1. How do I qualify to attend the Elite Meetings Alliance?
2. Who will be attending the Elite Meetings Alliance?
3. What is the difference between Gold Certified and Platinum Certified?
4. Is there a cost associated with attending the Elite Meetings Alliance?
5. When and where should I plan on arriving/departing?
6. Are there any special airline fares?
7. Will there be transportation from the airport?
8. May I bring a guest?
9. May I arrive early or extend my stay?
10. How many one-on-one appointments am I required to schedule and attend?
11. What should I wear?
12. What if I have additional questions?

1) How do I qualify to attend the Elite Meetings Alliance?
PLANNERS: After we receive your registration, it will be reviewed for approval to attend the Elite Meetings Alliance. Upon verification of your booking history and future booking needs, you will be promptly notified of your acceptance.

HOTELIERS: Your property must be Elite Certified by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board (EMAB). For more information, contact the Sales Team at Sales@EliteMeetings.com or (805) 730-1000.

2) Who will be attending the Elite Meetings Alliance?
The Elite Meetings Alliance will be attended by an exclusive collection of top meeting and incentive planners along with hoteliers representing Elite Certified hotels.

3) What is the difference between Gold Certified and Platinum Certified?
Gold Certified hotels and resorts represent the best-of-class in upscale and upper-upscale hospitality providers. Carefully selected by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board for offering meeting professionals an exceptional experience within challenged budgets, these hotels are top-tier and top-of-mind in value proposition, and presentation.

Platinum Certified hotels represent the top tier of hotels providing an exclusive and luxury experience for meetings & incentive groups. This endorsement by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board is granted only to properties exceeding industry standards in accommodations, activities, amenities, food and beverage, meeting facilities, and most importantly service.

4) Is there a cost associated with attending the Elite Meetings Alliance?
The Elite Meetings Alliance is a COMPLIMENTARY event for qualified meeting planners (excluding airfare). Hotels and resorts interested in participating, please contact the Sales Team at Sales@EliteMeetings.com or (805) 730-1000.

5) When and where should I plan on arriving/departing?
If you plan on arriving by plane, we recommend flying into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). You should plan to arrive in Palm Springs prior to 2:00pm on Sunday, January 29, 2012 to attend the welcome ceremonies and reception, and depart no earlier than 6:00pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 to attend the closing luncheon. (PLANNERS – we recommend you arrive on Saturday, January 28, 2012 for the Planner Reception.)

6) Are there any special airline fares?
For information about special airline fares, please contact the EMA Team at EMATeam@EliteMeetings.com.

7) Will there be transportation from the airport?
Yes, complimentary transportation will be provided from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).  Upon receipt of your arrival and departure information, we will arrange to have you greeted at baggage claim. Please make sure to e-mail your flight itinerary to the EMA Team at EMATeam@EliteMeetings.com once your flights are confirmed.

8) May I bring a guest?
We suggest that you and a guest enjoy Palm Springs together before or after the Elite Meetings Alliance. For guests who would like to participate in F&B functions throughout the event (meals, after parties, etc.), there is a $350 guest fee.

9) May I arrive early or extend my stay?* (applicable to meeting planners only)
Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa will be offering up to two additional complimentary nights, pre- or post-, subject to availability (total of 4 nights). Once you are approved to attend the event you will receive instructions for booking your stay in our update newsletters.

* Please do not make travel arrangements without receiving confirmation of your requested check-in and check-out dates.

10) How many one-on-one appointments am I required to schedule and attend?
All attending planners are required to schedule a minimum of 16 appointments. You will be notified via e-mail once the FaceTime Appointment Scheduler is open.

11) What should I wear?
A combination of Resort Casual and Business Casual attire is recommended. Average weather for Palm Springs in January has highs in the high 60s and nighttime lows in the low 40s.

Any themed events will be announced prior to the event.

12) What if I have additional questions?
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Elite Meetings Alliance Team at EMATeam@EliteMeetings.com or (805) 879-4485.