The Hotel Liaison

The hotel or retreat center normally assigns a person to your group with whom you are to communicate most of your problems during the retreat–probably the event or banquet manager.  It is wise for your retreat coordinator to name her own “hotel liaison” for ease of communication with the hotel staff during a retreat. When issues arise that require the attention or service of the hotel staff, the retreat coordinator calls upon her “hotel liaison” to be the one who speaks to the hotel staff and pursues resolution of any problems.  This prevents the confusion that may arise as individual (unauthorized) women take it upon themselves to communicate problems with the hotel/retreat center.

It is ideal if this person has a professional demeanor and experience in this area.  She needs to be able to communicate the problem(s) or need(s) effectively, concisely and tactfully.  The person assigned to be your “hotel liaison” will be very busy during the weekend, and needs to be prepared for that.

Additionally, she needs to be available and easy to find–not only to the retreat coordinator, but also to the hotel or retreat center’s event manager.  One year, our liaison was a young woman who actually planned professional meetings as her day job.  She wore a distinctive sweater all weekend which helped hotel personnel identify her.