What Should You Do When Your Event Host Cancels Repeatedly?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and strategies related to event hosts who cancel shows repeatedly. Participants share their thoughts on the motivations behind cancellations and suggest various approaches to handle such situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of a host canceling for the third time, suggesting a catalog show as an alternative.
  • Another participant notes that some hosts may lack motivation or have unresponsive guest lists, leading to cancellations.
  • Several users mention the importance of sending out invites and making reminder calls to improve attendance.
  • One participant expresses frustration with a host who repeatedly cancels, indicating a preference to not reschedule with unmotivated hosts.
  • Another participant highlights the surprise of guests showing up despite not RSVPing, suggesting that hosts may not fully understand the dynamics of attendance.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for hosts to invite a larger number of guests to ensure a successful turnout.
  • Another participant reflects on their own experience, stating that taking control of invitations led to better attendance and fewer cancellations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle hosts who cancel repeatedly, with some participants advocating for a more hands-on approach while others suggest stepping back from unmotivated hosts. No clear consensus emerges on the best strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding host motivation and guest engagement, reflecting a range of approaches to managing event cancellations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing challenges with event hosts who frequently cancel may find insights and shared experiences from this discussion relevant to their own situations.

TheFreddiesCook
Messages
237
I just got an e-mail.... My show for tonight was canceled. She said no one was coming, that she just had a couple of outside orders. I told her if she wanted we could make it a catalog show and she could get more orders that way and maybe some benefits if it went over $150. I don't know what she will say...

This is the third time she tries to host and cancels because no one is attending...

Anything else I should do?
 
Did you send out invites for her? You can also offer incentives for attendance - bonus tickets for raffle if they're on time, if they bring a guest, etc...

Some hosts are just not motivated... And maybe she isn't getting positive responses to the invites and doesn't have the heart to let you down, or she keeps hoping for a different response from her guests - so she keeps rescheduling it... maybe the people on her guest list just doesn't include people that will shop or that attend home parties.
 
Geez Freddies! But I think Jenn is right. I think you have a very unmotivated host. You know what, I think it is time to back off with this one. I never reschedule a party with anyone who cancels on me twice. I do what I need to do and if the results are the same twice, it means there is an issue with this host. Why beat a dead horse? It ain't gonna go any where now or two months from now or even 10 years from now. You know how much effort you put into host coaching. And if you did everything the same way you do your successful shows, then it is the host. She is not doing something you asked her to do to help herself so... Is that not time you would rather spend on another host?
 
If she's motivated but just has a guestlist that is not- maybe try a catalog show and she can try to earn host benefits that way...? Worth a shot... =)
 
I have found that guests just don't RSVP any more so when the host doesn't hear from anyone they think of cancelling. When I suggest we go through with the show regardless, many of them are surprised when all of a sudden 10 people walk in the door that did not RSVP. Try to find out the real reason for the cancellation at the last minute.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
How do I politely ask what happened?
 
Call and say,"tell me who you have talked to who isn't coming". It may not change the results, but it will let you know if she actually made the phone calles and followed up with the invites. Ask for specific names. She probably told you she invited 40 or so people, so have her give you those names (if you don't already have them), and what their response is and when she talked to them.
My guess is that she didn't invite and follow up as she should have.
 
Do you send out invites for her? Has she made reminder calls? Maybe you should think about making reminder calls for her. If all else fails, turn it into a catty show and see if she can at least get SOME free products.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
TheFreddiesCook said:
I just got an e-mail.... My show for tonight was canceled. She said no one was coming, that she just had a couple of outside orders. I told her if she wanted we could make it a catalog show and she could get more orders that way and maybe some benefits if it went over $150. I don't know what she will say...

This is the third time she tries to host and cancels because no one is attending...

Anything else I should do?

Just an update....

I just heard from the host... She only invited 4 people!!!!!!! And none of them could make it.
I had given her the 50 guests in 5 minutes list, talked to her about inviting, outside orders, etc... but looks like some of you here were right- she did not put a lot of effort into it...

