A recent survey from The Knowland Group, the world's largest data firm in the global meetings and conventions industry, shows that hotels are losing out on Election Night. While a majority of the hoteliers surveyed said they are accustomed to elections meaning big group business, less than a quarter had actually booked an event related to the 2010 midterm elections on Tuesday.

The Knowland survey of hoteliers from across the United States found that 54 percent typically host some sort of Election Night watch party. These events are usually held either by an individual candidate for office or a political party. They are a way to celebrate the end of the campaign, thank volunteers and supporters, and watch the results come in. Despite the fact that 65 percent of hoteliers surveyed said this type of business is either very or somewhat important for their hotel, only 23 percent reported having any such events booked.

With local, state, and national races happening across the country, hotels from every region and of varying sizes all have the potential to win on Election Night. According to hotels surveyed, no meeting space is too large or too small. Twenty-one percent of watch parties booked used less than 2,500 square feet, while 38 percent used 2,501-5000, 24 percent used 5,0001-10,000, and 17 percent used over 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

"Election Night is an event that all types of hotels in cities across the country can capitalize on to fill their meeting space," said CEO Michael McKean. "More sales teams should be seizing this opportunity instead of bowing out of the race."

This Knowland survey was conducted over a three day period from October 26-28, 2010. The full survey results can be found below.

1. Does your hotel usually host Election Night watch parties?

a) Yes 54%

b) No 46%

2. Do you have any watch parties booked for this Tuesday night?

a) Yes 23%

b) No 77%

3. If so, what type of group is holding the party?

a) Individual candidate 40%

b) Local/county party 28%

c) State/national party 16%

d) Unsure/Other 16%

4. Approximately how much meeting space is being used?

a) 0-2,500 square feet 21%

b) 2,501-5000 square feet 38%

c) 5,001-10,000 square feet 24%

d) Over 10,000 square feet 17%

5. How important is Election Night group business to your hotel?

a) Very Important 43%

b) Somewhat Important 22%

c) Not Important 35%

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About The Knowland GroupThe Knowland Group is a proven innovator, developing intuitive marketing products and services that streamline and support event and group sales in the hospitality industry. The company, headquartered in McLean, VA, serves over 2,000 hotel clients and 17,000 users globally. Knowland was ranked as the fifth fastest growing software company (public or private) in North America by Deloitte and the second fastest growing private company in the travel industry for both 2009 and 2010 by Inc. Magazine. For more information, visit www.KnowlandGroup.com, call 410-860-2270, or follow us on Twitter @knowlandgroup.

Megan Tate
Communications Manager
(703) 286-0852