True to SMERFs
Submitted by michele on Thu, 07/23/2009 - 07:20
I'm not sure how the rest of you feel, but it always tweaks me just a little when I see hotels and resorts courting the SMERF market. It happened during the Gulf War, right after 9/11 and it's happening again (with whatever we're calling this one). The on again, off again love affair with the SMERF market reminds me of a young couple, once in love, unable to officially call it quits. They keep getting back together thinking this time it will be different.
All the while, the faithful unique venues niche of the industry remains loyal and faithful to this market segment in good times and in bad. We don't exhibit at RCMA because we suddenly need their business, we've been exhbiting at RCMA for 15+ years because we WANT their business. We always have. Our venues are a great fit for the SMERF market.
Do you think they know this? Do you think they see through the hotels and resorts and just play along until business gets good again and they slowly (but surely) turn their backs on them?
All the while, the faithful unique venues niche of the industry remains loyal and faithful to this market segment in good times and in bad. We don't exhibit at RCMA because we suddenly need their business, we've been exhbiting at RCMA for 15+ years because we WANT their business. We always have. Our venues are a great fit for the SMERF market.
Do you think they know this? Do you think they see through the hotels and resorts and just play along until business gets good again and they slowly (but surely) turn their backs on them?
.png){kind=small}
