A key way to save big on meetings is to piggyback events, says Karen Shackman, president of Shackman Associates New York (shackmanassociates.com), a destination management firm. She recently chose the same menu for two back-to-back meetings, which got her a better price on the food and reduced the hassle of tasting for two separate menus. She recommends asking your hotel supplier what other groups will be meeting at the same time as yours; then, think creatively about what meeting elements -- menus, A/V, transportation -- you can share.