Did not answer me either about doing a catalog show so I think this is a bless and release show... oh well...
 
Wow, Freddies! So sorry about this! Some people just don't get that you need to invite a lot of people to get a decent turn out.
 
I've had this happen. I had a girl all pysched up and then cancel a few days before. Then she rescheduled and canceled about 2 hours before the show. I gave up. I think that is just plain rude. She took care of her own invitations. I like to have the control over the invitations. I also refer people to use the evites and Facebook...I have had hosts who have had qualifying shows before I walk in the door because they posted it on their FB page....Sorry this happened to you. Funny thing is I think this host is mad at me because I may have had a bit of a tone with her when she canceled the seccond time.
 
I'd ask her about the outside orders she mentioned. Then tell her to ask if those invited 4 plan on ordering....then encourage for a couple more....who knows what kind of cat show she'll have. Since she didn't react to your mention of catalog show, leave the term out and just go by adding to those orders you already have.
 
FOUR?! COME ON! Even if ALL 4 came, that's still 4 people, lol! Even before I was a ds consultant (did mary kay before this, was aweful!) I knew that a decent party is like 8 or more... otherwise it's just awkward. She obviously didn't care! I would not pursue again, if she thinks it's advantageous to invite 4 people, she'll never even get a benefit and then may have a negative vision of you and/or PC. Did she mention anything about the outside orders? How much were they?
 
I would just resolve the catalog show thing and not reschedule her and note to self....don't do a cooking party for her in the future. She's clearly an unmotivated and unreliable host. You lose money when they cancel at the last minute. If she would give you the phone #'s to her guests I'd call them to see if they want to book a show but other than that...I would only to a catalog show for that host.
 
TheFreddiesCook said:
I just got an e-mail.... My show for tonight was canceled. She said no one was coming, that she just had a couple of outside orders. I told her if she wanted we could make it a catalog show and she could get more orders that way and maybe some benefits if it went over $150. I don't know what she will say...

This is the third time she tries to host and cancels because no one is attending...

Anything else I should do?

Freddies - I used to have a lot of parties like this... Then I insisted on sending the invites out myself and increased attendance and minimized cancellations. Now, it's case by case on who sends invites... I still offer to send them but won't fight the host if she prefers to do it herself.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first when my event host cancels repeatedly?

First, reach out to your host to understand the reasons behind the cancellations. It's important to have an open and supportive conversation to determine if there are any underlying issues that can be addressed.

How can I encourage my host to reschedule the event?

After discussing the reasons for the cancellations, suggest alternative dates or formats for the event that might be more convenient for them. Highlight the benefits of hosting and how it can be a fun experience for them and their guests.

Should I consider finding a new host if cancellations continue?

If your host continues to cancel without a valid reason, it may be wise to consider finding a new host. Look for someone who is enthusiastic and committed to hosting, as this can lead to a more successful event.

What if my host is facing personal challenges?

If your host is dealing with personal challenges, be empathetic and offer your support. You can suggest postponing the event until they feel ready to host, or offer to help them with the planning process to ease their burden.

How can I prevent future cancellations with my hosts?

To prevent future cancellations, set clear expectations from the beginning and maintain regular communication with your hosts. Provide them with resources and support to help them feel confident and excited about their event.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • pamperedmomto3
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
9
Views
2K
dpcharlotte
Replies
4
Views
2K
kristyjab
  • Intrepid_Chef
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
11
Views
3K
Intrepid_Chef
  • TheFreddiesCook
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
9
Views
3K
Brenda.the.chef
  • lesliec
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
6
Views
2K
wadesgirl
Replies
15
Views
3K
ChefBeckyD
  • cheflorraine
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
6
Views
2K
cheflorraine
  • amuia
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
3K
monicag
  • ChefPeg
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
5
Views
2K
lt1jane
  • lkhartmann
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
19
Views
4K
msmileyface
Back
Top