Hotel project managers—whether architects, interior designers, or developers—are busy people. Between tight timelines, multiple stakeholders, and about 47 emails a day that all start with, “Just following up . . .”, your outreach as a hotel supplier needs to stand out.
The good news? A little preparation, clarity, and smart use of data can really go a long way. Here are three simple, supplier-approved tips to help you make a great impression (and hopefully get your products chosen first!).
Reaching out to any hotel project key contact without having a good understanding of their project vision and what sort of target market and overall hotel feel they’re going for won’t get you very far. It’s a bit like showing up to a five-star restaurant in flip-flops and a swimsuit—bold, but not recommended.
So, before you make that first contact, take some time to research:
The hotel brand and positioning
The project timeline and current status
The interior design concept and target aesthetic
Whether it’s a new build hotel or a renovation
Knowing these basics allows you to tailor your message and show that you’re genuinely interested in their project, not just ticking off another name on a list of contacts. Project managers notice when a supplier has done their homework, and it immediately puts you ahead of your competition.
I know that it’s really tempting to tell project managers your whole story—how your company got started, the timelines, the milestones, and everyone involved. But that’s usually too much info at first. What they need to know first is simple: how does your product help their project succeed?
Be clear and specific:
What problem do you solve?
Where do you add value to their project’s lifecycle?
Can they rely on your products over time?
Why should they care now?
Think of it as an elevator pitch. If someone understands your value in under 30 seconds, you’re on the right track. And later, once they’ve chosen you as their supplier and you’re shaking hands over coffee, that’s when your full company story makes sense.
This is where working smarter really pays off. With access to detailed hotel project data, suppliers can:
Identify projects that match their product offering
Track development stages to time outreach effectively
Focus on relevant decision-makers instead of cold guessing
And what’s even better news, our THP database helps you avoid shouting into the void. It’s like having a roadmap instead of relying on a gut feeling. You’re able to track projects by filters such as project phase, project status, hotel type, construction type, hotel brands/chains, country, region, and opening date.
Engaging with key hotel-industry contacts doesn’t have to be complicated. A little research, a clear message, and smart use of data can really make all the difference. Over time, that approach can lead to better conversations, fewer unanswered emails, and stronger relationships that turn into contracts. This way, your outreach efforts will actually feel worth the coffee they require!