ABA Sunday - Finally, it’s my turn!

Sunday in Charlotte…and it’s finally appointment time for us Attractions!

I’ve said it before, but the appointments really are not the highlight for me.  I do more “work” in Orientation and at the evening events, but I do enjoy the appointments!  The majority are with people I either know very well, or at least know fairly well.  But there’s still that moment when I can surprise them…either they didn’t know about our other theatres, or our touring company, or something.

But I also had “damage control” to do…one week prior to ABA, a large Dinner Theatre in Ohio closed their doors very suddenly, and it effected quite a few Operators. The Theatre is now bankrupt, and deposits probably won’t be returned to those companies.  So we decided to offer to honor any monies already paid to Carousel if they would move their reservation to us.

Several Operators asked why we were doing it, and that’s a legitimate question.  We didn’t do it for the exposure (although that never hurts!).  We didn’t do it for the increased business (although that never hurts!).  We did it to send the message that, in these troubled economic times, we are still standing strong, and that the demise of one Dinner Theatre doesn’t say that we’re all one step ahead of the bankers!

It’s the same as the other side of the table…when a Tour Operator goes out of business (or a hotel, or a restaurant, or a whatever), it effects everyone.  There is a natural tendency to react to something like that, and to wonder if my favorite restaurant is next.  So my goal was more to say “we’re fine, and we’ll still be here next year”.

Sometimes, you have to take the “bigger stand”, and help send a message.  One Operator that is seriously considering the offer had over $2,000 in deposits and pre-payments to Carousel, but we’ll bite the bullet and work with her if she chooses to transfer the dates to us.  It will hurt, but it also helps solidify our message of strength and consistency.  And you can’t put a price on that!

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