That time of year...

If you know someone who hasn't been getting their required 6 hours of sleep...
If you know someone whose voice is hoarse or cracked because of long hours of calls...
If you know someone whose reaction to everything is, "You gotta be kidding me?"...
If you know someone who swears this year will be different than last...
If you know someone who waits to get their eyes checked until this is over...
If you know someone who has had to see their hair colorist twice in 6 weeks....
If you know someone who still sees a glimmer of hope....

Then you know someone going through the painstaking process of hotel negotiations.  This archaic, painful and necessary process is in full swing this time of year.  Corporations and hotels are sending files, documents, prayers and wishes back and forth in hopes to come up with a middle ground. Corporations hoping to meet travelers needs, keep travelers safe all the while saving the company money on their travel spend.  Hotels hoping to find favor with the corporation, but still make a profit. 

Will this vicious cycle ever end?  Probably not.  Can it change, evolve, morph and become easier?  Yes.  Will the end result still be the same?  Probably.