Most meeting planners (72 percent) use online tools to send hotels RFPs. Of the 137 respondents to this month's M&C poll, fewer than half find the process "extremely helpful." How could it be improved? High on the wish list is a timely response -- even if the answer is no. Read more verbatim comments at mcmag.com/eRFPgripes.
Do you use electronic RFPs to select hotels for your meetings?
25% Yes, always
47% Yes, sometimes
28% No
After submitting an eRFP, when do you expect to receive a proposal?
How often do you get a timely response to your eRFPs?
8% Always
50% Usually
33% Sometimes
8% Rarely
1% Never
To what extent has the eRFP process been helpful to you?
46% Extremely helpful
38% Somewhat helpful
15% Not very helpful
1% Not at all helpful
For what size meetings do you use online RFPs?
34% 10 room nights or fewer
55% 11-20 room nights
65% 21-50 room nights
66% 51-100 room nights
66% More than 100 room nights
Do you make sure a property meets your needs before sending an eRFP?
44% Always
39% Usually
17% Sometimes
0% Rarely
0% Never
Source: M&C Research survey of 137 meeting professionals
ILLUSTRATIONS: Istockphoto (folder) pacondryx; (watch) bookal