Méridien Blues It was a bumpy start to the AFM‘s tenure at new home Le Méridien Delfina. Most industry we spoke to were unhappy about something venue-related whether it be the noisy strikes that took place all week, cost, size of rooms, “maze-like” structure, slow lifts (the fire department was reportedly called Friday to help guests stuck in one of the two lifts serving the hotel’s lobby), parking issues, location or general aesthetic.
Talk of alternatives continues to bubble. Miami and Las Vegas were mooted destinations among disgruntled industry. But a reimagined fall market has been a long-running point of discussion and many still think Los Angeles offers more than most cities.
AFM organizers IFTA told us they have a multi-year deal with the Méridien so it may be a case of listening, learning and improving where possible. Strike Impact This market was always going to be “light” as one packaging agent described it, due to the strike.
Sellers and packagers were hampered by not being able to secure or announce a number of actors for projects. There were a handful of packages that were whispered to buyers but not formally unveiled.
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