Planners and suppliers don't see eye to eye on RFPs

Many planners don't realize how hotels evaluate RFPs, while hotel salespeople say their hands are tied.

View in browser Unsubscribe Tuesday January 20, 2026 Dear readers. Sphere announced plans for a smaller-scale venue in the Washington, D.C. area. Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta will retire in September after nearly 30 years. And we look at why planners and suppliers don't see eye-to-eye on RFPs. News   Miguel Neves Editor-in-Chief Sphere Plans Smaller Venue at National Harbor A 6,000-seat Sphere in the Washington, D.C. area would test the brand's small-format pivot. The project hinges on incentives and approvals at state and county level.   Webinar       Wednesday, January 21 @ 11 AM (ET) The Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 report identified the transformative forces shaping our industry in the year ahead. Now, it's time to move beyond the page. In this exclusive Backstage Briefing webinar, we aren't just identifying trends; we are exploring why they matter, how they will play out in real-time, and the specific impact they will have on your bottom line. Register Now News   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta to Retire After Nearly 30 Years One of the U.S.'s highest-paid tourism chiefs is stepping down as California readies for 2026 World Cup matches and the 2028 Olympics.   Trends Report       Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 The Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 report goes beyond surface-level trends. It equips you with the critical intelligence you need to turn today's disruption into tomorrow's advantage. Sponsored by Choose Chicago, Louisville Tourism and Visit Austin. Download now Event Management   Barbara Scofidio Editor Planners and Suppliers Don't Understand Each Other When It Comes to RFPs Many planners don't realize how hotels evaluate RFPs, and are disappointed when they're turned down, while hotel salespeople say their hands are tied. Events Skift Meetings Forum 2026 Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together leaders in New York on September 22 for a deep-dive on how the business of events is reinventing itself. This game-changing gathering gives event professionals the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly shifting business and geopolitical landscape. Register Now Popular Content News SXSW Sydney Ends After Three-Year Run SXSW Sydney will not return this year following the withdrawal of public funding. This brings the festival's planned five-year run to an early close. - Andrea Doyle   Contracts & Duty of Care 6 Things Planners Need to Know About Gifting and Taxes Recipients are required to pay taxes on incentive merchandise, trips, and even gift cards — not just on cash bonuses. - Barbara Scofidio   Destinations Philadelphia Uses PCMA Convening Leaders as Launchpad for $1 Billion Year The immediate economic return of hosting PCMA's flagship event is secondary to its potential long-term benefits: enhancing the city's reputation and generating a long-term pipeline of citywide convention business. - Miguel Neves   Event Management 8 Ways to Protect Attendees From the "Super Flu" This flu season is shattering records, but there are still steps you can take to keep your meeting from contributing to the spread. - Barbara Scofidio Defining the future of events. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube You received this because you are subscribed to Newsletter | Skift Meetings Stand-Up from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.