The Case of the Disastrous Conference

In 2000, a major Philippine university hosted a three-day international conference on environment and urban renewal with the Manila Hotel as official venue. It was hoping to attract 500 to 700 participants. The university paid the 50% required down payment for the banquet meals. The hotel earmarked 6 complimentary guestrooms for the conference organizers. A total of 50+ foreign delegates and 350+ Filipino delegates were pre-registered. The organizers were also hoping for a good turnout of walk-ins. On the eve of the conference, Manila was besieged by a strong typhoon causing major streets and avenues to be flooded. At exactly 8:00 am, on the first day of the conference, invitations committee chair Isay Bradley started to call many speakers and registered local participants confirming their attendance on the first day despite the inclement weather. Half of the foreign participants were already checked-in at the Manila Hotel. Less than 50 local and foreign participants showed up on the first day. The hotel had prepared food good for 400 people.

1. Should the organizer be required to pay the full amount of the first day banquet meals?

2. What concessions can the event organizer request from the hotel?

3. Can the hotel legally charge the organizers the full amount?

4. What are the obligations of an event organizer?

5. What are the obligations of a venue host?

6.What could be a possible consequence if the organizer refuses to pay for the excess banquet meals and insists only on actual consumption?