As the meetings industry is often affected by the economy, current events and changes in corporate budgets, conference centers and hotels have all seen group business come and go over the last several years.

There are multiple factors we can attribute to the increase in meetings business. On a basic level, many conference budgets have been reinstated as companies continue to see the positive influence of face-to-face group meetings for off-site training, annual sales meetings and team-building activities. In addition, many of today’s booming industries can now afford to hold more lavish events and meetings than ever before. Best of all, a sure sign that this trend is here to stay can be seen in the growing number of advance bookings which are now made as much as six months in advance.

Seeing that the trend in corporate meetings and conferences is back it is very important for any hotel/motel etc… to ensure that they have what these business’s desire.

Rooms should be equipped with video cassette players, combo printer/copy/fax/scanners, and two phone lines with data port, speakerphone capabilities and cordless dual-line phones. Plus access to the Internet through LCD TV sets.


Rooms should also have work area with a desk, a fax machine, coffee machine, paper, staples, paper clips, plus 24-hour access to a printer and photocopy machine.


There should be multi function rooms to cater to meetings, theatre style seminars and promotions and exhibitions, and the facility for dinners and lunches with full audio + video conferencing facilities.


It is crucial that the hotel has conference rooms and business meeting areas that are quiet and peaceful away from disturbances.


The hotel should be well connected to airports and stations, it should have round the clock chauffeured services and it’s always plus to have a helicopter service as well.


There should be multi-cuisine restaurants twenty-four hour coffee shops and a well stocked bar.


There should be options for a quick breakfast of coffee and croissant in the lobby or an abundant breakfast buffet.


Customer service should be ultra quick and efficient so focus remains on the conference and business agenda.


It’s a plus to have Gyms& Spa facilities, as it has become an important feature for today’s business travelers.


Small features like one-hour pressing, overnight dry-cleaning and in-room amenities that facilitate traveling light are also a big boon for corporate travelers.


Club lounge serving complimentary breakfast and cocktails, extra thick towels and bathrobes, magazines, newspapers and designer toiletries are another attractive bonus.

Many corporations are continuing to choose facilities such as conference center venues over traditional hotels. There is also a greater demand for amenities such as spas, haute cuisine, conference centers and top-technology with the company’s need for value, service and convenient locations.

Ram Gopal is the business development head at Ista hotel Bangalore. Associated with Five Star Business Hotel Bangalore for the past five years.