On 7/1/13 8:00 AM, BWS Johnson wrote:
> Salvete!
> 
> 
> 
>> But please don't expect the conference itself to select the venue and
>> complete conference package based on the sole requirement to keep room
>> rates down.
> 
>     I never suggested any such thing. I kindly suggested that someone might wish to see if the hotel would come down on its price. I stated the fact that for that market during those dates, its cost is above its competitors. One of my colleagues noted that government rates for that locality are substantially lower, too.
>     As someone that has organised, or had a role in putting together many conferences, I well realise that room rates are not the only factor. I understand the dynamics in play in terms of meeting room space, proximity to attractions, et cetera.
>     However, I felt that it would be a good idea to act when I perceived that we were getting a raw deal. There's enough warning here that it would allow for a change for everyone's benefit. Many times I've been able to secure a better rate for my organisation simply by bringing in data and asking for a better deal than the boilerplate.

From my own experience, I can confirm it's a waste of time to ask a
hotel to come down on the rate after the contract is signed and the rate
announced. All it can do is damage the relationship between the
organizing group and the hotel.


-- 
Gary McGath, Professional Software Developer
http://www.garymcgath.com