Over the past few weeks, I have attended social and business events where lots of name tags went unclaimed by no shows.
One host said 60 people RSVP’d that they would be attending, but only 25 showed up. “We now have a refrigerator filled with beer, wine and dips,” she said.
Another host said 116 RSVP’d that they were coming, but there were 18 no shows. More than 25% of name tags went unclaimed at another social event.
No shows for weekday events are higher than weekends due to last-minute work demands, but event planners say attendance is almost always 15% and 30% below the number of RSVPs. Most party and event organizers have been conditioned to count RSVPs and then reduce the number by 10% to 20%. Attendance rate is usually higher for weekend events since they aren’t competing with last-minute work demands.
If Plans Change, Let Your Host Know
If you can’t go, notify the host as soon as you know the change of plans. And be sure to explain why, not a simple: “I can’t make it tonight.” It’s especially important etiquette if the host purchased your ticket. If it is a seated event, they might be able to have a seat and table setting removed or invite someone else last minute. Text messages, if possible, are better than emails, especially if the host is playing a role in the event and too busy to check emails.
. . .and Always Say Thank You
Don’t forget to send a thank-you note to your host whether you attended or not. One host who paid for 15 colleagues and friends to attend an event said three people didn’t show up. Fortunately, the no shows sent proper apologies with legitimate excuses. Sadly, the host says only four of the guests who attended sent notes after the event, while eight others failed to do so — a definite etiquette no-no.