Darlene Cassio

"Today's meeting planners give repeat business to chains that deliver the highest levels of satisfaction," said Darlene Cassio, account director of the Travel Practice at J.D. Power and Associates."Overall, these chains understand their customers' needs, have a spirit of teamwork and deliver exceptional service to meeting planners."

According to the study, the following factors are key elements in satisfying meeting planners' expectations:

Cooperation: Hotel staff and meeting planners work together as a team to ensure no meeting or event obstacles. Ask the right questions: Sales and convention services staff ask pertinent questions, listen carefully to meeting planner needs and provide thorough communications to hotel staff for implementation.

"Today's meeting planners give repeat business to chains that deliver the highest levels of satisfaction," said Darlene Cassio, account director of the Travel Practice at J.D. Power and Associates.