Category: Main Blog

You might have asked yourself:
“Do I even need a housing company?”

Great question! Securing prime dates and locations for your event isn’t just about exhibit space square footage. The number of rooms you book makes a big difference, too. Cities and venues consider this metric when assessing how an event will feed the local economy. That means counting every room night booked by attendees and exhibitors is essential to landing your ideal location.

At onPeak, we boost your pick-up and catch those last-minute reservations, helping you lock in future event dates and locations.

Can your event benefit from working with a housing partner? Consider these 5 critical insights.

1. The advocacy advantage

Does your internal team include someone well-versed in all things housing? (Realtors need not apply!) If not, consider this a must-have partnership. Working with an advocate dedicated to your needs — peak block, flow patterns, number of hotels, and which ones align with your attendees’ preferences — is vital. Equally important, your partner should be able to offer customized solutions to optimize your hotel blocks, enhance participant satisfaction, and deliver exceptional value.

2. Maximizing buying power

Just like you wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your WiFi, you don’t want to go into room block negotiations not backed by a housing expert. Without them, how do you know you’re getting the best rate? Can you guarantee that the block pattern lines up with your history? A skilled housing partner should live and breathe room blocks. They can confidently navigate complex negotiations to secure the best deals — ensuring your attendees pay less and you benefit from favorable terms.

3. Streamlined booking experience

Nowadays, almost anything is available with a few clicks, and booking in your room block shouldn’t be any different. Your housing partner’s technology needs to offer a simple, one-stop solution that makes finding and reserving the ideal hotel easy. Whether it’s a property with free breakfast or wanting to stay loyal to a specific brand, a hassle-free booking process can quickly highlight these features to save time and eliminate frustration, letting attendees focus on enjoying the event.

4. Solving the room block puzzle

Balancing room blocks is like playing Tetris. And sometimes, making the pieces fit is challenging! What if the peak night is full but the shoulder nights are still available? What if someone needs to stay Monday through Thursday, but Tuesday is sold out? Your housing partner should always optimize inventory using smart strategies like:

• Monitoring booking pace and stepping in when necessary to maintain progress
• Analyzing historical event data to identify trends and make informed decisions
• Adjusting room blocks to maximize pick-up, ensuring efficient use of all rooms

5. Messaging matters

Marketing your room block should be baked into your overall event communication plan. Simply put, plug it every chance you get. Start by considering what content is most compelling to your audience. Do your attendees and exhibitors extend their stay for personal time? If so, maybe they want to know about extra amenities. Is your crowd budget-conscious? Highlighting free offerings like breakfasts or happy hours might be appealing. Using this targeted approach, housing partners can effectively communicate with potential bookers, spotlighting official hotels and informing attendees about the advantages of booking in the block.

At your service:
The housing pros at onPeak LOVE discussing how we can turbocharge your room blocks and keep your attendees and exhibitors happy. Email us at [email protected], and we’ll show you how to do it!

Attendee experience, compression, and delivering value are all part of the future of city-wide events. Knowing the struggle stakeholders face to effectively adapt, PCMA addressed this dynamic during Convening Leaders 2025, held Jan. 12-15 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

onPeak’s Senior Director of Account Services, Jason Gross, was invited to join the panel during the session, “Adapting to a New Era in Citywide Conventions: Room Blocks, Contracting Trends, & Rising Costs” where he and others from around the industry offered insights and practical advice on staying at the forefront of housing.

The evolving post-pandemic landscape

Moderated by Kavin Schieferdecker from the San Diego Tourism Authority, Jason joined an impressive group of professionals from across the industry, including Bill Reed, American Society of Hematology; Earla Jones, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses; and Kathy Mouw, Marriott International. Emerging from a November 2024 workshop on the future of city-wide events, the session covered key industry shifts like reduced room availability, shorter booking periods, and the need for earlier commitments. As part of the conversation, they examined the top 250 high-volume events generating an average of 3,000 peak room nights. Many are concentrated in just 20 cities, require roughly 10 days of convention space, and over half occur during the peak months of May, June, September, and October. The group discussed how these metrics put significant demand on host destinations.

“It boils down to communication,” shares Jason. “onPeak manages about 250 events a year, and from planners to hotel guests, we hear it all — smaller blocks, higher rates, stricter contracts, fewer services. Our hotel partners don’t need to have 250 separate conversations — they can talk with us. We take this feedback, along with our own experiences and observations, and use it to have meaningful conversations with hotels so we can find solutions that work for everyone.”

Strengthen the attendee experience

When booking a hotel, attendees are often contending with higher costs and diminished services, so how do we address this impact on attendee satisfaction and an event’s value proposition? These questions, in addition to managing relationships, communication, compression, delivering value, and how to incentivize booking in the block, were amongst the reoccurring themes tackled by the panel.

Regarding compression specifically, the community is dealing with rate yielding, lower group ceilings, less flexibility, and earlier cut-off dates.

