Canceling A Convention or Conference?
Canceling an event that never seems to get off the ground can be a difficult decision. There are many things that go into making that decision, be it sponsorships that are on the fence, and attendees coming on board or speakers that will make or break both of the foregoing. I was watching around the Internet this weekend and noticed that a recent tech event in Italy was canceled by organizers here in the United States. It was not a great story to read as I too have been part of a failed conference and it was a difficult time for all. There are sponsors to answer to and their are attendees to work out issues with and finally making things right for speakers that are making commitments can be a hassle. All-in-all, I don’t wish a failed event on anyone.
When is it time to call it quits or when is the time for that pass fail grade for your event? For many it seems to revolve around money. If an event does not get the number of attendees for their needs to pay hotels and facilities, the answer is simple. You cancel the event by necessity since the money is no t in the bank to support the event. Some sponsors want certain criteria to be met before they will provide the check for the vent and if that does not happen, that too is a trigger to call it quits. In this particular instance it seems that a combination of money and logistics caused the event to fail. They had to cancel the location of the event as the hotel required a deposit that was not paid and they themselves pulled the rug out for organizers. This is very unfortunate as there are tales now of attendees showing up for an event and not having the event take place.
I am also disturbed by organizers that are putting together events and have no intention of having the event take place. I have heard of some fraud going on in our industry and that is very disturbing. Making exhibitors pay for booths and sponsors to pay for sponsorship of events and when the time comes for the convention or conference to take place the organizers are no place to be found. This is a practice that seems to give us all a black eye. When is the best time to cancel an event? My hope is never.
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