Alliance Stars Starwood, StarCite

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide last month signed an agreement with online meetings management technology service StarCite to develop new technologies to power the group and meeting section of the hotel chain's Web site. Planners will be able to search all Starwood inventory and send online requests for proposals to a centralized site accessible to Starwood sales representatives, allowing them to respond electronically. The chain also will be able to post special offers and incentives. "This is a great validation of our technology and the return on investment it offers to suppliers, meeting planners and the industry," said John Pino, StarCite chairman and CEO.