Next, hotels. Hey, I was thrilled when UNLEASH decided to host their first US event in San Francisco last year - until I went to book a hotel. Even mid-tier hotels like Holliday Inns or Courtyards were $500 or more per night.
If your an exhibitor -- even a small start-up and have to pay for everyone to stay in a hotel - all of a sudden you're going to second guess wether it's worth the $7 or $8 grand it will cost you to put up five people for three nights in San Francisco - and, of course, that's before you get to the cost of paying for a booth and the many, many associated costs relating to conference expos. That's why UNLEASH America chose the Aria in Las Vegas this year, and signed a 2 year contract. It's a fabulous hotel. Deluxe rooms that cost about $200 a night - not $500 to $700 like San Francisco, or New York. The Aria has about 15 or 20 restaurants - a Starbucks an smoothie joint, and an 'all you can eat' buffet (which are very popular in Vegas). Once I checked-in to the Aria for UNLEASH America, I didn't leave until I was going back to the airport.
During HR Tech Week I'll be staying in a very nice hotel Larry and Ward recommended convenient to everywhere I need to be for a little over $200 for all three nights. That's why exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees love Las Vegas!