An event management company would definitely have helped. However, since this was the first time we were handling accommodation in the tickets, rooming etc. we

An event management company would definitely have helped. However, since this was the first time we were handling accommodation in the tickets, rooming etc. we could only guess the numbers but had to give the hotel an upfront minimum room guarantee! Next year - we will surely outsource the effort to an event management company. Lesson learnt but unfortunately - the very very hard way!