The SpeedRFP Network Launches at IMEX America 2013
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) October 14, 2013 -- SpeedRFP, the leading cloud-based, request-for-proposal (RFP) system, launched the SpeedRFP Network, a new portal for hotels around the world focused on group business. The SpeedRFP electronic proposal system currently serves 72,000 buyers, who can repurpose proposals on any SpeedRFP-enabled site. The SpeedRFP Network was developed in response to a chorus of requests from these buyers, who asked for the convenience of researching and submitting RFPs on a single site.
Kelly Foy, CEO of Elite Meetings International, Inc., which developed SpeedRFP and the SpeedRFP Network, said, “We’re proud to launch the SpeedRFP Network, which is completely transaction free for both planners and suppliers. Its the first and only way for meeting planners and other users to connect directly with thousands of hotels via a single portal, without the cumbersome series of RFP forms or other roadblocks.”
Features of the SpeedRFP Network, accessible at SpeedRFP.com, include a streamlined user experience, smart search and refine functionality, and additional time-saving shortcuts that make it easy for buyers to locate and connect directly with group-focused venues. Foy says the development team also focused on minimizing eRFP “lead spam” by incorporating filters and tool tips to educate buyers on the issue, and to minimize duplicate and nonqualified RFPs.
The SpeedRFP Network launched with 10,000 hotels, but it won’t remain there for long, Foy said. “These initial hotels represent the first in a multiphase effort focused on properties around the world that generate the majority of the world’s group business. The heavy hitters, if you will. Our research shows that roughly 30,000 hotels currently fit this profile, and it is our goal to include all of them in 2014,” he said.
The network’s technology only tells part of the story, however. According to Foy, its greatest asset may be the community of 72,000 buyers who are already using SpeedRFP as a resource. Their requests to have a central site for research and RFP submissions formed the basis for the SpeedRFP Network. These buyers are brand-agnostic, difficult to reach via traditional vehicles, and 89 percent of them buy direct. What’s more, they are growing—by more than 100 per day. In terms of activity as a whole, they:
o Have surpassed 3 million room nights in unique eRFP opportunities in the past year
o Average just 4 hotels per unique RFP
o Confirmed $100 million in bookings YTD
o Have proved the system’s flexibility by using it for meetings, events, and even weddings
With the launch of the SpeedRFP Network, meeting professionals will now have many of their favorite international brands and some of the world’s most recognized hotels in one convenient location. Among the early adopters of SpeedRFP technology: Hilton’s Connect+, MGM Resorts International, Corinthia Hotels, and Dolce Hotels and Resorts, all of whom selected SpeedRFP technology to power their own websites’ eRFP process. The SpeedRFP Network will further enhance their visibility among active buyers.
For more on SpeedRFP and the SpeedRFP Network, please visit – http://www.SpeedRFP.com
About Elite Meetings International, Inc.
Based in Santa Barbara, Elite Meetings International (EMI) provides integrated solutions to enhance the performance of meeting and hospitality professionals. EMI supports this community through a combination of innovative technology, direct sales support, customized marketing programs, and face-to-face business-building events. For additional information, please visit http://www.EliteMeetings.com or call 805-730-1000.
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Michael Frenkel, Duetto, http://www.lq.com, +1 (201) 317-7035, [email protected]
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