Buyer Beware
Please be aware that companies other than Orchid Event Solutions (formerly called The Housing Connection) may imply or indicate an affiliation with AWEA or WINDPOWER 2013 and claim to have hotel rooms available at supposedly significant discounts. Unfortunately, in the past some exhibitors and attendees have fallen prey to these companies and have either lost significant deposits or have not received the hotel rooms they originally booked. These companies are NOT affiliated with AWEA or the WINDPOWER conference in any way and therefore you put yourself at financial risk if you provide them your credit card information. They often have hidden costs, charge your credit card in full at the time of reservation, and may not provide the hotel reservations promised. Reservations made through an agency other than Orchid Event Solutions will be at your own risk.
Booking through the official housing provider for AWEA WINDPOWER 2013, Orchid Event Solutions, ensures you will be working with a reputable company, that your credit card information is secure, and that you will benefit from all services provided to conference attendees at the official hotels including shuttle transportation to the convention center.
If you do receive a solicitation from a housing company other than Orchid Event Solutions, we encourage you to inform AWEA promptly by contacting Stefanie Brown at sbrown@awea.org or (202) 580-6446.
Why Stay at a Conference Hotel?
You'll be in the center of conference activity, that's why! You'll be able to network easily with other conference attendees. You'll have access to the complimentary shuttle transportation provided by AWEA. You'll have a better conference experience overall. But there are other reasons that you need to consider before you look at a hotel outside the official AWEA WINDPOWER 2013 housing block.
The conference staff have taken their role of finding a conference site very seriously. They have looked at a number of locations and evaluated the needs of attendees as well as the need for conference meeting space. Based on a guaranteed percentage of attendees staying in official conference hotels, the hotels provide discounted rates from their normal charges.
If the conference does not meet the contracted sleeping room commitment, the hotel in some cases can charge the association for the missing revenue. Unfilled rooms can cost the association thousands of dollars which can apply pressure to increase the conference registration fees to offset these costs. So, please support the conference and the association by staying at the official conference hotels. We think you will find the increased networking opportunities, quality hotel services and amenities, and provided transportation to be worth it!
