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Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about working with Kristin and GMI Worldwide.

What does GMI Worldwide do?

GMI Worldwide assists groups with preparation for meetings and events, including site selection, negotiations with the hotels, contract review, site visit coordination and other event details.

Since the hotel has to pay a placement fee, won’t they just increase my rates?

Never. GMI has significant buying power with the volume of business we do. Your rates are never increased due to our involvement.

Are your services really free?

Yes. GMI’s services cost the client nothing. Our compensation comes from in the form of a placement fee from whatever hotel our client selects for their event.

I’ve been a meetings professional for years. Why would I want help?

Seasoned meeting professionals are the ones that appreciate our services most of all.

  • GMI’s established industry partnerships and business volume help you secure lower rates than negotiating directly with hotels.
  • We take on time-consuming tasks such as sourcing venues, communication with sales representatives, negotiations and more.
  • We’re a sounding board offering unfiltered, honest guidance and feedback based on our many years working within the hotel sphere.
  • We’re your advocate, working in partnership to find the best value for your specific needs.

Our clients always dictate GMI’s level of involvement. They are in charge and sign the contract. Our team can be involved in as little – or as much – of the process as the client wishes.

We’re simply here to assist with the legwork and leverage our relationships to get you the best value possible.

We've done business with the same hotel for years. Why involve GMI Worldwide?

When a hotel receives an RFP from GMI Worldwide, our client’s name is initially “hidden.” This creates a level playing field and assures each hotel puts forth their best possible terms.

This is of significant benefit when sourcing a hotel that our client’s have done business with in the past. The property is unable to quote rates based on your group history, leading to lower rates and overall cost savings.

Most clients also appreciate that since hotel sales teams don’t have their direct contact information, they’re not inundated with follow-up emails and calls, allowing them to focus on the internal aspects of their meeting and other day-to-day tasks.

Do I have to sign a contract with GMI Worldwide?

We operate in good faith with our clients. There are no contracts or agreements for you to sign. Clients can discontinue using our services at any time.

How does working with GMI benefit us?

We save meetings professionals time. Our RFP process is streamlined. You only have to explain the details of your event once. Our relationships within hospitality are established. Our proprietary RFP system allows is to reach the right people at any property fast and efficiently.

We save your organization money. We leverage the volume of business GMI Worldwide conducts around the world to get the absolute best rates and highest value contracts for our clients.

We minimize your organization’s liability. From attrition to force majeure, we negotiate and review every contract to minimize your organizations exposure.

Do you drive business to hotels that pay higher commission?

Never. Our consultation is unbiased. We always do what’s in the best interest of our clients, regardless of the placement fees individual hotels offer.

How long does it take to get a response on an RFP?

The RFPs we submit have a response rate of more than 90% in the first 24 hours, and virtually all come back within 48 hours.

How do I receive proposals for review?

We compile a two-page availability report with basic details about each property that fits your needs in each location you’ve requested to search. There is no limit to how many cities or destinations we can source for your event.

These client reports are typically available for review with 48 hours.

Once you have decided on a location, we then refine the list to your top choices and reach out to those properties to negotiate the best rates and concessions.

Are there limits to what countries and hotel brands you work with?

No. We work with independent properties and hotels of every brand all around the world to help clients find the right fit for their program.

Do you assist with arrangements for site tours?

We do. If you plan to visit properties prior to making a decision, we can make all the necessary arrangements and prepare your itinerary. All you have to do is tell us when you with to arrive and depart, and we can help coordinate everything in between.

Still Have Questions?

To discuss your program’s particular needs, or to review a demo of our RFP process, just ask!