And do not forget the revenue the IAH hotels get. This is good moral building on the part of both customers and employees. The times selected are likely slow times at the hotels. CO has an interest in having good hotels at IAH to support operational delays, etc.

This event likely costs the out of town attendee around $600 maybe more. The catering, busses, etc likely cost CO up to $300 per person - which is probably the cost of the airline ticket. I think it sort of nets out.