Facilities Usage Fee Explained

NACM knows that for many attendees finding the lowest possible hotel rate is paramount, and we are aware that sometimes people choose to stay at an alternative property and then drive or get a taxi to the conference facility each day. However, before you book your hotel room for the 114th Annual Credit Congress & Exposition, we want to share the following.....

NACM continues to make every effort to keep costs at a minimum for those attending the Credit Congress & Expo. One way this is done is to make a contractual commitment, several years in advance, to the host hotel (in 2010, the Rio Hotel Las Vegas) that a specified number of hotel rooms will be occupied by our meeting attendees. In exchange for the hotel room occupation, the property provides NACM with complimentary or reduced rate meeting space.

If our conferences and meetings do not fill their committed number of sleeping rooms, NACM is faced with hefty penalty fees, called attrition fees, and/or room rental fees for meeting and exposition space. Individuals who choose to stay at the non-host hotel receive the benefits of the facilities, but do not contribute to the necessary commitments that allow NACM to use meeting space on a complimentary or reduced rate basis.

What is the Facilities Usage Fee?

This year NACM instituted a "Facilities Usage Fee" of $250 for those who are attending the conference, but chose not to stay in the conference hotel. We feel this is a more equitable way to continue to hold the meeting without exorbitantly raising registration fees for all delegates. The fee is due when registering for the conference, though it can be assessed later if no reservation is confirmed once the conference begins.

To whom does it apply?

The $250 Facilities Usage Fee will apply only to those who register (including exhibitors, speakers, IUG members, full delegates, affiliate staff, etc.) for the conference (with the exception of Las Vegas residents) but choose not to stay at the Rio Hotel Las Vegas.

Therefore, we encourage all meeting attendees to avoid this Facilities Usage Fee and stay at the host hotel. Please be aware that if you are sharing with another participant, your name must appear on the room reservation, otherwise you will be assessed this fee and obligated to pay it in order to pick up your registration materials.

What are the benefits of staying at the host hotel?

Staying at the host hotel makes it easy to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Credit Congress attendees during and outside of scheduled activities. Staying at the host hotel means there are no parking or commuting issues each morning. There is also additional networking time with colleagues. Further, if a colleague, affiliate representative or NACM-National staff person needs to contact you--to invite you to dinner, to have a meeting or for emergency purposes--staying at the host hotel makes that possible. In essence, staying at the host hotel enhances and is a part of your total conference experience.

It is certainly your choice as to where you stay during the meeting, but please understand that NACM has contractual commitments to honor, and we must do all we can to assure that there are no negative financial implications to the organization. We ask that you take all factors into consideration when making your decision as to where to stay during the conference. We look forward to seeing you at the Credit Congress and making it a rewarding and beneficial experience for everyone!