I’ve blogged a few times recently about how meeting managers can encourage their delegates to patronize their contracted housing block when lower rates are available at nearby properties. If a strongly-worded statement (i.e. the guilt factor) is unsuccessful, we often suggest incentives: valuable benefits provided to only persons who patronize the block or group housing mechanism.
Depending on the group, some of these have been very successful – the trick is to match the method to your group. Knowing what’s valuable to your attendees and targeting it will work wonders. Here are a few ideas:
- Registration discount or other financial incentive (for this conference or future conference) - either $$ off or $$ back, or discount on next conference
- Tie registration and housing together, managed under one system.
- Service giveaway, such as free/discounted webinar or other educational service offered by the association
- Merchandise giveaway - could include logo items, small gift card giveaway (such as Starbucks or one of the hotel outlets)
- Special privileges — special reception or event, special recognition or thanks on signage or during program
- Special access; reduce wait time in lines – special early access to registration check in, meal functions, receptions
- Complimentary services included in rate, such as wireless, breakfast, coffee, club access, etc.
- Room drop – something of value left in attendee rooms on the first night
- Grand Prize drawing – a drawing of high value (vacation, computer, etc.) that people who patronize the block are automatically entered to win
- Exhibitor housing – tie exhibitor priority booth assignment process to housing block participation
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