How to increase pick up in your hotel room block!
Magdalena Bonnelly
No meeting planner wants to face attrition charges for their conference. Here is how you can increase your room block pick up.
- Exclusive Discounts: Offer special concessions for early birds i.e. complimentary rooms (covered by 1 per 40 or 45 comp concession). Everyone loves a good deal!
- Bundled Benefits: Package room bookings with perks like free Wi-Fi, breakfast vouchers, or shuttle services.
- Centralized Activities: Convenience is a major draw. Have your main events/general session scheduled at one hotel.
- Clear Communication: Emphasize the importance and benefits of booking within the block in all conference communications.
- Booking Portal: Implement a simple, user-friendly online booking portal (hotels create personalized web page for your group and provide link). Make the reservation process hassle-free.
- Customized Experience: Collaborate with the hotel for tailored experiences.
- Frequent Reminders: Gently remind attendees of the approaching booking deadlines via emails or notifications.
- Real-time Monitoring: Regularly check pick-up reports and pro-actively strategize with hotel if there is possibility of attrition. This allows for timely interventions if numbers are lagging.
- Social Testimonials: Share positive experiences or reviews of attendees who've already booked. Peer influence can drive decisions.
- Loyalty Points: strategize with hotel if additional points can be awarded to those who book hotel room by a certain date.
- Mobile Apps: Leverage conference mobile apps to push notifications about room availability and benefits.
- Flexible Policies: Work with the hotel to offer flexible check-in/check-out times for attendees who book hotel room by certain date.
- Engage Local: Showcase what's unique about the hotel's location – nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities. Work with Destination Management Organization (CVB) to offer special discount and/or coupons for those who make their reservation by certain date.
- Transparent Costs: Clearly communicate all costs, including any additional fees or taxes, so attendees aren't caught off guard.
- Feedback Loop: After the event, solicit feedback on the hotel experience. This insight can inform strategies for future events.
- Early Bird Perks: Reward early bookings with exclusive perks or offers.
- Engaging Visuals: Use engaging photos or videos to showcase the hotel’s amenities, rooms, and experiences.
- Ambassadors: Identify and engage conference ambassadors or influencers who can promote the benefits of booking within the block.
- Personal Touch: A personalized email or message can make attendees feel valued and more likely to book.
Remember, the key to a successful room block pick-up is a combination of great offers, convenience, and constant communication. Happy planning!
