UpFront: From ABC's President & COO

Long before ABC Global Services was founded, there was a TV game show, “To Tell the Truth.” The premise of this original American program that aired 1956-1968, was to identify a person/character known for having a unique occupation or specialty. This person sat on a panel, flanked by imposters set up to stump celebrity players. Following a series of creative questions and tactics to confuse the players, the host asked, “Will the REAL _______ please stand up?” And the truth was unveiled.

I liken the ABC Premier Block Space Program to the character on this show. For more than 20 years, our program has functioned successfully meeting the needs of generations of travelers, often challenged by imposters. The ABC Premier Block Space Program has stood up for travelers in need over the years and is still standing.

You may ask, “What makes the ABC Premier Block Space Program the REAL block space program?” For starters, in sold out situations the program provides quality hotel rooms, usually at the ABC rate in the locations your travelers need – not 30 miles away. ABC Premier Block Space includes ABC Premier Perks - the valueadded amenities your travelers count on and peace of mind for the travel arranger. When ABC customers are booking hotels for clients, and learn that a preferred property is sold out, (often due to a large convention, sporting event, or concert), they reach out to the ABC Premier Desk—online, via email or by telephone (their preference). One hundred percent customer-focused, our full-time Premier Desk agents secure and confirm rooms when few others can. Please see page 4 to meet our Premier Desk professionals who offer the human touch (“live”support – highly valued and nonexistent for the most part these days). Through ABC’s buying power, industry clout and reputation we negotiate these inventory blocks at select properties in the key high demand markets you need. And, since ABC manages this inventory, exclusively available to ABC customers, we ensure optimum allocation and availability when you need it.

ABC customers receive commissions on block space bookings and become highly valued resources for their clients based on Premier Block Space. Our customers have reported clinching large corporate accounts due to ABC Block Space securing rooms in sold out cities for executives. One customer shared the following with us recently, “ABC Block Space has come to our rescue countless times when hotels were sold out. The program is easy to use and includes a support desk with live agents! Moreover, the program aligns travelers and agencies with participating hotels, building brand and hotel loyalty, and repeat business.

We understand other block space programs offer thousands of hotels. We urge you to read the small print for restrictions and check your travelers’ needs. ABC appreciates the need for diversity in booking options and offers such options through the ABC Premier Hotel Program with its derivatives including Premier Privileges by ABC and EZ Book by ABC, as well as new programs always under development. Watch your email for exciting announcements in early 2012.

In closing, recently I have fielded many questions about this subject and wanted to make sure you, our valued customers realize the difference between ABC Premier Block Space and others. Remember - the ABC Premier Block Space Program offers you hotels in the markets and locations convenient for your travelers with amenities and appropriate room types that meet their individual needs and bottom line. Supported by live customer service, we continue to be your solution while providing an ongoing channel of business for hoteliers worldwide! The ABC Premier Block Space Program IS STILL STANDING…AND STANDING TALL!

Should you have any questions about ABC Premier Block Space, please contact me (bpatterson@abcglobal.travel / +1.312.462.1977) or Key Account Management (kam@abcglobal.travel / +1.312.462.1965). On behalf of everyone at ABC Global Services, I wish you a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season and prosperous New Year!

Best regards,

Beverlee S. Patterson
President & COO