• Avoid hotel contracts that require a reservation for blocks of rooms.
• Conference attendees routinely explore cheaper hotel options and you may be left with the bill for an unfilled contracted number of rooms.
• Local colleges/universities, especially with journalism or media-related schools, are generally happy to host journalism or media-related events for free or low cost.
• Entities see NABJ presence as a benefit to students especially if you allow students to attend free of charge. This is highly recommended.
• Explore whether the host venue allows for outside food vendors to bring food in for luncheons, breakfasts, etc.
• Hotels generally do not allow external food vendors because they make significant money off of F&B (Food and Beverages).    
• The cost of F&B is usually less expensive at venues that are not hotels.
• Check catering options from outside the facility for best pricing.
• Do not be afraid to change “boilerplate” language that may not be advantageous to your organization.

Feel free to consult the National Office if you have questions about a contract.