M & C Magazine - February 2011

LET TERS

Send your comments to Allen J. Sheinman, M&C managing editor, at asheinman@mcmag.com

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Posted mcmag.com:

BUGGED

Re “Bedbug Mania Is Here” (M&C, Research, December

2010):

While I think it might be a good idea to check for bedbugs, how thorough a check

about events donating to a designated charity in lieu of providing gift bags:

Sorry, but I prefer to choose my own charitable donations and resent an organization doing it “on my behalf.” Choose to offer an amenity or not. Give to charity or not.

Simple concept.

percent recyclable polypropylene, but we’re not sure how many municipalities separate such matter out of garbage. The sandals, as noted, are made from 75 percent organic matter, and the makers, Slip n’ Toss, declare them to be biodegradable.

BASIC BLACK

Re our Hot Idea of the Day, “Travel Intelligence,” about designating a “color of the week” and packing just one pair of compatible shoes:

I usually like to alternate shoes; if I wear the same pair all day for two days straight, I am not happy. It helps to stick with brown or black — then you can bring black heels, black flats and black rescue shoes. All set!

COLD IDEA

Re our Hot Idea of the Day on using hospitality students for “free labor”:

Sorry, but internships are not about getting free labor — especially bag-stuffing and other “simple” tasks. Internships are meant to be educational opportunities for students. If you have an intern, make sure you teach that student something worthwhile, and don’t expect him/her to do the clerical tasks and not be paid.

WELL SAID

might a planner accomplish?

If a hotel has 500 rooms, does one ask to see all 500 and tear up the beds looking for the little critters? I’m not sure that a site inspection would necessarily uncover the problem. Better to be aware of industry reports about certain properties experiencing this problem and ask a lot of questions. Maybe it is best to put a “bedbug clause” in every contract!

ECO OR NOT?

Re “Travel Finds” (M&C, December 2010, mcmag.com/web exclusives), on readers’ favorite travel accessories:

Great ideas — however, our society doesn’t seem to be too concerned about what “disposable” means. I wonder about the “disposable” bedsheets and sandals featured in your story; are they biodegradable?

tet hat

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BIG EASY DOES IT

Re On-Site in New Orleans (M&C, December 2010):

Thanks for the shout-out! FYI, New Orleans now is also a top destination for volun-tourism. Planners should visit our website for information on how we can partner to offer your clients a meaningful experience during their next conference in the Big Easy. – JEANNE BOURGEOIS, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, REBUILDING TOGETHER NEW ORLEANS, RTNO.ORG a tn w cn

— KRYSTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CSP

Editor’s note: The bedsheets mentioned in the piece are made of 100

ts

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PRO-CHOICE FOR GIFTS Re our Frugal Planner’s tip of the Week, “The Greatest Gift,”

“Concerning your Hot Idea of the Day, ‘Inspired Applause,’ which gives tips for speakers: Just remember — you are the number-one visual in any presentation!”