Tip 49: How to Get the Dates You Want

You would think date availability would have gotten better in this economic downturn; but that is not yet the case. Till that occurs, here are some tips on getting the right dates for your show (thanks to Tony Shaw):

• Buy someone off. Approach the first option holder and offer them an incentive to move their dates or to release some space to you.
• Pay early. Offer a nice big prepayment to the facility to flush out the "tentative holds."
• Book late. Risky, but we expect a number of shows will cancel or cut back their space this year thus freeing up some dates.
• Take less desirable dates, such as the week of Labor Day or early December.
• Consider second tier cities. Especially if you have a loyal base, being in less accessible locales may not hurt your attendance.
• Stay with your friends. If you are a hotel show, use one chain exclusively and work through your national sales rep.