TalkBoard Topics - Travel Planners Forum

A new thread in the Marriott forum got me thinking about Travel Planners. I suspect that there are a number of folks on FT who, while they aren't fulltime travel coordinators/planners, may be more small-time in function. I help out with a few "events" every year and there may be others who do as well.

I was wondering if there is already a set forum for small time planners like myself to ask questions and talk about possible tools, tricks of the trade, how to maximize miles/points opportunities, etc. I realize that some discussions might be very pointed to a specific chain/program and thus might be better suited for that specific forum. But quite often, as a planner, I have to wade through a lot of info/decisions just to decide which chain/hotel to work with. I sometimes see some threads pop up in MilesBuzz every now and then, but there is a lot more to planning than just the miles so I'm not really sure it is the best place either. Some info my be location specific, but again, there's a lot about planning that goes beyond that.

If there isn't someplace specific, I have no idea if there is much demand or not for a separate forum, but I thought I'd see if anyone was ready for a short break from the post counting discussion. ;)

I both act as a travel agent and, in a different capacity, as a travel planner along with writing a travel blog. I would certainly be interested in such a forum.

Talkboiard member will have a decide to creation new Travel Planners forum. I think you have wait and see if they can have a vote to create new Travel Planners forum. No matter what happened in the future.

You could start building a master thread, maybe in milesbuzz?

Actually I like the idea of a Travel Planners forum as its own forum, but would like to see the OP flesh out the idea a bit.

Cheers.

Lots of points to be earned in the travel planning game. And lots of tips, tricks and issues to discuss. Seems like a good idea for a forum to me...

Actually I like the idea of a Travel Planners forum as its own forum, but would like to see the OP flesh out the idea a bit.

Cheers.

I think I can all favor to create new Travel Planners forum. I surely that I can understand Talkboard will have a negotiated deal to members.

...would like to see the OP flesh out the idea a bit.Personally, I would see this as a forum where anyone who was planning an event/meeting that requires flying, hotel rooms, conference rooms, etc, could come to have discussions.

I could see some who plan events on a regular basis asking about the various tools, contract issues, whose easiest to work with, hardest, what bonus opportunites are there from the various programs are out there. If flights are involved, does it make sense to deal with an airline and hotels separately, deal with just the hotels or airlines for both, or deal with a 3rd party, etc. For hotels, does it make more sense to Master bill or to allow each individual to pay, etc. What are the pros/cons for each of the airline's/hotel's meetings/events portals? Heck, is it best to use those portals or are there other, better, ways to setup a meeting/group trip.

I suspect there are a number of FTers who may be more on the infrequent planner side of things. They may want to see what tricks of the trade, shortcuts, best point opportunities, etc. are available to help make the most of this one event.

Basically today, there just isn't any one place for this information and with no set place, I suspect people may end up going elsewhere or just not asking at all. And in reality, travel planning for groups or meeting planning is more than just trying to get bonus points/miles. So having a set place might actually spark discussions that aren't coming around today.

And yes, points/miles is a big issue, just not the only one. Heck, with one event I renew my PC Plat status every year. ^ So I'm sure there will be discussions around who offers the most miles/points for a specific meeting/event. The problem with having that type of discussion in a particular hotel/airline forum is that the answers will normally be very centric to the hotel/airline for that forum. And yes, some of this can be done in Milesbuzz but as mentioned there are a lot of areas that go beyond just the basic miles/points discussions.

Actually I like the idea of a Travel Planners forum as its own forum, but would like to see the OP flesh out the idea a bit.

Cheers.I do as well and I also would like to see more and to use the words of Arte Johnson......verrrrrrry interesting

Personally, I would see this as a forum where anyone who was planning an event/meeting that requires flying, hotel rooms, conference rooms, etc, could come to have discussions.

I could see some who plan events on a regular basis asking about the various tools, contract issues, whose easiest to work with, hardest, what bonus opportunites are there from the various programs are out there. If flights are involved, does it make sense to deal with an airline and hotels separately, deal with just the hotels or airlines for both, or deal with a 3rd party, etc. For hotels, does it make more sense to Master bill or to allow each individual to pay, etc. What are the pros/cons for each of the airline's/hotel's meetings/events portals? Heck, is it best to use those portals or are there other, better, ways to setup a meeting/group trip.

I suspect there are a number of FTers who may be more on the infrequent planner side of things. They may want to see what tricks of the trade, shortcuts, best point opportunities, etc. are available to help make the most of this one event.

