IN THE NEWS
We’re Making Headlines
YOU CAN PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED
By Christina Pappas, Summer 2016
There are so many things to think about when planning an international meeting or event - exchange rates, budgets, visas, cultures and costumes, time differences...more
MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS
By Christina Pappas, Spring 2016
Making assumptions is one of the biggest mistakes we can make when planning international meetings and events. It's hard to avoid; having planned meetings for years, we know what to expect...more
AVOIDING RISKS ABROAD
By Christina Pappas, Summer 2015
Planning an international meeting can be a rewarding but sometimes stressful experience, especially when you are working in an unfamiliar destination. Certain risks and challenges come with working in new territory...more
AVOIDING A HIT TO YOUR BUDGET
By Christina Pappas, Spring 2015
When planning any meeting - domestic or international - budgets take center stage. But expenses more than likely will be greater internationally than for meetings planned within the United States...more
DIFFERENCES IN MARKETING
By Christina Pappas, Fall 2014
At times I've been challenged by meeting professionals who want to know: Is there really a difference between marketing domestic and international meetings?...more
STAYING AHEAD OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
By Christina Pappas, Summer 2014
Gone are the days when conference rooms and hotel meeting spaces were filled with middle-aged men, basic banquet food and minimal technology. As much as countries differ, research shows...more
THE PAYMENT QUESTION
By Christina Pappas, Winter 2014
Among the many factors you need to consider when planning your international meeting - from cultural differences to shipping, from visas to exchange rates - one of the issues that is often forgotten is how to actually pay...more
THE FAQ LIST
By Christina Pappas, Fall 2013
Even the most seasoned meeting planner will, at times, encounter new challenges, question and problems when planning a meeting abroad. The list of frequently asked questions is designed to help you...more
WHAT'S NEW IS WHAT'S OLD
By Christina Pappas, Winter 2013
The hottest trend in international meetings right now - globalization - has actually been around for centuries. Indeed, for thousands of years, people and businesses have been buying from and selling to each other at great distance...more
SOURCING LOCAL BUSINESS
By Christina Pappas, Summer 2012
It's understandable that the local movement has gone viral. From the promotion of local business initiatives to the ever-increasing trend of buying local food, the world appears to be... more
IN THE NEWS
We’re Making Headlines
NAVIGATING THE OBSTACLES IN GLOBAL SITE SELECTION
By Christina Pappas, Fall 2012
Despite melting ice caps and widening fault lines that threaten to move continents further apart, the world is actually getting smaller. It is now easier than ever to travel, do business and foster relationships with those around the world...more.
A VISA REFORM PRIMER
By Christina Pappas, Spring 2012
To remain successful in business in our ever-expanding and robust global economy, it is more important than ever to facilitate partnerships with overseas communities. The easiest way to achieve this is by planning meeting where....more
NAVIGATING HIDDEN COSTS
By Christina Pappas, Winter 2011
One of the most essential components to budgeting for an international meeting successfully is to take everything into account. Avoid the tendency to base your budgeting on models used to plan domestic meetings...more.
MARKETING TO TOURISTS IN GENERATION X
By Bonnie Obremski, January 2008
Williamstown-Stop focusing on what's missing and start emphasizing what's already there, Christina Pappas, president and founder of a Boston marketing firm, told members of the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce during...more.
IF IT QUACKS, IT COULD BE YOUR TOUR BUS
By Emily Rueb, 2006/2007
When James Healy gets behind the wheel of a grumbling 19,000-pound ex-military vehicle called a duck and begins maneuvering it over Boston's crowded streets, he becomes....more.
PUTTING MAINE ON THE A-LIST
By Tux Turkel, 2003/2006
Boston--The 100 or more New England Tourism professionals in line last week at the Copley Plaza Hotel were queued up for their industry's equivalent of speed dating--they needed to make a great impression in a five-minute meeting. Chip Gray had lines up early...more.
AIRLINES PLAY FARE CUTS CATCH-UP
By Jennifer Powell
Airline fare cuts that spread through the industry yesterday are likely to spur more travel, especially for business. Several major airlines yesterday said they would match at least some of the fare cuts made by...more
HOTELS COURTING NEW GENERATION
By Jennifer Powell, January 2006
Marriott wants customers to think style and comfort. W Hotel is appealing to those who want to escape. Four Points by Sheraton promises honest, uncomplicated comfort.
In a crowded market place with Web sites making it easier than ever to get deals, hotel chains are under greater pressure...more.
LOCAL LODGING BUSINESS ON THE REBOUND; EXPERTS PREDICT UPWARD TREND FOR OCCUPANCY, RATES
By Julie Jette
After surviving three brutal years when Boston area hotels found it hard to fill their rooms, the local hospitality industry is finally seeing a rebound.
Suburban hotels in the region - including those on the South Shore - can expect a 5.5 percent increase in their room bookings this year to an average occupancy rate of 58 percent, consultant Pinnacle Advisory Group said yesterday...more.
EMAIL MARKETING HELPS TRAVEL AND TOURISM AGENCIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN STRONG CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
By Tom Francouer, September 2005
Staying in touch with customers in slower months and promoting new business year-round is essential for the travel and tourism industry. To meet their communication needs, agencies have found Constant Contact's user-friendly newsletter and promotional templates are the tools that allow them to deliver professional results..more.
IN THE NEWS
We’re Making Headlines
ALL PUBLICITY IS LOCAL
By Al Lautenslager August, 2005
Lucky enough to get some national PR, but do all your business locally? Here's how to leverage that exposure.
Q: I'm working with a PR contact, and they have the opportunity for me to be quoted in a national publication. However, my market is typically a local market. How can this national publicity help my business?
A: First of all, it is a well-known fact that any PR is good PR, unless it is associated with a crime or an obituary. Any national PR you receive can always be put to good use in a local market... more.
PLEASE COME TO BOSTON
By Jennifer Powell, 2002005
Still heavily outspent by rival states, Massachusetts' tourism industry is taking aim at potential visitors form nearby states with a $3.8 million marketing push that includes a new ad campaign...more.
AIRLINES PLAY FARE CUTS CATCH-UP: REVENUES CONCERN ANALYSTS
By Julia Powell, January 2005
Airline fare cuts that spread through the industry yesterday are likely to spur more travel, especially for business.
Several major airlines yesterday said they would match at least some of the fare cuts made by Delta Airlines, which reduced and...more.
LOCAL LODGING BUSINESS ON THE REBOUND; EXPERTS PREDICT UPWARD TREND FOR OCCUPANCY, BOSTON
July 2004
After surviving three brutal years when Boston area hotels found it hard to fill their rooms, the local hospitality industry is finally seeing a rebound...more.
BOSTON BRINGS THEM BACK: INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS ARE RETURNING AND SPENDING, SPENDING, SPENDING
By Jennifer Powell, October 2004
Boston's hospitality industry is noticing something different about their visitors these days - they have accents.
They're coming from England, Germany, Italy, France, Saudi Arabia, Japan and many other countries. And they're coming in...more.
FOREIGNERS FINDING BOSTON A BARGAIN
By Jennifer Powell, December 2004
Foreign bargain hunters attracted to the Bay State by a weak dollar and low taxes will have pumped $1.52 billion dollars into the state's economy by the end of this year. Next year could be even better, especially if the state gets cracking on..more.
