Have we reached the non-committal stages?
As an event planner, what’s the one thing that drives you crazy? Well, not even as an event planner, but as a host of an event whether big or small? For me, it’s the people that can’t commit. Not so much those that just can’t make it and have told me or didn’t bother to respond to the invite, but those that say “Yes, I’ll be there,” but don’t show, don’t call, nothing.
I understand things come up when you least expect it, but in retrospect and especially when you know the person hosting the event or even if you don’t but you’ve rsvp’d, isn’t calling and “excusing” yourself the right thing to do? Or, if you weren’t able to do it the day of the event, contacting the host the next day or soon after to let them know something came up and you couldn’t attend?
Just venting here because I know many more of you feel this same way.
I plan several events each year, mostly monthly meet-ups, and I’m always amazed at the lack of commitment displayed by people who just registered the day before, or even the day of that don’t show. And what’s funny is I always confirm the day before or send a reminder or two, so you know they know.
Is it too much to ask for an actual head count and be able to depend on you to be there if you say you will? Or to at least get a courtesy call beforehand if you can’t? There is nothing worse than booking a table for 20 because that’s who has rsvp’d and having 10 show. Just looks bad. And as the host, all you can say is “Well, we hoped for more. Had more register, but ya know, things happen.” Always the answer.
Who else feels this way? Have we gotten so busy that a simple phone call or an email is just too much when our plans change??? I have to assume so. Do I physically need to start picking people up by Greyhound bus and drive them to the event so I know they will be there? I’m joking of course. Or maybe…
I know we’re all busy people, but plain and simple if you commit to doing something, please commit. People are depending on you to show. And if your plans change, there’s nothing wrong with that, but do what’s right. Make the call. You’ll feel much better than if you hadn’t and the host can stop wondering where the heck you are.
If you feel the same way, would love your two cents. And if you think I need to officially get off my high horse, tell me. Trust me. No offense taken. Just speaking my mind.
Oh my gosh! Someone has said exactly what I feel about hosting/organizing events. As a host of several organizations and Meetup groups, I am also amazed at how many people have forgotten basic courtesy and manners. RSVP means please respond – that response can either be a yes or a no or in some cases maybe. I wish that people would give the courtesy of an RSVP when they receive an invitation. And, definately if they respond yes that they show up!
For those of us who use Meetup as a tool to help manage events and even promote them, it is frustrating to have over 200 members in a group and only have 2 or 3 who RSVP but actually have many, many, many more show up to the event who never gave the courtesy of an RSVP. It not only sometimes creates a physical challenge (not enough chairs, food, etc.) it also looks like the group is not an active and viable group. And, if this is a business networking group, it could mean lost connections because new people don’t show up because they think no one else will be there.
WOW, Tisha, you hit the nail on the head with this one. Thanks, also, for letting me express my frustration and confusion as to why people have lost the understand and courtesy of what RSVP means – respond please.
Hi Sandy,
Just knew there were others like me who felt this way. Thanks for sharing your frustrations as well. Hopefully those who read this post will remember that when you rsvp for something, least you can do is show up or call if your plans change. I wrote this after one of my mom entrepreneur group meet-ups. Same thing. Reserved a table and had about 10 show, but had many more rsvp. Very frustrating indeed.
See you soon! And when I say I’ll be at your meet-up, better believe I will.
Great work keep it coming
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material