“The city-wide event itself drives compression,” Jason points out. “For hotels, it’s great because it pushes up rates and occupancy. The tricky part is finding a balance so the event’s block and rates aren’t negatively impacted. After all, if the city-wide weren’t taking place, there wouldn’t be any compression. And this takes us back to communication — understanding what’s important to the event organizer, the hotel, and the destination helps us find a win-win.”

While everyone believes the goal is to get the maximum number of people to book within the block, they also recognized that looking at what drives people to book a hotel is critical. So, what is it? Rate? Location? Free breakfast? Countless factors come into play, but Jason mentions an important and often overlooked reason — loyalty points.

“People can be incredibly loyal to a specific brand, and earning points and status play a big role in where they book. That’s why it’s essential for bookers to earn their points and have their status acknowledged. When we ask why they didn’t book in the block, the common answer is that they wanted to ensure they received their points.”

Ultimately, the panel acknowledged that while they might not have all the answers now, the conversations are happening. Planners, hotels, venues, destinations, and service providers like onPeak are sharing challenges and objectives while collaborating on how to balance long-term strategic planning with immediate realities.

Explore your housing options
Want to chat more about onPeak’s perspective on all of this? Just drop us a line at [email protected].

LAS VEGAS, NV and LOS ANGELES, CA, October 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – GES, a leading provider in the global exhibition and event industry, announced today that its parent company, Viad Corp, and Truelink Capital, a Los Angeles based private equity firm, have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Truelink will acquire the GES business. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to applicable and customary closing conditions.

Derek Linde, GES President said, “This is an exciting time for GES. The business has tremendous momentum, and our team is driving strong revenue growth, margin expansion, and client service.
The publicly traded Viad conglomerate has been a great home to GES for decades and we are excited to start a new chapter as a private company with Truelink, who believes in our ability to continue delivering industry leadership, innovation and growth.”

With over 2,600 employees and thousands of active union partners across the globe, GES and its companies have a decades-long history supporting the world’s leading brands and events in robust business verticals, including healthcare, aerospace & defense, financial services, manufacturing, technology, and retail, in a variety of event marketing capacities.

“GES is a trusted brand with a proven track record of delivering best-in-class services to the global exhibitions and experiential marketing verticals. We look forward to collaborating with this talented team to help the company realize its full potential,” Truelink’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner Luke Myers said.

Included in the acquisition are GES Exhibitions, a major provider of global exhibitions & logistics services; Spiro, a leading global experiential agency; and onPeak, SHOWTECH, and Visit, which provide event accommodation, power/lighting and registration services. Upon closing, GES will become a privately-owned, stand-alone company within Truelink’s business portfolio and continue to deliver a range of best-in-class and value enhancing experiential solutions to clients.

Derek Linde, current GES President, will assume the role of President and CEO following the closing. He will be joined by Jeff Quade, GES NA Exhibitions President; Jason Stead, GES EMEA Exhibitions President; and Jeff Stelmach, Spiro President, who will continue leading the operating businesses post transaction.

Linde continued, “We remain dedicated to delivering extraordinary experiences to our clients across the globe. This partnership with Truelink will enable us to intensify our focus on innovation and enhance our capabilities across our differentiated global platform.”

About GES:
The GES business entity is a dynamic collective of industry-leading companies and their distinctive specialties—GES Exhibitions, Spiro, onPeak, SHOWTECH and Visit—that deliver comprehensive experiential, strategic, creative, event management and accommodation, meeting planning and logistical solutions, as well as registration and engagement solutions. We empower brands to engage their audiences and elevate customer experience, using what we believe is today’s most powerful channel in an ever-competitive landscape: experiential marketing. Whether scaling together or independently, our companies strategically partner with brands and event organizers to transform business imperatives into measurable results that drive meaningful customer connections & bottom-line impact.

www.ges.com
www.thisisspiro.com
www.onpeak.com
www.showtech.ca
www.visitcloud.com

About Truelink Capital
Truelink Capital is a middle-market private equity firm based in Los Angeles. Truelink pairs deep industry experience in the industrials and technology-enabled services sectors with a commitment to building partnerships that drive long-term value through an operationally focused strategy. Truelink partners with management, corporate sellers, and founders to accelerate growth through the execution of strategic initiatives and transformative add-on acquisitions.

Contacts:
Marianne Szczech
630-220-6102
[email protected]

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 create 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.

 

 

The end of the year brings many things – holiday cheer, special time with friends & family, and the opportunity to reflect on what made the last 365 days so great. Luckily for us, there has been no shortage of great happenings this year here at onPeak. From technological advancements, to new partnerships and award recognitions, we have plenty to be thankful for this year, and here are a few of the highlights.