Basically today, there just isn't any one place for this information and with no set place, I suspect people may end up going elsewhere or just not asking at all. And in reality, travel planning for groups or meeting planning is more than just trying to get bonus points/miles. So having a set place might actually spark discussions that aren't coming around today.

And yes, points/miles is a big issue, just not the only one. Heck, with one event I renew my PC Plat status every year. ^ So I'm sure there will be discussions around who offers the most miles/points for a specific meeting/event. The problem with having that type of discussion in a particular hotel/airline forum is that the answers will normally be very centric to the hotel/airline for that forum. And yes, some of this can be done in Milesbuzz but as mentioned there are a lot of areas that go beyond just the basic miles/points discussions.

Those are all good points & would lead me to support the creation of this forum.

Cheers.

I think it's a great idea. I've been doing large group bookings and trips for years and sometimes would love to nut out ideas with others and get support.

I've brought this up for discussion in the private TB forum. I'm supportive of it.

Cheers.

Thanks for the update. I was wondering if this was dead on arrival or if there was any discussion within the TB on this.

Here is what I posted in the private TB forum regarding this issue this morning:

I wish that forum had existed when I planned my [destination] wedding last year. With the input of other FTers I could have probably gotten a better deal/more points/comped status from a chain for holding the event...

I could probably make decent use of this, since while Mr. Kipper has someone at work who coordinates their travel, it usually falls to me to take care of the "extras"--making sure FF numbers and hotel numbers are associated with tickets/reservations, etc.

I´m a partner in a travel agency, Mundo LAN user, Avianca Grupos user, we just booked a big chunk of a LH flight and we often charter our own planes too.

Count me in for participation in a new Travel Planners' forum.

Thanks for the update. I was wondering if this was dead on arrival or if there was any discussion within the TB on this.

Thank YOU for fleshing out why you think it would be a beneficial forum in posts # 1 & #8. That helped me with deciding this could be beneficial to FT & to FTers.

It might be a bit of a leap of faith that if we build it they will come, but this is a forum that I think would get input & not be a dead forum.

Cheers.

I think it's a great idea. I've been doing large group bookings and trips for years and sometimes would love to nut out ideas with others and get support.

The only "large group bookings" I've done have been during FT dos* here in Alaska, but I've gotten such an amount of satisfaction out of planning those events that I'd like to consider a career doing something like that.

This forum sounds intriguing to me for that reason.

*No, our Alaska FT dos are not just "meet at this restaurant for dinner"--they're full-on excursions involving planes, trains, and automobiles and overnight stays in faraway places. Check them out:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/815785-alaskan-spring-break-do-march-2009-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1045359-second-annual-alaskan-spring-break-do-march-12-14-2010-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1084750-127-pounds-cabbage-do-anchorage-seward-alaska-state-fair-august-27-29-30-a.html
And this year's: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1253576-theres-no-place-like-nome-do-ode-alaskan-midnight-sun-june-21-24-2012-a.html

The only issue/concern I would have with a Travel Planning forum is that it becomes a fishing ground for travel agents looking to drum up some business.

Helping each other plan group events/travel is one thing, making it a business resource for travel agents is entirely different.

The only issue/concern I would have with a Travel Planning forum is that it becomes a fishing ground for travel agents looking to drum up some business.

Helping each other plan group events/travel is one thing, making it a business resource for travel agents is entirely different.

Clarifying what you mean by that

Are you saying that flyertalker123 says "I am booking for 15 people to Vienna" and RandomAgent says "I can book that for you"

Is that not already adequately covered by this (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q71)

Commercial and Charitable Messages
a. Commercial posts. Posts containing promotional messages for commercial products or services - including but not limited to Internet sites, business advertisements and solicitations to donate miles or points – are prohibited and will be removed. FlyerTalk is not a marketplace and nothing is to be offered for sale or conditioned on an exchange of money or barter. Nothing in this rule is intended to prohibit exchange of travel coupons as allowed by the rules of Coupon Connection. If you spot a commercial post, please report it.

Yes, It may be, but it's just more work for the mods to clean it up. It also would cover PMs and emails. No solicitation should be clear right up front. But like I said, that would be my only concern.

Yes, It may be, but it's just more work for the mods to clean it up. It also would cover PMs and emails. No solicitation should be clear right up front. But like I said, that would be my only concern.

I hear ya, and isn't it always the case that if you say "no solicitation" up front in a "read me" thread, the people that ought to read it normally don't.

But the same could be said for other forums on FT

Travel Photography
Q What's the best DSLR for nature photography?
A Nikon blah blah blah, my shop has an offer on at the moment PM me.

