What are some creative ways to offer alternative solutions or incentives to clients who cancel their events?

Negotiating rescheduling is a "must." If you can negotiate over low demand dates, throw in "extras" or "VIP features" to make sure the enticement is there. Simply extending a voucher expiration date can sometimes lead to happiness on the part of the guest AND a non-redemption as an end result. So, it's a "win" for the hotel by making the guest happy upfront and it's a "win" in that often the voucher is not redeemed in the end. The goal is LONG term value of the guest, not short term rules-oriented procedures.

Facing event cancellations can be disheartening, but it's also an opportunity to showcase flexibility and creativity. Offer clients alternatives like virtual event options or rescheduling incentives. Consider providing discounted rates for future events or complimentary add-ons. Emphasize personalized solutions tailored to their needs, ensuring a positive experience even amidst changes. By prioritizing client satisfaction and adaptability, you can turn cancellations into opportunities for growth and client loyalty."

navigating event cancellations requires a thoughtful and creative approach. By offering alternative solutions and incentives, businesses can not only retain clients but also strengthen relationships and showcase resilience in the face of challenges. Embracing flexibility, innovation, and a client-centric mindset positions businesses as partners in overcoming obstacles and reinforces their commitment to delivering value beyond the immediate circumstances.

I am always up for Rescheduling the events. Have been in various teams where we have offered rescheduling to the client. Remember, give an additional advantage to the event booker in terms of value addons in the current package by throwing in some additional snacks / salads or providing additional round of tea / coffee which was not a part of the original contract to push for the rescheduling. Discount or waivers must be discussed or offered as a very last resort and must be given if this becomes a deal breaker as this shall cut down on the yield of the event for your convention space.

Negociar o reagendamento é uma estratégia valiosa para evitar cancelamentos. Isso demonstra cuidado com os clientes, permitindo manter negócios e receitas. Com uma comunicação clara e empática, oferecer opções flexíveis e atrativas para reagendamento é fundamental. Renunciar ou reduzir taxas, proporcionar descontos ou upgrades para reservas futuras e estender contratos ou vouchers são formas eficazes de incentivar essa mudança. Isso não apenas mantém a relação com o cliente, mas também pode fortalecer a fidelidade e confiança na marca.

I recommend creating a loyalty program for clients who reschedule or accept vouchers. Reward them for their flexibility and understanding with exclusive perks, such as priority booking. This not only encourages them to choose your venue again but also fosters a sense of loyalty.

Discounting a future event experience in order to salvage the relationship is smart. We generate expense in seeking and seizing upon sales leads, but a cancelled event has far more promise & substance since we already have their preferences, contact information and information on the event they are aiming to provide.

This is indeed a "win-win." I'm uncertain why there is prejudice against following this rule in many situations. Credits often go under-utilized or never utilized, but they provide good will and good "memory placement" on how the guest was treated.

I follow no refund policy in many of the cases. Unless and until the guests really pushing hard for it. In majority of scenarios, a credit line is offered and is accepted by many clients. The credits can be utilized either to have an event blocking or may be for stay at the property (to offer flexibility to the client if they are cancelling the scheduled event altogether).

Complimentary breakfast is a smart addition because it can be implemented directly in the meeting facility, using existing food supplies with minimal added overhead expense. The same may be possible if you already utilize a fresh or cut fruit assortment for dining provisions. Those are assets that can easily be decorated and presented for event clients, leaving a strong impression in the process.

For clients who are open to alternative solutions, partnering with local businesses to offer these clients exclusive benefits is an efficient long-term strategy. This could include discounts on catering services, event tech services, or entertainment; which adds extra value to their rescheduled or reconfigured events.

Offering alternative venues or specific upscale VIP items to enhance travel is good - again - for improving the memory placement of your hotel in the minds of the consumer. And, if you have a sister or neighbor property with which you work regularly, the favors can be returned in "your time of need." If you must recommend elsewhere, make sure you still do the due diligence of handling throughout and beyond. The client will indeed remember that YOU were their first choice for the next time they're in the area.

I always advise teams to take feedback from their clients at each point of engagement. From booking process to set up process and post the event to ensure the entire process was as per the requirements and the booker was at ease in doing business with them. Also, feedback exercises help in creating a connect with the booker as well which can help in getting future business basis of how well the event have been hosted and planned.