Top 4 Questions to Ask When Contracting a TD

Interestingly, one of the most common questions we receive from our Planner members is “Am I asking the right interview questions?”

When contracting a freelance travel professional, most meeting planners will make initial contact via email. After confirming a TD’s availability for the project, the next step varies from company to company, planner to planner. Many times meeting face to face is not an option, so planners rely heavily on referrals, email communication and phone interviews. Regardless of which contracting style you prefer, planners should always make sure to ask the most critical questions before hiring a TD to represent you or your client’s organization.

When time is of the essence, here are INTD’s top four most crucial interview questions to ask:
1. What is your previous experience as a freelance TD?
Your TD might have only helped out at the registration desk or been hired as directional staff. It is imperative that you know and understand exactly what he/she has done for other companies to access what they are capable of handling while working for you.

2. What on-site responsibilities are your strengths? A-V, Hospitality Desk, F&B, Transportation, Meeting Room Set-up, etc.
Don’t assume your TD is good at all on-site responsibilities. It is better to clarify what they consider their professional strengths. Asking for examples of how they have exceeded expectations on-site in these particular areas can help you understand if your TD can provide the level of service your project requires.

3. What is your on-site management style?
Does the TD prefer to work as a team or be given a task to complete on their own? If you are hiring a team of logistics staff it is important to know how many “chiefs” and how many “Indians” you could potentially have on-site.

4. What is the largest program/meeting you have worked as a TD?
The size of the event your TD has worked will also help determine if your TD is the best fit for your project. This alone does not determine if the TD is qualified for the position, however if your event is for 1,000 people and your TD has only worked events maximum of 100 people, there are additional questions that need to be asked before signing on the dotted line.

To access our entire list of interview questions found on our Interview Checklist visit INTDONLINE.ORG.