Poaching? A hotel poacher is a housing company that well basically STEALS your delegate, sponsor and exhibitor lists looking for ways to contact people that may be looking to book rooms for your conference or tradeshow.
Watch out for these companies that go fishing for your
attendees and take action!
Here is how:
·
You have every right to warn your attendees in
your publications, websites, e-newsletters, exhibitor manuals, email blitz,
twitter and Facebook (any vehicle you use to communicate with your attendees)
·
Be clear and concise in your messaging – here
are a few I have seen on various association websites -
o
Beware of solicitation from unauthorized
hotels and housing agencies…
o
We encourage you to book your accommodation
through our sanctioned supplier…
o
We would like to make you aware of a
situation that has been brought to our attention from several of our attendees. There are companies (xxxxHousingxxxx) who
have been contacting our exhibitors to assist with hotel reservations….
·
Include the links to your housing company or
department or hotel in every piece of material you send out so that all attendees
can book directly and have the information handy all the time and name your
accommodation partner – so everyone is familiar with their respectability.
·
Ask your attendees to be the watchdog and report
on any unauthorized solicitation
·
You can ask some of the attendees you know
better (sponsors committee members, board members) to forward any emails they
receive from these fraud organizations so that you can investigate further
·
Warn them about possible cancellation penalties
and credit card fraud and advise them to take precautionary measures
Not only can these scammers cause havoc on your bedroom pick-up
that could result in attrition penalties, it can also damage your contractual
obligations to your hotel and your own housing partner. Most importantly it can ruin the conference
experience for your attendees and we all want our attendees happy and coming
back year after year.
Beware and don’t be
afraid to call them out and fight back!
Hope
my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!
