GUIDE: How Do I Save Money?

The standard rates for hotel, airfare and convention registration are not the only way to go.

Here’s some alternatives that might help you trim your costs.

ROOM

1. Ask about special discounted convention rates.
2. Share a hotel room with one or more other people.
3. Locate a clean and safe budget-priced hotel within reasonable driving distance.
4. Rent a room with kitchen in a suites hotel at the weekly rate.
5. Stay with a friend or relative.
6. Find a travel hostel.
7. Bring a tent and sleeping bag for some low-cost camping at a local campground.
8. Call local colleges; do they rent out dormitory rooms over the summer vacation?

TRANSPORTATION

1. Make reservations early to take advantage of any special discounts.
   
2. Invite one or more people to share the drive and expenses to/from the convention.
3. Invite several people to share the drive and rent a passenger-van at a weekly rate.
4. Take the bus.
5. Take the train.
6. Locate any free local shuttles.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

1. Register early to take advantage of any special discounts.
   
2. Volunteer as convention intern or similar in exchange for admission or reduced rate.
3. Make a similar arrangement with an exhibitor.
4. Be a presenter.
5. Write an article on the convention for publication and get admission as member of the Press.

MEALS

1. Locate the all-you-can-eat buffets.
2. Bring your own food from home.
3. Prepare meals with items from local grocery stores.
4. Find out which special events feature a complementary buffet.

FINDING PEOPLE

1. Obvious: ask associates and colleagues in your company, your school, the local chapter of your professional organization, etc., if they will be attending and would they like to save some money by sharing costs.
2. Do these same people know anyone else who might want to share the costs with you?
3. Does the convention website have a forum or bulletin board section where you can connect with other people planning to attend the convention?
4. Does your industry have a forum or online bulletin board for the same reason?
5. Do you publish a blog? Maybe you can find someone among the readers of your blog?

Return to the MONEY page.