Hotels try to make money from penalties levied in contracts—don't let that happen to your Section! Never sign a hotel contract without asking NACE to review it first. Only the NACE Executive Director may sign hotel contracts (this is a liability issue).

Remember, NACE has a tax-free ID in certain U.S. states. (See Sales Tax Exemptions)

Direct mail is still effective. Is there a member whose company would absorb printing/mailing costs of a flyer?

• If insufficient registration does not allow the section to "break even", consider canceling
• Avoid shipping costs for course materials
• Avoid incurring instructor's fees
• Avoid air transportation for instructor
• Avoid hotel charges for instructor
• Avoid meeting-room expenses
• Advanced notice also limits expenses incurred by students

Enhancing Results of Marketing

Schedule the course at least six months in advance of when it's held. Students need time to plan for registration fees.

Tie the courses to certification (see course list). Be very clear when telling your audience how the training is helping them to earn a certification.

Announce the courses at other regional events with a microphone in front of an audience.

Know what your members are interested in before you schedule a course! Is it CP or Coatings? Have you polled them?

Have three to four Section officers call eight to 10 members and ask them what they want. If 10 persons say they want a Basic Course, and you schedule one, then call them back and enroll them!

NACE does one free fax or e-mail broadcast per location/date (one broadcast might include two courses).