It looks we underestimated our room block needs for the Portable Media Expo and Podcasting Conference. We’ve sold through our original room block and the second and third add-on blocks. On the one hand this is great news because it tells us of course that attendance will be strong. On the other hand, I’m dreading the unhappy calls from exhibitors and attendees that will no doubt come when the room rate we promised is no longer available.

We’re in the process of getting additional rooms at a nearby hotel, but I must say that room blocks are probably my least favorite part of the tradeshow business. It’s a constant game of balance with nasty attrition fees on one side and unhappy attendees who end up paying higher rates (or worse can’t find a room at all) if tradeshow organizers don’t estimate correctly.

Having history helps of course, but when you are launching a new event in a brand-new industry, the guesswork can be frustrating. Viewing the weekly room pickup reports from Marriott and watching the available rooms dwindle is an exercise in controlling anxiety.