Electronic distribution specialist 4oceans is
to enter the conference market with the launch of its ResConference online
booking platform at the Travel Technology Show 2004, in London.
The new platform is specifically designed to meet the detailed requirements
of the conference market, automating the special rate booking process for
overnight conference delegates. 

David Yates, CEO of 4oceans, said: “The high volume conference market has
historically been complicated to control and monitor.  ResConference has
been developed to simplify this, automating the overnight booking process
and pulling it into the 21st century with real-time reservations, management
and reporting.  The result is a system that enhances the relationship
between conference organisers and hotels with an easy to manage booking
solution.”

Easy to integrate, ResConference works as a ‘snap-in’ module for conference
website agendas, providing the basis for enhanced operation and management
of the repetitive conference booking process.  To date most conference
accommodation requirements have been handled manually between the conference
delegate and the hotel, creating a large and time-consuming booking process.

The new online reservations system allows both conference organisers and
hotels to access conference rates and availability in a real-time
environment, creating a more customer focused booking process.

The platform holds agreed allocation at specially negotiated rates for each
conference and provides on-going monitoring of reservations to ensure
allocation is closed once full.  Bookings are delivered to the hotel via
e-mail or directly to their CRS via the Pegasus switch, allowing hotels to
more effectively manage allocations, special rates and reservations.

Delegates can view both the event itinerary and accommodation options, while
benefiting from instant online bookings and confirmation for each
conference, making booking easier and more convenient.

ResConference also provides conference organisers with access to detailed
booking reports to monitor availability, with reports instantly updated as
new reservations are placed.  Conference hotels can also access an arrivals
report to provide a detailed breakdown of booking activity, allowing them to
increase allocation when needed.

Peter Thornton, business development director of 4oceans, added: “Initial
feedback to the new platform has been extremely positive from both agents
and hotels.  There is a real recognition of the benefits ResConference
offers to all parties involved in the overnight conference market.  By
automating bookings and giving real-time access to rates and availability,
together with instant confirmations, the entire process is faster, smoother
and offers a more effective revenue stream.”
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