UK & Ireland
Q Where can I stay in Devon?
A My B&B in Brixham is lovely

Hawaii
Q What to do on the Big Island?
A My surf school might be of interest to you

Car Rentals
Q Wow Avis Anchorage is quoting me $10,000 for a Chevy Aveo for a week
A I will rent you a jalopy for 50 bucks.

Spamming by commercial suppliers doesn't seem to be a major problem on FT. Compare it to Lonely Planet where there is an abundance of spam and fake reviews of commercial entities.

The only issue/concern I would have with a Travel Planning forum is that it becomes a fishing ground for travel agents looking to drum up some business.

Helping each other plan group events/travel is one thing, making it a business resource for travel agents is entirely different.Very valid points and my concerns as well

I hear ya, and isn't it always the case that if you say "no solicitation" up front in a "read me" thread, the people that ought to read it normally don't.

But the same could be said for other forums on FT

Travel Photography
Q What's the best DSLR for nature photography?
A Nikon blah blah blah, my shop has an offer on at the moment PM me.

UK & Ireland
Q Where can I stay in Devon?
A My B&B in Brixham is lovely

Hawaii
Q What to do on the Big Island?
A My surf school might be of interest to you

Car Rentals
Q Wow Avis Anchorage is quoting me $10,000 for a Chevy Aveo for a week
A I will rent you a jalopy for 50 bucks.

Spamming by commercial suppliers doesn't seem to be a major problem on FT. Compare it to Lonely Planet where there is an abundance of spam and fake reviews of commercial entities.
True, but if anyone posts those types of threads, and they do, often they are reported and disappear quickly.

Clarifying what you mean by that

Are you saying that flyertalker123 says "I am booking for 15 people to Vienna" and RandomAgent says "I can book that for you"

Is that not already adequately covered by this (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q71)

Commercial and Charitable Messages
a. Commercial posts. Posts containing promotional messages for commercial products or services - including but not limited to Internet sites, business advertisements and solicitations to donate miles or points – are prohibited and will be removed. FlyerTalk is not a marketplace and nothing is to be offered for sale or conditioned on an exchange of money or barter. Nothing in this rule is intended to prohibit exchange of travel coupons as allowed by the rules of Coupon Connection. If you spot a commercial post, please report it.


I when FlyerTalk decided to allow commercial posts in user's signature lines, that line is pretty much non-existant these days.

I agree with Mary2e's point.

Also, if this were to happen, it should be called an Event Planner's forum, not a Travel Planners forum. Travel Planning is a little too generic, IMHO.

Event planning forums already exist (limited, but they are there). I'm assuming that most people that want to plan an event would probably have at least a chain/brand in mind (especially here on FlyerTalk) and I think the discussion for that would me most applicable in that chain/brand's forum.

Although I can be convinced, I just don't see the need here on FlyerTalk.

Although I can be convinced, I just don't see the need here on FlyerTalk.

If the Talk Board established some rules about trial runs for forums, this would not be a problem. Give it a few months and if the activity is not there you can close it, much like the Senior Forum was closed for inactivity.

I don't see this as any different than the people who are selling other travel products on here, like KVS, and who have become company reps. Is KVS even a company? At the end of the day, this will drive traffic to the site or it won't and that is what IB is looking for....we can pretty much forget about the altruism as it for the most part went out the window years ago! Don't see any problem with this at all, and as Tom 911 said if the board proves to be inactive it will be closed.

I'm assuming that most people that want to plan an event would probably have at least a chain/brand in mind (especially here on FlyerTalk) and I think the discussion for that would me most applicable in that chain/brand's forum.

yes, but there might be other things that could be included in the new forum, for example - groups, meetings, events, negotiating, contracts and 'employer-side' things like corporate travel policies, incentive travel

has there been discussion in the past about a group travel or 'employer-side' forum?

yes, but there might be other things that could be included in the new forum, for example - groups, meetings, events, negotiating, contracts and 'employer-side' things like corporate travel policies, incentive travel

has there been discussion in the past about a group travel or 'employer-side' forum?

To my knowledge, no.

I don't think that it's a bad idea for a forum, FWIW....I just don't see any demand for it.

I know several of my fellow TB members are open and supportive of building almsot any new forum you can think of - and this one is specifically travel related, which is good...however, I believe that for a forum to be "successful" there needs to be questions/answers/discussion...there has been little to no group or travel or event planning questions here on FlyerTalk with the exception of the occasssional - "I'm doing a wedding, what can I get out of it?" type threads...which, again, I believe would belong in the specific brand fora - which is where you can currently find them.