We Built New Relationships

Here at onPeak, we think it’s important that we always provide event participants an option to book their hotel with us. Though we’ve always provided the option to book with us once a cutoff has passed or a room block has filled, this year we launched a new partnership with Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS) to offer additional inventory at their competitive rates.  Through this Expedia Group partnership, we’ve also been able to introduce the option to sell alternative accommodations through Vrbo, a platform offering homeowners and property managers the ability to rent out their space for a temporary amount of time. These exciting advancements and relationships were made possible by the many dedicated onPeak employees and we’re excited to see how this growth continues in the future.

We Had Proud Moments

When Trade Show Executive announced the winners of their ‘Fastest 50’ award we were proud to see so many of onPeak’s clients make the list. Later in the year when they recognized winners of their Gold 100 award, onPeak was ecstatic to learn that more than 50% of the winners were onPeak clients! Weekend summit celebrations were filled with interactive events such as an Atlantic City Boardwalk Amazing Race and a San Diego Zoo Safari and lead to some of our favorite memories of the year. We look forward to seeing our industry friends again in 2020.

But our clients weren’t the only winners this year. Once again, onPeak took home multiple prizes from the annual IAEE Art of the Show competition in the ‘Email Promotion Campaign’ category. Being recognized alongside some of the most creative campaigns in our industry is an honor and we’re so proud of our Marketing & Design teams for their award-winning work this year.

We Made Some Upgrades

Years ago, our Marketing team here at onPeak created an online toolbox called the Marketing Clipboard – a place to quickly and easily access things like graphics, messaging, inspiration and more. In 2019, the Clipboard was given a brand-new look that came with new options and updated functionality. Several of our amazing clients have already utilized this resource since the launch of the new version this year. Keep an eye out for even more improvements and additions to come

We Continued to Grow

Each year, we are so thankful for the clients that we are lucky enough to work with, and in 2019 we’ve been feeling extra thankful as we are supporting more and more events as the official hotel provider. We are always seeking new and exciting events to partner with, and the future looks bright as we continue to challenge ourselves to provide exceptional services to all of our clients, old and new.

We also continued to grow our impact in the area of sporting events, working with clients across the nation to provide housing blocks for athletes, coaches, families and more. From elite-level international tournaments to local races, onPeak was able to break into more areas of the sports world in 2019 and gaining valuable experiences that will continue to let this part of our business grow.

We Went International

We want our impact here at onPeak to reach beyond just U.S. boundaries. Now with our International Software Licensing options we are able to go global! Our award-winning software, Compass™, makes hotel booking simple and can be licensed and white-labeled for your international events, event locations, convention centres and/or meeting management business.

We Finished with Something Sweet

If the year wasn’t full enough, we managed to pack in one last event to bring the year to a close. A few of the onPeak team joined thousands of industry colleagues at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in Las Vegas. The onPeak booth was packed and handing out cookies and stuffed toys while sharing some of the latest and greatest at onPeak was a highlight to our year. Thanks to all those who stopped by to see us and we hope to see you again soon.

See you in 2020!

It truly has been a record year here at onPeak and we are grateful for all of our employees, partners and clients who made it possible. As we reflect on what has undoubtedly been a great year and look forward to what is ahead. We are confident that 2020 will continue to be full of growth and success.

Lions and Tigers and Gold, oh my! On Wednesday, September 25th, onPeak sponsored a behind the scenes safari experience at the Trade Show Executives Gold 100 Awards & Summit in San Diego. More than 40 guests enjoyed the sold-out event where they got a behind the scenes look at the animal exhibits inside the San Diego Zoo. During the event, our guests learned about the efforts being made to preserve species in danger of extinction, saw exhibits from exclusive perspectives, and enjoyed all that the zoo has to offer from the comfort of a golf cart. The 40 guests were gifted with brand new safari hats featuring the onPeak logo – a keepsake to remember the amazing day.

 

Each year, Trade Show Executive holds an event to celebrate the prestigious recipients of the Gold 100 Award. The award honors the 100 largest trade shows in the nation, determined by the net square feet of paid exhibit space. The event spans three days and CEO’s, Presidents and Show Managers of both small and large shows gather to have the opportunity to partake in special events, attend educational sessions featuring prominent figures with extensive knowledge, and network with industry friends old and new. All of these events lead up to the Gold 100 Awards Reception where winners walk the red carpet into an elegant recognition ceremony saluting the leaders of the largest trade shows. A special award was introduced this year called the Women to Watch Award which recognizes and encourages the next generation of female leaders in the trade show industry. Click here to watch a video recap of this wonderful event featuring onPeak Executive VP, Michael Howe.

 

Joining Michael in attendance for onPeak this year was VP of Business Development, Rose Dubrovich and VP of Business Development, Beth McEntee-Rome. Beth has attended for the past several years and she says that her favorite aspect is the networking where she is able to reunite with industry friends from across the globe as well we meet new people that she hopes to be able to work with someday. 50%+ of the 2019 award recipients are onPeak clients so there are plenty of familiar faces that we are extremely excited for and very proud of. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and thank you to all of those who joined us on the excursion through the San Diego Zoo. We can’t wait to see you next year!