What should I do if I can no longer attend an event that I said I would?
Please update your RSVP as soon as possible. And if it's within 24 hours of the event, please let the Event Host (shown at the top of the event page) or the "Leadership Team" know too.
When people simply don't show up, it inconveniences those on the waiting list (who could have gone if others had kept their attendance up to date), it deters Event Hosts from organising future events, and it hurts restaurants who have saved us space that we don't use - which can make them reluctant to take our bookings in future.
It's much the same scenario when people change their attendance from "Yes" to "No" at the last minute. It's invariably too late for the Event Host to change the booking. And while another member will often be moved up from the waiting list automatically, they may not get the message in time to actually attend - which can unfairly make them look like they're the "no show" (when really they're an victim of circumstance).
Ultimately these "no shows" affect everyone. I've heard of one or two other groups that have been banned from restaurants because of people not turning up to their events. In the end, they stopped organising those events. Let's not have that happen here...
We're not keen to implement anything like the "three strikes and you're out" policy that some people have suggested. Nor to start charging people to attend events. So, for the benefit of everyone, please, please, please turn up at an event if you say you're going to do so. Or give someone else a realistic chance to take your place - by changing your attendance well before the event.