Small Meetings eXpert launched
American Express Business Travel has launched Small Meetings eXpert, a service aimed at planners of meetings of fewer than 50 attendees.
The "online marketplace" will provide T&E spend control and a real-time connection to browse content, compare rates and book guest rooms, meeting space, catering and audio visual equipment.
Users will also have access to pre-negotiated rates and deals from the TMC's own hotel and meeting supplier network.
, vp strategic meeting management, Amex, said: "Smaller meetings tend to fly under the radar in most companies, and until now, remained the last uncharted territory for online procurement.
"Couple this with the fact that meetings of all sizes are under increased scrutiny."
Amex said its tool is the first to allow a meeting room to be placed on hold while approval is given, reducing the risk of cancellation charges.
The integration of standard terms and conditions will offer additional protection against cost penalties, Amex said.
The service also provides attendee management and reporting.
"Small meetings often represent unseen spend that can equal an incremental two thirds of a company's managed meeting spend," said Amex.
Amex will pilot its service in the US this spring, with further roll out plans and additional features announced soon after.
www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel