Cost Saving Tips for Corporate Meetings

Order Bulk Breakfasts
For continental breakfasts, order in bulk, not per-person packages. The packages often include more food than is necessary. By ordering in bulk, you can cut it in half. And if it's a full breakfast, offer buffet meals, not plated.

Leave the Rate Alone
In a seller's market, hotels are reluctant to budge on the room rate because that is where the biggest profit comes from. If you leave the rate alone, hoteliers may be more willing to give concessions in other areas — ancillary fees (resort fees, Internet fees, etc.), comp rooms, additional staff rooms, airport transfers, even food and beverage.

Tear Down Costs for A/V
Often, AV companies will charge the same labor fees for teardown as they do for setup. Strike, or teardown, takes less time, so teardown fees should be about half or three-quarters of what setup charges are.

Use Multitasking Meeting Rooms.
For example, use the same room classroom-style for the education, and banquet-style for serving lunch. Put up screens or use plants to divide space.

(www.meetingsnet.com)