HOTELIERS URGE SMALL BUSINESSES TO TRY MID-WEEK MARKET VISITS

Still need accommodations for Fall Market next week and hoping for a last-minute travel deal? You may be in luck. .

Hoteliers in the Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem area report that reservations have been brisk for Fall Market week, October 1 to 7. While procrastinators will likely find rooms difficult to come by at Market's start, "There are still a few good hotel deals to be had later in the week," says the High Point Market Authority's Dawn Smith, who oversees travel arrangements for Market attendees.

"Many area hotels are trying to accommodate the various needs of Market attendees and some are offering reduced rates for buyers coming in later in the week. Budget-conscious attendees in search of last-minute deals can benefit from the addition of these special, mid-week room promotions, but the key to securing these special room rates is to book your travel through the Market Authority."

According to Smith, hotel rates in High Point and nearby cities range from $69.00 to under $169 for visitors who are willing to try a shorter stay during the latter days of Market. Additionally, since most hotels are served by the free Market transportation service, there's no need to rent a car.

"Our objective in offering these mid-week rates is to reach out to small business owners—retailers and designers—who might not otherwise have an opportunity to come to Market due to concerns about the economy," says Chris Adams, general manager of the Ashford Suites Hotel in High Point, which offers a mid-week Market rate of $169 for rooms outfitted with Jacuzzi, fireplace and special Bath & Body Works collection toiletries. The special room rate also includes a full complimentary breakfast buffet each day, and complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres each evening."

Beyond taking advantage of mid-week travel promotions and a full week of scheduled events, the Market Authority has a number of suggestions to help attendees make the most of Market. Among these:

• Save money and time and skip the rental car. The Market Authority has a free, comprehensive, ongoing transportation service to move market-goers around High Point efficiently and get to hotels and the airport quickly.
• Make a plan. To make your visit as effective as possible, try the exclusive online Market Planner at www.highpointmarket.org/marketplanner.aspx. The Market Planner allows users to select and map desired exhibitor and event locations and includes shuttle times, routes and numbers for traveling to those locations. Users can search and map their routes by company name, showroom building or category of merchandise. Additionally, the Planner gives the option of creating a PDF for each map, which enables users to save their maps or email them to additional recipients.
• Book time with a Market Scout. This free service gives buyers a trained "scout" to help them more easily navigate the Market. Plus, another set of eyes are ideal for identifying new sources.

"You can get a lot accomplished in several days at High Point," says Brian Casey, president and chief executive of the High Point Market Authority. "If you haven't already registered, plan to come in on Wednesday or Thursday and take advantage of the new services that simplify the logistics of Market, as well as special mid-week accommodations promotions. You'll leave with the ammunition you need to stimulate your business."

For assistance with booking hotels and making other last-minute travel arrangements contact Dawn Smith (336) 869-1000 ext. 231 or visit the High Point Market Authority website: www.highpointmarket.org.