- DATE:
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- Cvent Product News Team
Exchange Solutions News for 04 September 2024
We're thrilled to share that our product team is hard at work, crafting significant improvements that we're certain you will love. Curious to know what we have in store for you in the next window? Keep reading to get a sneak peek of the exciting enhancements that await you!
Starting with...
NEW: View Instant Book Offerings with your RFP Proposals
You can now view instantly bookable rates in line with venues on the RFP's Venue List page.
What does this mean for you?
To date, instantly bookable availability and rates have been limited to the CSN search results page and individual venue profile pages. We are expanding our offering and providing additional Instant Book launch points throughout your sourcing journey!
If you are managing smaller meetings, you may now see new elements on your RFP's Venue List page.
Here's what you can expect:
View instantly bookable rates: If a venue has been added to your RFP and has instantly bookable inventory that meets your event criteria, a purple banner will now appear under the venue tile on the Venue List Page
Initiate Instant Book workflow: Click the “Book Now” link within the purple banner to open the shop & book workflow in a new tab in your browser.
Access booking information: Once a booking has been completed, your Venue List page will be updated with a tile containing all relevant booking information.
Note: No RFP status changes will happen automatically after a booking has been made.
What else? Let's talk about Cvent Supplier Network's new and enhanced experience...
We are excited to announce several enhancements to Cvent's CSN Planner application, designed to improve usability and efficiency. These updates are based on your valuable feedback and aim to streamline the RFP management process.
1. Improved Dropdowns on the RFP Form for Better Usability
We have enhanced the dropdown functionality within the RFP form. You can now quickly search for dropdown values by typing ahead, eliminating the need to scroll through long lists manually. This improvement extends to all dropdown fields, including those within RFP Custom Fields, making the RFP creation process faster and more intuitive.
2. Edit RFPs with Event Dates in the Past
You now can edit RFPs with event dates that have already passed. This update allows you to modify and save these RFPs without being required to update the event dates. However, please note that if you wish to send the RFP to venues, you will need to adjust the event dates, response due dates, and decision due dates to ensure they are set to future dates. This change provides greater flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the RFP process.
3. Copy RFP from the Request Details Page
We have added a new option to streamline the RFP duplication process. You can now copy an RFP directly from the Request Details page. Previously, this functionality was only available from the New RFP modal or the RFP Grid via the ellipsis menu. With this enhancement, you can create a copy of an RFP without needing to navigate back to the home page, saving time and effort.
These enhancements aim to improve the overall experience of the New CSN Planner by addressing key issues and providing you with greater control and clarity.
Now it's time for exciting feature enhancements with Cvent Event Diagramming...
Introducing the New Custom Catalog
What is Catalog Management?
We know that having the right inventory at your fingertips is crucial when it comes to diagramming. That's why we've developed a solution that tackles the common challenges faced when working with limited on-site resources.
Picture this: a salesperson trying to squeeze in more people by using smaller-sized rounds or a collaborator adding a fancy couch from the Rental Catalog without realizing the extra cost involved. These situations can lead to unexpected expenses and headaches for your business.
But fear not! Our new Catalog Management release is here to save the day. By creating a customized Catalog, you can handpick the items that will be available for diagramming at your property or floor plan. This means that your collaborators will have access to the correct inventory, eliminating any risks of using equipment that's not on hand or going overboard with resources.
Not only that, but we've also made sure that certain object qualities like name and dimensions are uneditable. This gives you an added layer of control and accuracy, so you can confidently let your collaborators create and edit diagrams, knowing that they're working with the right resources and sticking to your inventory guidelines.
Why should you create Custom Catalogs?
We know you want to spend as little time creating diagrams as possible. Knowing that your diagrams are being created with a limited set of equipment every time and only displaying available equipment will not only increase efficiency but also reduce processing time, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
What are the key benefits?
Saves time and reduces cognitive load by distilling thousands of potential objects into only those available for use.
Customizable list so that each object will show a unique name, size, description, quantity, and even custom 3D model (if available).
Boosts confidence in adding collaborators by automatically displaying the customized equipment list to planners.
What problems does this solve?
Alleviates workarounds using "Favorites" to create a customized catalog.
Reduces risk that collaborators will accidentally place objects not onsite (which translates to uncomfortable conversations or scrambling to rent equipment)
What's next?
In the future, we're looking into the ability to associate prices with inventory items (showcase upsells and provide event totals) and be alerted to when they are low/over limits for an object (aka "Inventory Management").
Will there be changes for non-Catalog Management users?
All users, regardless of whether or not you have or are using a custom catalog, will have the following updates:
Chair/Theater Row toggle—You will now be able to convert a single chair into a theater row object (and vice versa) via a toggle in the left panel. There will no longer be a Theater Row option in single objects.
Round/Crescent Table toggle— You can now convert a round table into a crescent set-up (and vice versa) via a toggle in the left panel. There will no longer be a Crescent table option in single objects.
Catalog Switcher—We have replaced the previous tabs (Standard Catalog and Rental Catalogs) with a drop-down that allows you to easily navigate between Standard, Rental, or Venue Catalogs.
Shapes — Shapes, which were previously only accessible via the Standard Catalog, will now also be available as an icon in the left toolbar
What else? Introducing Updated Create Diagram/Swap Floor Plan in Diagram
We have some exciting news to share! We're replacing the outdated design (from pre-2019 Social Tables) with our latest and greatest design. This update will unify the Create Diagram experience across the entire product and make it easier and more intuitive for you to create diagrams, swap floor plans, and customize your experience.
Old Create Diagram & Swap Floor Plan:
New Create Diagram Design:
Visit our Community with questions!
Questions about anything we’ve rolled out this window? As always, get questions answered in the Community via the Open Forum. Also, attend our quarterly Product News webinar, where the product team is on the call to share updates and answer questions!