over 2,300 buyers, who range from corporate meeting planners to third-party planning companies.

Hundreds of exhibitors, from destinations to hotels and resorts to general service contractors, will be at the Springtime tradeshow held Thursday from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Make sure to visit Cvent at booth 1112!

If you would like to set up a private meeting during this tradeshow, please email Chuck Ghoorah, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at cghoorah@cvent.com. For more information on Cvent, please visit www.cvent.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!