Author: Zac King

In the bustling world of convention housing, there’s a shadowy player known as the “poacher.” These crafty impostors pose as official housing providers, luring unsuspecting attendees and exhibitors away from the official room block.

Their goal? To snatch reservations, disrupt event organizers’ plans, and attempt to scam your participants into purchases that are nonexistent.

No one is immune to these threats, but by remaining vigilant, we can collectively outsmart those pesky poachers. We have prepared some strategies to protect your participants, including email templates, messaging advice, and even a sample cease-and-desist letter.

“By collaborating with our clients, we can construct a robust defense against poachers. At onPeak, our dedication lies in safeguarding attendees and exhibitors from these disruptive tactics.”
– Hollie Zeyher, Director Marketing, onPeak

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) now offers a streamlined reporting process for individuals and companies to flag these activities.  By sharing these reports with law enforcement partners, the FTC aims to aid investigations and put an end to these harmful practices.

How to file a fraud report:

1. Go to Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
2. Click on “Report Now”
3. For Question 1: “Is your report about any of these common problems?
   1. Select “An Impersonator” (top left answer)
4. For Question 2: “Who were they pretending to be?
   1. Select “Well-known or trusted business”
5. Click “Continue”
6. Add as much information as you have and submit!

So, next time one of your participants encounters an unfamiliar housing offer, it might just be a room poacher in disguise.  After all, it’s only official if it’s onPeak!

If you want to chat more about how poachers are impacting your event, just drop us a line.

 

 

At onPeak, we’re committed to creating experiences that resonate beyond the present moment. Our recently released ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report sheds light on how our diverse perspectives and rich life experiences converge to spark innovative ideas. These aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re the driving force behind the solutions we create for our clients.

This culture of innovation doesn’t stop at the office threshold. Our team members are encouraged to voice their insights, take initiative, and actively shape their professional growth. It’s like a symphony of expertise, with each instrument playing a crucial role.

Women’s Mentorship Group

One key component of our success formula is our mentorship programs. These programs go beyond mere skills enhancement—they are designed to foster the leaders of tomorrow. As we invest our time and resources in mentoring the upcoming generation, we simultaneously pay tribute to the current trailblazers.

Cultivating Leadership, One Connection at a Time

Our Women’s Mentorship Group aims to cultivate leadership skills, boost self-confidence, and pave the way for career advancement among women. Guided by an Advisory Board of influential women leaders within our company, this initiative embodies our commitment to learning, growth, and gender equality.

The Mentorship Alchemy

Meah Gordon, our Reservations Services Lead, and Lisa Baez, our EVP of Operations and Services, are members of this group of experienced professionals. Through regular check-in and strategy sessions, the group addresses leadership skills development, building industry connections, and deepening specific skills/knowledge areas. Their passion fuels the mentorship engine.

Meah, reflecting on her journey, shares: “Women empowerment is very important to me. My mentor shared her success story which encouraged me to revisit and rethink my career path.  This world is so competitive so to hear other people share advice and say, ‘I’m here for you,’ is so amazing.”

Lisa, a seasoned mentor, echoes: “As women, it is important for us to surround ourselves with female leaders who are willing to invest in us and cheer us on.  I keep mentoring because I believe strongly in creating a collaborative and supportive work environment.”

A Space for Voices to Soar

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of women—the architects of progress, the catalysts of change. At onPeak, we don’t merely commemorate; we ignite a movement—an orchestra of empowerment that resonates far beyond the calendar pages.

onPeak’s leadership team comprises 70% women—a significant milestone. Thus, our Women’s Mentorship Group isn’t just about skill-building—it’s about amplifying voices. Ideas and aspirations find validation here, celebrated as the heartbeat of progress.

 “As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”
– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Account Associate Program

Alongside our colleagues at GES, our combined mentorship efforts focus on attracting the brightest young talent to the exhibitions and events industry. The program offers recent college graduates a full-time position within the company, complete with an immersive onboarding process and hands-on training.  Partnering with PCMA and IAEE to recruit on-campus at universities and at regional events, the program seeks to encourage more young people to enter our industry.

A Multifaceted Journey

Each associate gets to dive right into the action. They engage directly with clients, join creative and planning meetings, and even work onsite to assist with event production and management. This year, we welcomed four associates to the onPeak family. They’ve been right there alongside our business development mentors and operations teams, learning the ropes of an event’s life cycle—from the initial sale to hotel contract negotiations, managing inventory, staffing the onsite housing desk, and wrapping up with post-event recap meetings. They’ve seen firsthand what makes onPeak’s service truly white-glove.

Beyond Accommodations

As part of the GES Exhibitions team, these future leaders gain insights into all aspects of exhibition management, including business development, client services, marketing, and operations.  By understanding the entire sales business cycle, they’re ready to take on additional responsibilities and various roles throughout the company.

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At onPeak, our eyes are fixed on the horizon, and we’re committed to shaping a better future—for our industry, our clients, our partners, and our exceptional team members.