Social Distancing Calculator Now Available in GroupSync

by | Jun 29, 2020 | For Organizers

As the pandemic continues, the hospitality industry has witnessed the rapid deployment of more automated processes such as contactless check-in technology to limit interaction between staff and guests. The meetings and events industry also has had to pivot our planning strategies to account for the need to increase attendee safety at live gatherings.

Groups360 continues to develop the GroupSync platform, the most trusted online marketplace to search, source and contract meeting space and hotel rooms. GroupSync now offers an unprecedented suite of solutions to enable group sourcing and direct booking, including a social distancing calculator and a quick-search function.

Proprietary space calculator

While sourcing in GroupSync, meeting planners can use a proprietary space calculator by selecting the room setup, such as classroom, theater or reception, and inputting the number of meeting attendees. GroupSync then calculates the minimum square footage needed and eliminates properties that can’t accommodate your group.

GroupSync is the only sourcing platform with a built-in space calculator.
Social distancing options

You now have the added ability to factor in social distancing into these calculations by selecting between two options. When you select Moderate Capacity Reduction, the amount of square footage needed per person is increased by 30% on average. When you select Significant Capacity Reduction, the amount of square footage needed per person is increased by 50% on average.

Our product development team knows the industry and listens to our customers. The inclusion of social distancing metrics in the GroupSync space calculator is one way we’re keeping pace with current circumstances and adding value for our users.

“Just because restrictions are relaxing doesn’t mean that event professionals shouldn’t consider recommendations defined by local and federal health officials. Allowing planners to adjust space requirements based on social distancing increases confidence for all parties involved in the safety of an event — planners, attendees and hotel professionals alike.” —Brian Hines, Groups360 product manager

Even more enhancements to the social distancing feature in the GroupSync space calculator will roll out in the coming weeks.

Quick search

Another new GroupSync feature is Quick Search for event professionals who prefer to target only their known, preferred properties.

Many event planners rely on GroupSync recommendations for destinations and venues — search results produced by the proprietary algorithm take into account your event dates and weighted preferences. You’ll never see a paid placement, ever.

But if you already know exactly where you want to go — your favorite city or a long-standing hotel partner — you can now use the Quick Search feature. Simply input your number of rooms on peak, arrival and departure dates, and the city, hotel or point of interest where you intend to hold the event.

Access Groups360 technology

Groups360 has great hope for the future of meetings and events. Stay tuned for additional enhancements and features — we are here to support meeting planners throughout our industry’s ongoing recovery.

To see GroupSync in action, request a demo or register for our next free 30-minute webinar.