Well, we did it! First event is done and dusted and I have framed a copy of my first paid invoice on the wall for posterity. A proud moment and one that has cemented our belief that we have absolutely done the right thing! Seeing our company logo on the hospitality desk sent goose bumps up my back and for the first time in a long time, I was able to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
So today, I’m sitting here writing this blog having just returned from EIBTM. It seems somewhat strange to be talking about Clearwater’s aims and objectives, but within the unchartered sea that we navigating in, it was totally reassuring to see familiar faces and old friends. It sends a wave of confidence that we are doing the right thing.
However, right now I feel that we are following a similar journey to that of the old fable David and Goliath! Indeed, the Goliaths were out in force at EIBTM, strutting their stuff and holding court somewhat at the major hotel stands. But, it makes me chuckle and question our industry as it stands.
I was shocked, actually in fact appalled to hear a certain agency is now demanding 20% commission from all hotels they use! Have we as an industry gone entirely mad? I feel we are at a turning point with the Goliath’s of this world. Clients unknowingly in many cases are being channeled into hotels, not for their suitability of the brief, but rather the agencies own override and commission agreements. Surely the only person to suffer is the client? These demands in rate reduction and increased commission can only be met by own simple action…. Cutting quality.
At times it seem that events are no longer started with a blank canvass, rather a set of SLAs, SOPs and KPI where proposals are often molded from agencies own criteria.
Of course it doesn’t happen all the time and there are many, many creatives out there. But it does seem that the Goliaths are starting to lose touch with the very essence of why people meet. And it’s the David’s of this world that I truly believe will prevail at the end of the day. Small agencies can’t always compete with rates, but we can compete in overall value, quality and creativity. And, as small agencies have low operating costs, indeed we become more cost effective as reduced rates only form one part of the overall budget…