Room Block Poaching: It Could Happen To You

If the word pirate conjures images of Blackbeard or Jack Sparrow, consider yourself lucky. Today, for a growing number of meeting planners and associations, the term has a dramatically different—but no less chilling—meaning. Room block poachers are modern-day scalawags that prey on unsuspecting organizations in an equally insidious way as pirates of old. The actions of these pilferers have negative impact on hotel room blocks, resulting in headaches for planners including lost revenue and possible attrition penalty nightmares. Not all of these activities are illegal, but they most all live on the ethical edge. These scoundrels will reach out by fax, email & phone. They have been known to use meeting logos on official-looking websites & registration forms or otherwise imply that they are “official” housing representatives or suggest that official blocks are sold out. Learn how to counter this growing issue both legally and pragmatically. Unauthorized solicitations need to be dealt with swiftly and effectively. People who are burned generally blame the organization and its leadership for not warning them.

Learner Outcomes:

• Gain powerful insight from Convention Industry Council APEX research into the industry-wide effects of poaching on our industry, who is affected and how. Get latest updates on pending legislation to curb consumer fraud activities.
• Identify the various ways poachers can adversely affect your workload, reputation & budgets, through pilfering of hotel rooms and other revenue opportunities from your event.
• Access tools and learn best practices to alleviate this growing problem.