January 18, 2010
When it comes time to conduct a site inspection, it’s crucial for meeting planners to ask the right questions, to make sure the property meets all their needs.
Below is a comprehensive site-inspection checklist, written by David Chilton and Jennifer Wood, of FAMTripTV.com. Make notes, ask plenty of follow-up questions and photograph noteworthy features, for your records.
FACILITY
• age of the facility
• renovation history and plans
• star rating
• key selling feature
• time and distance from airport or hub
• proximity to shopping, entertainment and cultural venues
• language of service personnel
• dress code
• overall cleanliness, maintenance and quality of finish
• onsite activities:
o pool
o spa
o fitness centre
o other:
• parking and arrival procedures for groups
• safety on/off property: security, risk mitigation plan, nearest medical facility
DINING
• food sampling: taste, presentation, portion size, price
• flexibility of group menu design
• site of kitchen/back of house
• in-room dining hours
GUESTROOM SERVICES
• # of guest rooms
• room types, sizes, distinguishing features
• capacity per room: adjoining spaces
• run of house or as specified
• wireless or high-speed Internet connections: included, negotiable, price
• security: doors, windows, in-room safe
• overall cleanliness and maintenance
• quality of amenities
• linens and décor
• flexibility of room
• VIP options
MEETING/EVENT SPACES
• square footage
• capacity
• ceiling height
• obstructions
• configuration flexibility
• décor
• natural light
• in-room technical controls: lighting, temperature, audio, windows
• in-house/outsourced AV company
• outdoor facilities
• overall cleanliness, maintenance and quality of finish
• business centre access and facilities
• proximity to:
• washrooms
• other event spaces,
• elevators/stairs
• lobby and other public spaces
• cloak room
|