Know-How Exchange : E-Marketing

A lot of out-of-town guests may be finding better deals with outside hotels prior to arriving. Ususally, the only thing they care about is a nice, safe, place to sleep with security, movies, internet access (or at least a desk with a phone jack), and decent food.

You may need to compare your prices and perks to local hotels to make sure you are comparable. An "acedemic environment" is probaly not enough motivation to get them to pay more, for less service, etc (if this is the case.).

Another thing to consider is either combining lodging into the package, but make sure you can provide all the comfort etc offered by local hotels. Or you could offer a discounted rate for the lodge exclusively for the antendees.

No matter what, you have to give them a good reason to stay. Many might just want to get out of there and do their own thing...have a little privacy without the possibility of being scrutinized if they want to go grab a six-pack after the conference, etc.

Good Luck!

Have you tried to offer the already captive and comfortable guests an extended stay with some added amenities?

Perhaps they could have their spouse/mate/partner/friend join them at no extra charge for a weekend of hiking, drinking wine, eating cheese and reading or discussing existential thoughts on the patio or deck?

Or, offer them a deal to come back some other weekend in the near future. Put a deadline on the offer otherwise it will sit in the drawer forever.

Hope that helps.

Hi pavadayd:

Have you tried to offer the already captive and comfortable guests an extended stay with some added amenities?

Perhaps they could have their spouse/mate/partner/friend join them at no extra charge for a weekend of hiking, drinking wine, eating cheese, and reading or discussing existential thoughts on the patio/deck/fireplace

Or, offer them a deal to come back some other weekend in the near future. Put a deadline on the offer otherwise it will sit in the drawer forever.

Hope that helps.