Church of Christian Compassion Breaks Ground in Philadephia

Congratulations go out to Sr. Pastor Lonnie Herndon and Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia, PA. The church broke ground on it's new multimillion dollar facility on Sunday, September 30. The project is schedule for completion in 2008. Be sure to visit the new re-design of their ministry site at www.christiancompassion.com

As I've dealt with ministries over the years, I've noticed some basic ...in the area of conference planning. So, as I began to think about having a monthly "conference & events round-up" during our main D&C Connection News You Can Use, I thought it would be a great idea to recruit Teshania Blackwell to give basic yet sometimes overlooked "Conference Tips" every month.

Teshania bring's a wealth of conference negotiation experience to the table. She's fondly known by most in Christendom for "read Teshania", as Prophetess Juanita Bynum's main scripture reader in the mid-late 90's through the early 2000s

During her time working for JB Ministries she was instrumental in planning and negotiating most of the conferences and special events. Today, I'm going to ask her a few questions about conferenct HOTEL NEGOTIATION.

Here's our recent Q&A correspondence:
DO: What do you think most pastor's or church event planners neglect when it comes to hotel negotiaion?
T.B: I think they forget or don't realize that there is ALWAYS room for negotiation. It is a powerful tool and the bigger your event/conference, the more the "power of negotiation" is on your side. I've noticed that some Pastor's "forget" that their event is bringing revenue to the hotel. So basically, the hotel is doing you a service, but you are also doing something for them, no matter how big or small your event is.
Negotiate a fair rate for your attendees. No matter what rate the hotel initially gives you, there is always room for negotiations. Negotiations are give and take on both sides.

DO: That's a great point. With that in mind, what seems to be the most widely "unknown" element within hotel negotiations that Pastors or those Ministry Volunteer conference/event planners don't seem to know or realize?

T.B.:REBATES! There is what is called "rebates" on each room that is booked. This rebate is between 10 and 15 percent. You should at least try for 12%. Sometimes hotels will try to go up on the room rate, if you ask about the commission or rebate. For example, they may tell you that the room rate is $79/nite, once you mention the rebate or commission; they jump it to $89/nite. If you feel this is affordable and reasonable for your attendees, then still go for the rebate. Sometimes, for the sake of the attendees you may have to forgo the rebate, but remember to pick it up in another area. Negotiate for something else that you may need (shuttle service, breakfast coupons, extended room service hours, etc)

D.O. : That's some valuable informaiton. So what other items shoud I try to negotiate if I don't necessarily, think the rebate will come in handy?
T.B.: Make sure you ask about comp rooms. These are rooms that you get at no charge for every particular amount of rooms that are booked. For some hotels, you get comp rooms for every 15-20 rooms you have booked. You should also ask about upgrades, and special rates for "suites."

If you have a question regarding conference planning, feel free to email TeshaniaB@DandCMultimedia.com and she will be sure to answer question. Plus she may even share it next time.