nts who specialise in hotel bookings for corporate clients revealed their concerns to hoteliers in anticipation of a cutback in corporate spending. Speaking at the Hotel Booking Agents' Association's annual forum, HBAA chairman Sue Burgess told the 230 delegates: "We think hotels will drop their rates without strategy. We'd like them to discuss this with us and if they do cut rates, make sure it's the same across all channels." Members expressed serious concern about hotels allowing the quality of their offering to deteriorate. "We will not accept shabby hotels," said Burgess. "You cannot afford to let the standard slip as this will affect you in the long term." Agents also hit out at hotels for over-using incentive schemes and marketing gimmicks. "If you want us to give you more business, then come and talk to us. Incentives often go wrong and just make staff compete against each other," added Burgess.