Originally Posted by
writerguyfl
Your best bet would be to contact the conference organizers. Although you could call and speak to the Sales Department at the hotel, I could easily see them declining to discuss any details regarding the contract. Maybe they will, since it's just one small aspect.
Also, check the small print attached to the conference registration. There may have been a clause that states that if you book outside the block, they have the right to "take over" your reservation and place it within their block. I saw that occasionally when I was a Revenue Manager.
Seen that a few times.
Covering the agreed minimum room totals promised in contract is high in organisers agenda, else penalties can accrue. If majority of conf attendees unexpectedly booked hotel rooms direc, the organiser would miss his agreed room total by miles
If organiser reaches the needed/contracted total they won't likely enforce such terms which could only be detrimental if conference room rates were higher priced, excluded elite earning+upgrades