11:15 a.m. – Registration Opens
11:30 a.m. – Hotel Tour and Welcome
12:00 p.m. – Lunch and Educational Program
1:00 p.m. – Announcements
1:15 p.m. – Adjourn
Think of hotel contracting like dating—first impressions matter, but long-term compatibility is key. This session takes government event planners through the full journey: from crafting the perfect RFP to sealing the deal with a solid contract. With a speed-dating twist, you’ll learn how to spot red flags, ask the right questions, and build lasting vendor relationships that respect your budget, timeline, and compliance needs.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Craft RFPs That Spark Interest: Learn how to write clear, targeted RFPs that attract responsive, qualified hotel partners who understand government constraints.
2. Ask the Questions That Matter: Discover the key contracting questions that reveal a hotel's true fit - covering billing, cancellation terms, compliance, and flexibility.
3. Seal the Deal with Confidence: Understand how to evaluate proposals, negotiate terms, and finalize contracts that protect your agency and deliver value.
Speaker: Peter Strafaci
With over 30 years in hospitality and more than two decades leading sales and marketing for Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton in the Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem area, I’m passionate about building relationships, driving results, and inspiring teams to do their best work. My favorite part of this business is the long-term relationships that truly start to feel like family. Outside of work, I’m married with six amazing kids, and we love traveling the world together whenever we can.
Speaker: Joan EL Hadi
With 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry and the past 8 years in a Revenue Management leadership role, I am deeply passionate about driving success through collaboration and teamwork. My approach to revenue optimization centers on the belief that every team member in every department is essential to achieving outstanding results, and I thrive on inspiring collective performance. Outside of work I love spending quality time with my husband and two daughters or getting lost in a good book.
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