Page 10 - MilitaryReunionNetworkMagazineFall2018

Military Reunion Network | FALL 2018 | #militaryreunionsmatter Military Reunion Network | FALL 2018 | #militaryreunionsmatter

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Planner hot buttons still include contract clauses
as well as the ability to bring in their own food,
beverage and alcohol to the hospitality space.
Overall cost is still a factor as well. A reunion
planner summed it up well by saying, “A lot of
the older (Korea, Vietnam) veterans are on a fixed
income and while we do not expect the hotel / tour
to lose money, we, as reunion planners are trying
to keep costs down for our members.” Planners
are challenged to find the best rates to ensure the
greatest number of attendees participate. Packages This was a bit of a surprise as the topic comes up frequently. They
that include overnight accommodations, parking, say the devil is in the details which may be why many associations
go it alone. Reunion organizations would do well to agree on
breakfast are preferred over the nickel and dime the goals and tasks that go along with planning before starting
out. Several have had their own hospitality space and banquet
of each individual expense. Planners also wanted but shared the room block discounts by selecting the same dates,
to remind suppliers how little their group eats as destination and hotels.
compared to other markets like sports.
Turning the tables suppliers want reunion history is adequate. “Let us know the date, city,
planners to remember to be flexible regarding dates hotel, room cost and overall block/pickup pattern
requested. There are often opportunities to reduce for just the last few years. We are thrilled you have
rates if reunions will consider another date pattern. been meeting for over 10 years, but we just don’t
In addition, suppliers feel three years of reunion need to go back that far.“ 

San Diego Reunion Experts

Let us host your special reunion at the Holiday Inn Bayside
in beautiful San Diego. You’ll enjoy spacious and elegant
guest rooms, harborview banquet rooms overlooking
San Diego Bay and full service amenities. It’s the perfect
reunion location for groups up to 200 people.

LARGEST BANQUET: 200 FEATURES: Great hospitality rooms, airport
ROOMS: 291 shuttle, senior discounts, heated pool, 4875 North Harbor Drive
MEETING ROOMS: 8 whirlpool, fi tness room, 9-hold putting green, San Diego, CA 92106
restaurant, lounge, gift shop, free HBO, WiFi,
VALUE SEASON: December through 37" fl at screen HDTV, coffee, refrigerators, holinnbayside.com
February hair dryers, newspapers, guest laundry. Call Jodie Langhammer
REUNION PACKAGE: Hospitality suite, NEAR: Across from San Diego Bay, waterfront 800.650.6660
Complimentary parking, Welcome restaurants, Liberty Station and ASW base. 619.224.3621
reception package available Fax 619.224.1787
MCRD, Seaport Village, San Diego Zoo,
SeaWorld, Golf and Tennis are nearby.

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