What is a Day Delegate Rate (DDR) in the Events Industry?

At EML Team we’re often asked to suggest or provide a team building day, training workshop or conference at an ‘off site’ venue such as a hotel. Depending upon the client’s wishes, this will typically be for half a day, 1 day, or 1 day plus dinner and accommodation. Venues use the term ‘Day Delegate Rate’ or ‘DDR’ in 3 ways.

• Half Day Day Delegate Rate – ½ day DDR
• 8 hour Day Delegate Rate – 8hr DDR
• 24 hour Day Delegate Rate – 24hr DDR

If you haven’t heard this terminology before, it can be a little confusing. And it’s important to understand what is and is not included within the package being offered.

1/2 Day DDR Package

So, with a ½ day DDR package the following would usually be offered:

• Parking (although not usual with city centre venues)
• Wi-Fi access throughout the venue
• Room hire
• Projector, screen and flip chart
• Bottled water and Sweets
• Basic stationary – Pens note pads and flip chart pen (s)
• Tea, Coffee and pastries (afternoon)

Note that the majority of venues do not offer this option as it is not profitable enough for them to do this.

8 Hour Day Delegate Rate Package

With an 8 hour DDR package the following would usually be offered:

• Parking (although not usual with City centre venues)
• Wi-Fi access throughout the venue
• Room hire
• Projector, screen and flip chart
• Bottled water and Sweets
• Basic stationary – Pens note pads and flip chart pen (s)
• Tea and Coffee (Morning)
• Tea, Coffee and pastries (afternoon)
• 2 course buffet restaurant lunch or Sandwich lunch in your meeting room

24 Hour Day Delegate Rate Package

With a 24 hour DDR package the following would usually be offered:

• Parking (although not usual with City centre venues)
• Wi-Fi access throughout the venue
• Room hire
• Projector, screen and flip chart
• Bottled water and Sweets
• Basic stationary – Pens note pads and flip chart pen (s)
• Tea and Coffee (Morning)
• Tea, Coffee and pastries (afternoon)
• 2 course buffet restaurant lunch or Sandwich lunch in your meeting room
• Dinner in the restaurant / Dinner in a private room
• Single occupancy accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)

There is, of course, some variation from venue to venue. So, before booking it’s always advisable to appraise yourself as to exactly what will be provided.

What is not Included in the DDR?

Alcohol

Within the Delegate Rates wine and alcohol is not included though a bottle of house red / white is usually around £18.50+VAT per bottle. It is normally recommended to allow a half bottle per person over dinner. Allowances also need to be made or considered for pre dinner drinks – is this to be paid for by your delegates or put on the main account?

Microphone, Amplifier and Speakers

Most venues will not provide a Microphone, amplifier and speakers within a package. If required for your presentation there will need to be hired from the venue or just simply speak to us and if available we will endeavour to provide this within our event activity package (whatever that may be).

And finally…

It is usually cheaper to take advantage of an 8 or 24 hr DDR rather then separate the individual elements out…however, with lower delegate numbers (below a threshold of around 10 / 15 guests) venues often only will give ‘individual element prices’ such as:

Our two decades of experience in the events industry means we know how to get you the best deal, the ideal venue and the most out of your team building session.

Get in touch now for a fast, tailored, team building activity proposal .

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