And as for closing forums, doubt we'll see too much of that...the Religious Travelers forum, probably the most under-utilized forum on FlyerTalk - has had ~350 threads since it's inception in 2005 - just over 6 years old & around 60 posts a year & a good majority of them are about Kosher meals on certain carriers or in certain cities - questions which could just as easily have been answered in the airline or regional fora, most likely...but hey, it serves a need, I guess...and as this is my last year on TB, I'm sure I won't be around to recommend the closing of it...

I guess before I'd be supportive of this, I'd like to see examples of true demand for it...

there are definitely execs, owners, corp travel dept people on FT

my point was that a potential forum could cover a whole range of topics, but a question for some is whether people would want to publicize things like negotiating results or corporate travel policies (in a more public way when its an actual forum vs other thread)

one problem with hotel forums is when youre comparing hotel programs
mileagebuzz is the only option

could also be a place for DO technical discussion, might encourage more discussion?

I was wondering if there is already a set forum for small time planners like myself to ask questions and talk about possible tools, tricks of the trade, how to maximize miles/points opportunities, etc.

Interesting idea. How do you see a new forum working in conjunction with a (not yet existing) Wiki resource?

BTW, hhoope01, you really ought to consider running for TB next fall. I will vote for you!

As I posted in the private forum...

"I think discussion is important. Folk who plan mtgs, whether they be professionals, or someone who does it for associations they belong to or their own small companies probably can get more covered in back/forth discussions than a wiki.

A wiki might be good for promos, but it's not going to tell a planner about particular problems when booking venues or things to be aware of at a property, whether pro or con."

Cheers.

I don't think that it's a bad idea for a forum, FWIW....I just don't see any demand for it. I understand the sentiment and to some degree can't argue. But I tend to see a couple of threads a quarter in the Marriott forum that would probably fit well into this forum. And I would guess there would be a few threads each quarter in the other hotel and airline forums as well. And I would also guess that if there were a set forum dedictated to help anyone who might be planning an "event". (And an event could be 10 hotels only, it could include airfare, it could include activities, it could include conference rooms, catering, etc.) Having a set forum for that, would probably drive more questions.

So added all together, I would think there would be some demand.

For example and speaking only for myself, I don't think I've really ever asked anything about the events I help with. I've just muddled through on my own (and probably missed out on who knows how many extra bonus points in various programs because of that.) If there were a dedicated forum, I would probably have at least checked it out and probably would even have asked a question or two.

And while my kids tell my I am really weird and that there can't be anyone else similar to me, I still suspect that I'm not the only one who might have asked or will ask a question or two.

Interesting idea. How do you see a new forum working in conjunction with a (not yet existing) Wiki resource?I agree with SkiAdcock in that a Wiki won't foster ongoing discussions around planning events (whether big or small.)

A wiki might be helpful as a subsection for each individual hotel/airline's wiki. If there is a consistency within the sections, then details about each individual hotel/airline's rules, bonuses, etc could be listed. But that alone is just like someone detailing an individual hotel/airline's program rules. If that was good enough for everyone, we wouldn't need each hotel/airline forum for the questions/discussions that come.

So I still would think there is a place for discussions around travel/event planning.



And as for the TB, I can usually get my thoughts known without needing to have my own "vote". ;) But we will see come next year.

Ok...I'm sold on giving this a shot...

Would this be better suited as an "Event Planners" forum or a "Travel Planner" forum?

The only reason I don't like the name "Travel Planner" is because I foresee a lot of relative newbies (and potentially old-timers) seeking assistance with specific trip planning & am not sure that'd be the purpose.

For example, it's one thing to have a place to discuss planning an event, conference, meeting, or wedding, etc...but then quite a different thing, IMHO, for it to become a forum for 4 friends planning a ski trip or a weekend in Vegas.

Would this be better suited as an "Event Planners" forum or a "Travel Planner" forum?I think your suggestion is a good one. 'Event Planners' may be more descriptive than travel planners as there may well be events that don't require travel (i.e. renting a conference room, etc.).

I think your suggestion is a good one. 'Event Planners' may be more descriptive than travel planners as there may well be events that don't require travel (i.e. renting a conference room, etc.).

Ok...I'll put forward this idea as an Event Planner forum in the private TB forum.

Me likey. (which is exactly what I posted in the private TB forum too)

the luxury hotels forum is the only place like it on the internet

this might be something that could be a similarly unique offering by FT

im not sure "event planner" is best, maybe "event and destination travel" or something more along those lines?

I've gotten such an amount of satisfaction out of planning those events that I'd like to consider a career doing something like that.

