FAQs about Our Free Hotel Sourcing Services

Conference Planning Services offers free hotel venue sourcing and site selection for meeting and event planners. This resource page answers common questions about our no-cost model, commission-based structure, contract negotiation process, and site visit coordination. We help corporate, association, nonprofit, and government planners understand how a dedicated CPS team member manages venue selection from RFP to signed contract.

Are there any fees we need to be aware of?

We are a no-cost site selection company, so there are absolutely no costs or hidden fees to our clients. 

How do you get paid?

We receive a commission directly from the venues.

What sets you apart from other venue sourcing companies?

We provide a highly personalized experience that larger companies simply can’t match. We take the time to understand your unique needs and curate venue options that align with your goals, ensuring you have the right information to make an informed decision. Our ongoing support means you never feel like just another client.

Other than your commission, does CPS receive any benefits or perks from the hotels?

No. We pass all perks and negotiated concessions, including meeting planner points, to our clients. In the event that a hotel offers double points, we decline those and instead request that the hotel extend this benefit directly to the client to ensure our venue selection services remain impartial.

Do you partner with any specific hotel brand or property?

No. We work with every hotel chain including Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Lowes, Marriott, Omni, Wyndham, and their affiliates, as well as a variety of independent venues. We do not, however, work for these hotels – we work for you! Think of us as a trustworthy extension of your meeting planning team.

How do you go about finding the perfect site for us?

  • The process begins with our team learning the details of your meeting including location preference, number of sleeping rooms, meeting space required, etc.
  • We conduct a customized site search, freeing you from time consuming phone calls and emails. We manage those!
  • We provide you with an availability summary that includes detailed information about each property.
  • We set up your virtual and/or in-person site-visits.
  • Once you identify your top choices, we negotiate better rates, F&B minimums, concessions, and other contract terms to protect your interests and help you save money.

What are the benefits of going through CPS?

  • EXPERTISE Our industry relationships and experience translate into better pricing, concessions, and availability for our clients and their guests.
  • TIME SAVINGS Think of us as a trustworthy extension of your team. We manage the entire site selection process from start to finish, ensuring a perfect match between the event requirements and the venue.
  • PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS As a result of our contracting and negotiating expertise, we are able to secure better contract terms, typically not extended to individual organizations so you can secure the best venue location.
  • STREAMLINED COMMUNICATION A dedicated CPS team member serves as your single point of contact, ensuring clear and efficient communication. While you focus on your event, we handle all interactions with the hotels—answering questions, negotiating rates and concessions, and following up as needed to secure timely information.
  • CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS We tailor our venue selection services to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you’re looking for specific amenities, location, or atmosphere, we find the ideal site that aligns with your vision and goals.

How does the client input form help you find the best match for us?

We ask that you fill out a form outlining your site selection needs and preferences such as location, dates, number of attendees, meeting space requirements, etc… We use that information to create a customized Request for Proposals (RFP) to send to hotels that match your event criteria.

Do you set up site visits?

Yes! We set up your entire itinerary for you to visit the hotels of your choice. We will also secure free accommodations and ground transportation while you’re in the prospective host city. Many venues offer virtual site visits if that is preferable to the client.

What types of organizations utilize CPS and for what types of events?

We work with clients in the corporate, association, nonprofit, and government sectors by assisting them with venue selection for meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive trips, athletic competitions, board meetings, training seminars, and other events requiring an overnight stay. In addition, we offer our services to private individuals or groups that are planning weddings, reunions, or other large parties.

What does Conference Planning Services do?

CPS provides free hotel venue sourcing and site selection for event planners booking room blocks for conferences, board meetings, and conventions.

Is Conference Planning Services free to use?

Yes. CPS works at no cost to clients, earning compensation from host hotels rather than charging planners directly.

Who does CPS work with?

Event planners at associations, nonprofits, and corporations across the U.S. and internationally who need hotel meeting space for multi-day conferences, executive meetings, or corporate offsites.

How does the RFP process work with CPS?

CPS creates and distributes your RFP to matching venues and guarantees hotel responses within your required timeframe.

How does CPS find the right venue?

CPS uses a worldwide hotel database, industry relationships, and experience to research venues matching your location, budget, and meeting requirements.

How are hotel proposals presented?

CPS consolidates all proposals into one shareable comparison document showing rates, availability, meeting space, and concessions.

Can CPS negotiate better hotel rates?

Yes. Due to its volume across multiple clients, CPS negotiates reduced group rates, stronger concession packages, and increased buying power.

Does CPS help with hotel site visits?

Yes. CPS coordinates schedules and itineraries for site inspections so planners can evaluate venues in person.

Does CPS review the final hotel contract?

Yes. CPS oversees contracting to confirm rates, agenda, and concessions are correctly specified, and can refer legal counsel if needed.