RMEF chapters that use banquet table packages effectively are creating a premium pre-event sales strategy that grows attendance, improves the guest experience and increases banquet revenue. The highest-growth chapters typically share three behaviors: they have room to grow, they offer table packages before the event, and they use personal outreach to convert past attendees, supporters and community prospects into committed table buyers.

Executive Purpose
A table package is a premium purchase option that reserves seating for eight or 10 guests and combines meals, memberships, raffle value, recognition and often a firearm or premium merchandise into one higher-value sale.

Target Buyers
The strongest prospects are past supporters, auction buyers, business owners, sponsors, employers, client hosts, family groups and friends who already prefer to attend together. Reserved seating makes it easier for core supporters to invite new guests, which turns table packages into both a revenue strategy and a reliable pipeline for future attendees.

Package Structure
Each package should be positioned as a premium revenue tool, not a discount bundle, with clear differences in sponsorship level, membership value, raffle value, recognition and table placement.

  • Monarch Table: Eight meals, one Level 4 event sponsorship, four Sportsman memberships, $1,000 in raffle tickets, premium placement and public recognition; recommended price is $4,500-plus.
  • Imperial Table: Eight meals, one Level 3 event sponsorship, four Team Elk memberships, $750 in raffle tickets, premium placement and public recognition; recommended price is $3,000-plus.
  • Royal Table: Eight meals, one Level 2 event sponsorship, eight digital memberships, $500 in raffle tickets, premium placement and public recognition; recommended price is $2,000-plus.

Because these packages include event sponsorships at level two or greater, the associated firearm or premium merchandise should be treated as a primary selling point.

Building and Pricing
Use the regional director’s table package calculator to confirm allocations, pricing and margins before promotion, then create a simple table flyer template that makes the benefits and table tiers easy to sell.

Sales Strategy
Table packages should be sold before invitations are mailed, with a defined table-sales goal, assigned outreach owners and a prospect list built from prior buyers, sponsors, businesses and high-engagement attendees.

  • Face-to-Face Sales: Hand-deliver table flyers to previous auction buyers, major purchasers, sponsors and business owners, and position the package as a way to host employees, clients, family or friends at a premium reserved table.
  • Ticket Chair Upsell: Equip the ticket chair to offer table packages during every ticket conversation, especially when buyers mention friends, couples, coworkers or sponsor-level interest.

Guest Experience Advantage
Reserved tables improve the guest experience by keeping groups together, creating a stronger social environment and increasing the likelihood that new guests will return in future years.

Implementation Checklist
A simple to-do list can help you stay focused on table sales as you plan a banquet.

  • Build and price table packages with the regional director using the table worksheet tool before invitation materials are finalized.
  • Set a specific pre-invitation table-sales goal and assign each prospect to a chapter volunteer or ticket chair.
  • Prioritize personal outreach to previous buyers, sponsors, businesses and supporters who can bring new guests.
  • Track table buyers year-over-year because the first sale often becomes a repeat annual sale.

Table Sales Success
Execute table package sales early, personally and consistently. When chapters make table sales part of the pre-event strategy, they create better community engagement at their banquet, stronger revenue and a larger base of future supporters.