Circuit Hospitality

HOSPITALITY BUYING GUIDE

In today’s business environment, hospitality is a vital part of building and maintaining client relations. With so many options to choose from and so much at stake, it is essential companies know what they are booking.  It is vital that the people booking hospitality understand the differences between official and unofficial providers.  Official hospitality providers are chosen by the event owner or organising body to create, market and sell hospitality programmes on their behalf.  This guarantees that everything, from the ticket location to the food and beverage on offer and the level of service provided, is of the highest possible quality.

Unofficial hospitality providers do not have a direct relationship with event owners and are not require to offer a certain level of service. Hospitality facilities are often located off site, a long way (sometimes even miles) from the event, making it difficult and impractical to both spectate and enjoy the hospitality. Unofficial suppliers usually have to rely on the grey or black market for tickets, therefore their suppliers’ tickets may be of a much lower category than those offered by official suppliers.  In extreme cases, unofficial hospitality providers are let down by their suppliers and left without tickets for their customers. This is highly embarrassing for both the host and their guests and would undoubtedly damage their business relationship.

Circuit Hospitality only sells official hospitality which guarantees customers the best facilities, official event tickets, great service and peace of mind; as well as ensuring that the money is maintained within the event. Keith Prowse’s knowledge and relationships within the industry mean that customers and their guests can relax and enjoy a day to remember.

Top Tips to buying hospitality

To assist you in your purchase of hospitality Circuit have created the following hospitality buying guide.  If you ever need advice when purchasing a hospitality product, or are unsure of the legitimacy of a product then do not hesitate to give us a call, and we will give you an impartial view. 

1. Understand your customers to get the most from hospitality.  The premise is that if you give your customer a experience to remember, that they will never forget it, and when they buy they will feel loyal to you.  This works if you understand what they enjoy or what they would really like to do.  Sometimes it can be as effective to take just one or two important clients to something that is really special to them, rather than a big group to an event they are indifferent they are about.

2. If you want the best seats and tickets book early, as the best stuff will go first! 

3. Always buy from a supplier who is accredited as an ‘official’ supplier.  Hospitality suppliers should only sell packages including tickets relating to events they are officially appointed to.

4. Do not be fooled by the telesales call that offers ‘a table that has just become free, as a client has just cancelled’.  This is invariably not true and often the discounted price offered is still higher than the true price of the package.  This is most common for package at the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival. 

5. Be sure to ask the supplier the details of the tickets included in your package.  Official suppliers will have bona fide tickets sourced directly (and these tickets should always be located together).   Hospitality suppliers should make clients aware of the exact seat locations of official tickets. 

6. Beware of agents who promise tickets for events that haven’t been released yet.  They are simply speculating that they may be able to find tickets if you want them, and will take your money before regardless of whether they can get them.

7. The hospitality industry is unregulated. If you have any doubt whatsoever, contact the host venue directly.  They will know immediately who the appointed suppliers are and will be able to verify any questions or queries you may have. 

8. Do not be taken in by spectacular photography, costly looking brochures and collateral. These do not necessarily reflect what you will get on the day.  Always insist on details regarding facility locations, and if the supplier is vague about where your facility is then think twice about committing to the sale.  Official hospitality areas should be located within the official facilities sanctioned by the rights holder, not in a field next door!

9. Be price conscious. Do not get sucked into buying the cheapest as low prices don’t necessarily mean value for money.  The same applies to paying over the odds. Always check out various suppliers as you may end up buying a package that has been through the hands of several agents and may be inflated well beyond its original value.

10. Read the contract and check exactly what is included in the corporate hospitality package.If you have any doubt at all, ask for previous client recommendations and endorsements.