On the Spot 8-1-2002

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts July 2002

August 2002

Short Cuts:
On the SpotWhat is the most aggravating request you receive?

“It is aggravating when people ask for complimentary registration fees. This is happening more and more. I make decisions carefully and try to give discounts, but sometimes these people have no idea of the rising costs of putting on a convention.”

Peg Weir
Director of Events
ASM International
Novelty, Ohio

“It becomes tedious to continually move sessions and events around. Participants ask for this all the time, and they don’t seem to realize the time and effort it takes. After a while, we have to say, ‘No, that is the agenda’s final order.’”

Marlene Hight
Convention Manager
American Economic Association
Nashville, Tenn.

“All conventions, ours included, have a cutoff date after which penalties apply and refunds are unavailable. So it is annoying when people ask for full refunds knowing full well that they are at fault. Some do have a legitimate reason, so we are accommodating.”

George Terry
Executive Manager
Energy Telecommunications & Electrical Association
Tomball, Texas