MeetingSource recently introduced a new tool, the Meeting Site Selection Optimizer, to help meeting planners find and compare leading meeting destinations.
The process is based on five vital site selection factors from available function space to unique characteristics.
With input from over 300 meeting destinations, the project has amassed one of the largest and most useful sources to compare destinations.
For each area featured, the selection criteria include:
- Convention center availability
- Sleeping rooms - how many total rooms for an area can be made available
- Airports and the number of direct flights – both is the number of direct flights an airport has and the distance of the airport to the convention center
- Average room rates
- Unique characteristics - what unique considerations make some destinations shine compared to others?
After possible locations are selected, convention planners can contact appropriate Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) to request information, proposals or check availabilities with a single click. MeetingSource.com lists over 700 CVBs and Destination Marketing Organizations under its "locations" tab.
"Most locations serviced by a Convention and Visitors Bureau offer an amazingly broad lineup of facilities and services - the Site Selection Optimizer will make it easier for meeting planners to put their destination on the short list – many for the first time," Horchner continued.
Planners who take what they already know about the planning process, break it down in analytical steps, and use available online resources, can easily locate and contact their optimal choice.
About MeetingSource.com
MeetingSource.com offers compelling information for selecting a meeting facility, conference center or convention center for more than 11,000 registered users and members of the larger search community. www.meetingsource.com 