This forum sounds intriguing to me for that reason.


and inspiring more such events/DOs and developing personal interest

the luxury hotels forum is the only place like it on the internet

this might be something that could be a similarly unique offering by FT

im not sure "event planner" is quite right, maybe "event and destination travel" or something more along those lines?

"Event and destination travel and planning?"

"Event and destination travel planning?"

"Event planning and destination travel?"

"Event/destination travel?"

What about something that involves the word "group?"

Group event and travel forum for example?

Is a group not the common theme? I think its a great idea. Buying cheap tix becomes negotiating a group fare, getting from FLL to MIA becomes "where can I charter a coach?" Hotel rooms potentially become taking over a whole building.

' group, event, destination "travel" '

"destination travel - groups, events, x, x, x"

i think the only time i would use "planning" would be if listing DOs in main title
but you could list "DO planning" in the subtitle/description, and im thinking thatd be better

(just my opinion of course)
(i agree group is good, and i think destination is good, especially because its used - destination management / destination management company, and as mentioned earlier destination wedding)

ah, one reason to include "group travel" as well is because it may not be as much about destination?

corporate group and incentive group would overlap

only thing i mentioned earlier that wouldnt overlap is corporate travel policies in general

I'm down for whatever doesn't signify that it's a forum for plannign a weekend trip to Vegas or a family ski trip.

I think it should be targeted towards "Group & Event Travel Planning" and the forum description should reflect its intended purpose.

another thought >

Group and Destination Travel

[For all the technical details involved with]
Planning Group Travel and Destination Events, including DOs
As well as comparing applicable benefits of hotel and airline programs

I think it should be targeted towards "Group & Event Travel Planning" and the forum description should reflect its intended purpose.

Have we come up with a forum description or are we still trying to figure out the title?

Cheers.

Have we come up with a forum description or are we still trying to figure out the title?

Cheers.

Well, usually the IB/FT team comes up with the descriptions - at least they have in the past.

My thought is something similar to Kagehitokiri's sentiment. To verbalize it, I'd say maybe something to the extent of:

"Group & Event Travel Planning" - A place to discuss meeting, destination, and event planning. This is the place to help make sure you're maximizing your miles for your events and talk about the planning and execution of events.

Well, usually the IB/FT team comes up with the descriptions - at least they have in the past.

My thought is something similar to Kagehitokiri's sentiment. To verbalize it, I'd say maybe something to the extent of:

"Group & Event Travel Planning" - A place to discuss meeting, destination, and event planning. This is the place to help make sure you're maximizing your miles for your events and talk about the planning and execution of events.

That sounds good, both the title & the description ^

Cheers.

Sounds good to me too. ^

I'm down for whatever doesn't signify that it's a forum for plannign a weekend trip to Vegas or a family ski trip.

I think it should be targeted towards "Group & Event Travel Planning" and the forum description should reflect its intended purpose.And those are my concerns as well and my gut is telling me that's what will happen and I'm leaning towards no on this

And those are my concerns as well and my gut is telling me that's what will happen and I'm leaning towards no on this

Cross-posted from the private TB forum:

Purview, purview, purview yadda yadda yadda, but threads like that should be moved to the CBuzz (or TravelBuzz) forum by the mods, just like a happy hour or Do thread that starts in a geographic forum should.

IMHO.

I disagree that it should be moved to CBuzz because logistics of planning a weekend trip to LAS or the ski trip aren't necessarily FT Dos, but I figure that threads like that will get moved to appropriate forums such as LAS or TBuzz etc. I figure that will happen, or real event planning folk either won't respond or will suggest switching to another forum, or might even occasionally answer, but that overall it might not be a problem - and the forum description should help.

So I'm not as concerned as goalie re: it, which is one of the reasons I voted yes. The other is I think this fills a need & will benefit FTers & FT.

Cheers.

I disagree that it should be moved to CBuzz because logistics of planning a weekend trip to LAS or the ski trip aren't necessarily FT Dos, but I figure that threads like that will get moved to appropriate forums such as LAS or TBuzz etc. I figure that will happen, or real event planning folk either won't respond or will suggest switching to another forum, or might even occasionally answer, but that overall it might not be a problem - and the forum description should help.

So I'm not as concerned as goalie re: it, which is one of the reasons I voted yes. The other is I think this fills a need & will benefit FTers & FT.

Cheers.

I'd think that threads could easily be moved to the proper forum, so while it might take a bit of extra work by the moderator of the forum, it probably isn't too much to ask.

Yes, the forum description should help. Perhaps the moderator of that forum could also come up with a sticky that is similar to the Dining Buzz sticky as well.