I am an early adopter of most things, but I’m not too interested in testing new locations for investor presentations. Trendy, boutique hotels may reflect your company’s hip image, but they would need to be scoped-out and the staff educated. Pretty and clueless have a certain charm, but they don’t mix well with pragmatic investors.
It’s much better to stick with the pros. We often arrive from one-on-ones with less than 15 minutes to set up for a group presentation. I need to hand over the laptop to someone who knows the challenges I’m facing. That takes a special breed of hotel staff.
Tammy Meltzer at the New York Palace is a consummate professional. Meltzer knows the art of serving a meal while the CEO speaks and how to add spaces to an already tight table if extras show up unexpectedly.
Make sure the technical staff can support your multimedia presentations and that the lighting is just right, especially if you’re doing a video webcast. Also, the room temperature needs to be adjusted so it’s cold enough to keep investors awake, but not so cold as to cool them on your company.
Something always comes up during a meeting that requires immediate attention. ‘That’s why we have a special business desk outside the meeting rooms,’ says Meltzer. She always has a point-person ready with a walkie-talkie at the door. In contrast, I recall one presentation at the Waldorf in New York when I had to barge into the kitchen to find food for a latecomer.
Worse yet are meeting rooms with walls so flimsy your guests unintentionally take in another meeting. Avoid booking a room that’s just a subdivision of a mammoth hotel ballroom. You could find yourself telling your neighbor to turn down their volume – a tough proposition when they have an audience of 500 and you have 15.
London
We hold meetings at the Brewery and the Great Eastern Hotel, both within walking distance of billions in investment potential. The Brewery is a huge convention place and it actually is a converted brewery replete with some of the old kegs, which is appropriate considering market conditions. The Great Eastern is also a conversion; it once served as the adjacent railway station’s hotel. The meeting rooms are high-tech and go well with a progressive company image. Staying here is also pleasant. Avoid the Savoy. If you want a meeting closer to the West End, try the Berkeley Hotel and its great Blue Bar.
Paris
The George V is not only one of the top hotels in town, it’s a great place to hold a meeting. Nose-in-the-air service with flair and a chocolate Napoleon to die for. I tried to tip the maitre d’ once. ‘This is not America. You need not tip,’ he huffed proudly. Cool. If you’re trying to skimp a little, try the Prince de Galles next door. Never, ever use the InterContinental.
Milan
The Grand Hotel et de Milan has traditional rooms that will enhance stability imaging. The Four Seasons is a swanky set that will satisfy the tastes of the modern.
Toronto
The King Edward Hotel (the ‘King Eddy’) is still the place to meet, though it’s seen better days. It’s convenient for the banks, brokers and PMs and the staff knows how to handle investor presentations. Also, the chef turns out a mean steak.
New York
If you’re listed on the NYSE you can present there. It’s a great place to host a webcast, but security is so tight it might irritate some of your caffeinated guests who want easy egress. I suggest the Ritz-Carlton on Battery Park for downtown meetings. By far the best bet for midtown meetings is the New York Palace. I never understood the Wall Street Analyst Forum’s choice of the Roosevelt Hotel, save for its cheap price. It’s a terrible venue and should be avoided. Also, the Plaza and Waldorf should be reserved for political functions or nouveau riche wedding receptions.
San Francisco
The Mandarin Oriental is the mainstay. They know all about our IR trade. Staying there is a treat, too. Ask for a room with one of the glass-walled bathrooms overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Boston
If you know Boston, you know Le Meridien and Boston Harbor Hotel. We’ve had meetings in both. I prefer the Boston Harbor because the catering manager, Nathaniel, is among the world’s best.
