Renaissance Hotels Online Meeting Planner Forum

Renaissance Hotels & Resorts announced today the launch of its online community where meeting planners can network with one and other, as well as plan and organize meetings at the Renaissance properties around North America. Hehe – it’s like MySpace for meeting planners.

According to the press release, “The site will serve as a continually updated resource providing information on planning an ‘Enlightened Event,’ the Renaissance approach to distinctive meetings and events, including a brief online video, destination finder, showcase of Executive Chefs from across North America and the latest tips from industry insiders.”

I’m a big fan of any event that employs “executive chefs.” It’s funny to me that every company is getting in to the whole “Web 2.0/Social Networking” thing. I wonder if they have an RSS feed for the site, too :)? Seriously, way to keep with the times, Renaissance.

As a little bonus, members of the site can register for chances to win monthly prizes. To bribe traffic to the site during the launch period, the company is offering meeting planners who use the site to book events now through December 31, 2007, up to 100,000 Marriott Rewards® bonus points. Hell yeah. If I were a meeting planner I would book a meeting or two for a shot to win. In case you’ve been living under a rock, these points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, flights or vacations throughout the world. The site also features a monthly sweepstakes that allows meeting planners to enter to win fun prizes including a TomTom Go 910 portable GPS and other electronics, all-inclusive trips and more.